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Calif. High Court Weighs Gay Marriage Ban

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March 6, 2009

3/6/2009


"The mood was somber among gay rights supporters after a bruising, three?hour hearing before the justices of California's highest court, who expressed considerable skepticism at the idea of overturning the state's voter?approved ban on same?sex marriage.


"Thursday's arguments pitted the right of the people to change their constitution against the right to wed. The California Supreme Court's seven justices indicated a wariness to override the will of voters, who approved Proposition 8 in November ? 4 1/2 months after the same court had ruled 4?3 to legalize gay marriage.


"Couples like Chloe Harris, 28, and Frankie Frankeny, 42, who married during the 4 1/2 months same-sex marriage was legal, said they were disheartened by the tone of the hearing and not very hopeful the justices would rule in their favor.


'''We don't go vote on anyone else's rights,' Frankeny said. 'It's so demeaning.'


"Attorneys for same-sex couples took a more measured stance.


'''I think they are struggling with the issues,' said Jennifer Pizer, of the gay rights group Lambda Legal. 'It's hard to read the tea leaves.'"


Read more on nytimes.com

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