Will Prop 8 ruling have an impact on other states?

Ed Hornick
CNN

[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/POLITICS/06/18/prop.8.implications/t1larg.prop8.jpg caption="Protesters make their case at an anti-Proposition 8 rally in east Los Angeles, California, on May 26, 2009." width=300 height=169]

Washington - While closing arguments have ended in California's Proposition 8 trial - a case that will determine the constitutionality of California's same-sex marriage ban - the outcome may not have an impact on states considering similar legislation.

The reason: State budget crises and the upcoming elections have shifted the focus from social issues to fiscal stability, which will sidetrack same-sex marriage legislation in other states, a policy expert said.

"I have also seen this issue pushed aside since the recession started. States are just so focused on budgets and the shortfalls," said Christine Nelson, a program director at the National Council of State Legislatures. "I had a legislator tell me 'Are you kidding? Our state needs money and job creation. So why in the world would we be tackling that?' "

Nelson, who follows the issue of same-sex marriage, said there's been very little legislative activity this year, which she attributes to a year where most legislators are up for re-election.

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