Program Note: Tune in tonight to hear the latest news about the Proposition 8 in CA. on AC360° at 10 p.m. ET.
CNN
The California Supreme Court began hearing arguments Thursday in a case that could determine the fate of same-sex marriage in the state, as well as the validity of about 18,000 same-sex marriages.
The court is tackling the constitutionality of Proposition 8, a measure banning same-sex marriage that voters approved in November.
Its opponents are seeking to have the amendment nullified. They maintain Proposition 8 alters the state constitution and therefore, under state law, is a revision that requires a constitutional convention.
The state Supreme Court ruled in May that the California Constitution allows same-sex couples to marry.
Arguments on Thursday took place in a packed courtroom. Because of heavy interest in the hearing, officials installed big-screen televisions to accommodate onlookers in the court auditorium, which seats about 200.
More than 60 friend-of-the-court briefs have been filed in the case, a court spokeswoman said.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in San Francisco's Castro District on Wednesday night to push for the court to reinstate same-sex marriage in California.
| Melissa |
March 5th, 2009 4:40 pm ET I agree with the Demonstrators. It can never be legal to discriminate against people. |
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| Luis |
March 5th, 2009 4:47 pm ET So the gay community is saying, screw the voters who didn't allow this bill to pass, we are going to pass it anyway. Is that what their saying? Screw the voters? The people said no. No means No. This is why are country is in trouble. They should have no right to a hearing, a court appeal, nothing. The people of California said no. |
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| Esma |
March 5th, 2009 5:20 pm ET I hope beyond hope that this ban is nullified, it is ridiculous and frightening that this passed and is a major step backward for the evolution of this country. Of course all consenting adults should have the right to get married! We allow polygamy (hell, we set aside a whole state for that!), we even allow underage boys and girls to get married with their parents' permission, people are even "marrying" animals, and yet, we insist on treating the gay community as something subhuman. Are you kidding me?! |
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| Kim |
March 5th, 2009 7:28 pm ET If the people of California all voted again on this issue would the out come be different ? "Let the people Rule !" Andrew Jackson ! To each his own but leave the Constitution alone. |
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