pewforum.org Religion News on the Web
November 17, 2011

AP: California gay marriage backers can defend ballot measure, court rules

by Lisa Leff
The Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The sponsors of a voter-approved same-sex marriage ban have the authority to defend the measure in court since the governor and attorney general refuse to do so, California's highest court said Thursday in a precedent-setting ruling with consequences for the state's vigorous citizens' initiative process.

Responding to a question from a federal appeals court considering the constitutionality of the gay marriage ban known as Proposition 8, the California Supreme Court said the lawmaking power granted to citizens under the state constitution doesn't end once propositions have been approved or rejected by voters.

Read the complete story(Some news sites require registration)