A day late, but huzzah for the decision on Prop. 8!
LA Times article: Ruling against Prop. 8 could lead to federal precedent on gay marriage, by Maura Dolan and Carol J. Williams
Slate column: Judge Walker's decision to overturn Prop 8 is factual, well-reasoned, and powerful, by Dahlia Lithwick
The decision that Prop. 8 was unconstitutional will, of course, be appealed, all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary. But that was also going to be true if it had been upheld. This is an issue of whether all citizens have equal rights under the law, and there's no way that it can be determined at a lesser level than the highest.
Judge Vaughn R. Walker did well in incorporating so many findings of fact in his decision. That should help in the future appeals. The only thing that the pro-Prop. 8 side seemed to have was that they think gay marriage is bad and icky... hardly a solid basis to justify systemic discrimination.
Slate column: Judge Walker's decision to overturn Prop 8 is factual, well-reasoned, and powerful, by Dahlia Lithwick
The decision that Prop. 8 was unconstitutional will, of course, be appealed, all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary. But that was also going to be true if it had been upheld. This is an issue of whether all citizens have equal rights under the law, and there's no way that it can be determined at a lesser level than the highest.
Judge Vaughn R. Walker did well in incorporating so many findings of fact in his decision. That should help in the future appeals. The only thing that the pro-Prop. 8 side seemed to have was that they think gay marriage is bad and icky... hardly a solid basis to justify systemic discrimination.