Prop. 8 Backers Anticipate Court Ruling on Tuesday

By Lillian Kwon, Christian Post Reporter Saturday, May 23, 2009

The California Supreme Court announced on Friday that it will rule on Proposition 8, the state's constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman.

"The wait is finally over. We are looking forward to the court's decision, and we're confident that the right of the people to protect traditional marriage in the state constitution will ultimately prevail," said Andrew Pugno, general counsel for ProtectMarriage.com, the official proponents of Proposition 8.

In March, the high court heard oral arguments from the amendment's challengers who argued that the measure violates the inalienable right to marry was an invalid constitutional "revision."

Lawsuits were filed after 52 percent of California voters passed the ballot measure, rejecting same-sex marriage, last November. The vote overruled an earlier court decision that had legalized marriage for same-sex couples.

Proposition 8 supporters had come out of the March court hearing encouraged and believe the court will not overturn the act of the voters.

"It appeared there was a broad understanding on the court that ultimately the inalienable right of the people to amend our Constitution will determine the outcome of the case," Pugno commented after the hearing.

On the other side of the debate, however, gay rights supporters believe they have the wind at their backs and are hopeful the court will rule in their favor, citing the recent actions in Iowa, Vermont and Maine where same-sex marriage has become legal.

On Tuesday, the court will also decide on whether to uphold the estimated 18,000 gay and lesbian couples who married between May and November.