"PROP 8" UPHELD BY CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT

In stark contrast with the rapid-fire succession of states legalizing same-sex marriage within recent months, the California Supreme Court today upheld the now infamous "Prop 8," a ban on same-sex marriages approved by voters last November.  However, those 18,000 marriages performed between today's decision and the November vote will remain valid.

In so holding, the California Supreme Court concluded that the voters had spoken and that same-sex couples still had the right to enter into civil unions.  Notably, today's decision comes approximately one year after the Court held that same-sex couples should have the right to marry - the decision ultimately leading to Prop 8's placement on the November ballot.  Interestingly, the Court concluded that Prop 8 was an "amendment," rather than a revision to California law, which can only be placed on the ballot with a 2/3 legislative vote. 

Stay tuned to this blog for further updates.  A prior post on Prop 8 can be found here.

Same-Sex Marriage Moving Full Steam Ahead in New England

In a new development, the Maine House of Representatives approved yesterday a bill to legalize same-sex marriage.  The Maine Senate approved the bill last week.  As in New Hampshire, the fate of a law legalizing such unions could now rest in the hands of the state governor, who has opposed such unions previously.  It appears unlikely that enough legislative support exists to override a governor's veto, but neither governor is expressly stating now whether either would approve such a bill.

The New England region has found strong support for same-sex marriage of late, as such unions are now legal in Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut. 

In related news, the California Supreme Court could determine as early as this week whether the now infamous "Prop 8," a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage, is constitutional.  We have previously blogged on Prop 8, found here.

Stay tuned to this blog for more updates regarding the issues regarding same-sex marriages and related issuess.