California Prop 8 Gay Marriage Ban Overturned

Today, U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker overturned California’s Proposition 8 law banning gay marriage.

Prop 8 was approved by Golden State voters in 2008 months after the California Supreme Court had declared gay marriage legal.

The decision was met with celebration among gays, lesbian and political activists championing the cause. The State of California will appeal the case to the 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals after which – regardless of the outcome – it will almost certainly be decided by the Supreme Court.

Several states have seen ballot box battles over gay marriage, most recently Maine. Individual governors, legislatures and electorates have created a patchwork of legality across the country with civil unions and gay marriages, most recently added to in Hawaii.

As I’ve mentioned before, this is an area, I believe like many people, I struggle with. I understand conservative Christian opposition based on biblical interpretation. Often this can across as malicious to some, but I respect other people’s interpretation of the Bible. To not do so would be intolerant.

Conversely, I’ve worked with and been friends with gays and lesbians at different times since college and  through my professional career. The folks I’ve known don’t have horns growing out of their heads and no one has ever tried to convince me I’d be better off not being heterosexual and happily married with three kids.

These conflicts in a larger social context, for better or worse, will now play themselves out in the courtroom. That is a given.

What issues regarding gay marriage do you wrestle with or consider?

I welcome your comments.