Same sex marriage

DOJ Has 60 Days To Appeal Ruling That Declared DOMA Unconstitutional

Rachel Slajda | August 19, 2010, 5:55PM

Hot on the heels of the Prop 8 ruling in California that determined a ban on same sex marriage violates California's constitution, a federal judge officially entered his judgment in a case challenging the Defense of Marriage Act, giving the federal government 60 days to decide whether to appeal.

Judge Joseph Tauro ruled in early July that DOMA, which defines marriage as between one man and one woman, is unconstitutional. Yesterday, he officially entered the judgment, starting a 60-day clock for the Justice Department to decide whether to appeal his ruling.

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Gay Rights

Motion To Stay Prop 8 Ruling Denied -- But Judge Delays Lifting Stay

Rachel Slajda | August 12, 2010, 3:42PM

A federal judge in California today denied a motion to stay his ruling on Proposition 8, saying he will lift the temporary stay Aug. 18 at 5 p.m. Pacific time.

Judge Vaughn Walker ruled last week that Prop 8, which defined marriage in California as heterosexual, is unconstitutional. He issued a temporary stay -- meaning same-sex couples can't get married yet -- and today ruled that his stay will continue until next Wednesday.

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Same sex marriage

'I Feel Like I Don't Live In America:' The Best Worst Prop 8 Reactions

Rachel Slajda | August 5, 2010, 11:00AM

Supporters of Prop 8 in 2008

Yesterday, a federal judge ruled that Proposition 8 -- the voter initiative that amended the California Constitution to define marriage as heterosexual -- is unconstitutional. The usual pro-Prop 8, anti-gay marriage suspects began hollering almost immediately.

Here, the best of the best (or worst, depending on how you look at it):

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Gay Rights

Prop 8 Ruled Unconstitutional

Rachel Slajda | August 4, 2010, 4:44PM

A federal judge in California has ruled that Prop 8 -- the voter initiative that banned gay marriage -- is unconstitutional.

Supporters of Prop 8 (that is, opponents of gay marriage) have already promised to file an appeal. The judge also approved a two-day stay on the ruling, asking lawyers to respond by Friday, when he will decide whether to suspend his ruling pending appeal.

So, for now, same-sex couples in California can't get their marriage licenses quite yet.

The case is expected to eventually get to the Supreme Court.

From Judge Vaughn Walker's decision:

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