San Francisco city officials have asked
the U.S. Supreme Court for advance warning if the court ends a legal
challenge to Proposition 8, California's gay marriage ban.
According to the San
Jose Mercury News, the city made the request last week in a
letter to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The Supreme Court is expected on Monday
at 9:30AM to release a list of cases it has granted or denied review
from its latest conference held on Friday.
Should the court decline to hear an
appeal in the case, Hollingsworth v. Perry, the marriages of
gay and lesbian couples taking place before the constitutional
amendment was narrowly approved by voters in November 2008 could
resume within days as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling
upholding a lower court's decision declaring Prop 8 unconstitutional
would be made permanent.
City officials believe such a decision
would prompt a stampede of gay couples requesting marriage licenses.
“Allowing for an orderly process
likewise will provide same-sex couples and their families and friends
with the dignity they deserve as they celebrate an important
milestone in their lives,” wrote Therese Stewart, chief deputy city
attorney.