On Thursday, March 5, the California Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in three cases challenging Proposition 8. Last May the court made history by striking down the state’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples. The arguments will be broadcast live on the California Channel and streamed online.
One of the cases, Strauss vs. Horton, was filed jointly by the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union.
Another case was filed by the City and County of San Francisco and joined by other municipalities (including the City and County of Los Angeles), and the third by a private attorney. Jerry Brown, California’s attorney general, has urged the court to overturn Prop. 8.
Following the oral arguments, questions the court will consider include whether Prop. 8 is a constitutional revision rather than an amendment and whether it violates the separation of powers doctrine. If Prop. 8 is not invalidated, the court will address whether the measure will affect the thousands of same-sex couples who wed prior to November 4.
A ruling is expected by no later than early June.
One of the cases, Strauss vs. Horton, was filed jointly by the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union.
Another case was filed by the City and County of San Francisco and joined by other municipalities (including the City and County of Los Angeles), and the third by a private attorney. Jerry Brown, California’s attorney general, has urged the court to overturn Prop. 8.
Following the oral arguments, questions the court will consider include whether Prop. 8 is a constitutional revision rather than an amendment and whether it violates the separation of powers doctrine. If Prop. 8 is not invalidated, the court will address whether the measure will affect the thousands of same-sex couples who wed prior to November 4.
A ruling is expected by no later than early June.
