Times: Prop 8 ruling “changes the debate over same-sex marriage forever”

August 5, 2010

Wednesday’s historic court ruling in San Francisco, striking down Proposition 8 and giving gays and lesbians the legal right to marry, prompted a newspaper editorial to suggest the decision “changes the debate over same-sex marriage forever.”[LA Times]

“When the evidence for and against Proposition 8 is examined in detail, it becomes obvious just how little reason there was to single out gay and lesbian couples as the only ones to be barred from marrying,” argues the Los Angeles Times editorial.  “That kind of examination never took place during the bitter, frenzied 2008 campaign on the initiative. But this year, U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker conducted a far more thoughtful inquiry during the federal trial challenging the measure. As a result, his decision Wednesday was not only welcome, but unsurprising.

Legal experts predict Judge Walker’s ruling to be appealed to the more conservative U.S. Supreme Court.

“We strenuously hope that Walker’s decision will be upheld by the high court,” the Times continues. “But no matter what happens, the trial in San Francisco delivered an unforgettable lesson in what Proposition 8 and same-sex marriage really mean. From now on, it will be harder for opponents of same-sex unions to continue mouthing canards. The public as well as the courts have had an opportunity to hear the facts. The debate over same-sex marriage will never be quite the same again.”

Judge Walker has temporarily put a hold on his order until Friday, giving supporters of Proposition 8 time to file an appeal and seek a long-term stay.