California Supreme Court rejects bid to halt same-sex marriages

Supporters of equality gather on San Vicente Boulevard in celebration of the U.S. Supreme Court's long-awaited decision on Proposition 8 on June 26, 2013 in West Hollywood, California. By a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court decided this morning that the anti-gay marriage measure put on California ballots in 2008 is no longer constitutional.

July 16, 2013 7:49 AM PT

The California Supreme Court refused Monday to halt same-sex marriages while considering a legal bid to revive Proposition 8.

In a brief order, the state high court rejected a request by ProtectMarriage, the sponsors of the 2008 ballot measure, to stop the marriages now while the group’s challenge is pending.

ProtectMarriage argued in a petition filed Friday that a federal judge’s 2010 injunction against Proposition 8 did not apply statewide and that Gov. Jerry Brown erred when he ordered all counties to obey it.

TIMELINE: Proposition 8 decision

The court has asked for written arguments on ProtectMarriage’s challenge but is not expected to rule until August, at the earliest. A court spokesman said the decision to deny a “stay,” or hold, on the marriages was unanimous.

The lawyers behind the new challenge insisted they remained hopeful.

-- Maura Dolan, Los Angeles Times

ALSO:

Diverting recycled water could save Burbank thousands of dollars

Bob Hope Airport wants to replace terminal