Thursday, August 5, 2010

Judge Strikes Down Cal. Same-Sex Marriage Ban; Says "No Rational Basis" for Marriage Denial

The Ethics Daily website reports today (August 5, 2010) that a federal judge -- in a decision with enormous legal, political, and religious consequences -- yesterday struck down California's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage.

Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker's decision marks the first time a federal judge has declared a state gay marriage ban unconstitutional.

"Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license," Walker said.

Walker's ruling is expected to be appealed, and the lawsuit -- brought by two same-sex couples and the city of San Francisco -- may eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

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