Proponents of California's gay marriage
ban filed notice of a pending appeal Thursday, a day after a federal
judge struck down the law, Reuters reported.
The
ruling by Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker says Proposition 8
violates the constitutional rights of gay and lesbian couples who
wish to marry. The measure, narrowly approved by voters in 2008,
put an end to gay weddings taking place in the state after the
California Supreme Court legalized the institution.
After California officials refused to
defend the law, a coalition of social conservative groups, including
the Christian-based Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) and Protect Marriage,
the sponsor of the measure, took over the reins.
The one-paragraph notice, which informs
Walker that his ruling will be appealed, is largely a formality since
supporters and opponents have said all along that they are prepared
to take the case to the Supreme Court.
Walker has stayed his ruling until
Friday, when he'll hold a hearing to determine if gay marriages can
resume as the case is being appealed. Lawyers for the plaintiffs
said they'll ask Walker to allow gay marriages to resume – despite
their uncertain future – and will ask the appeals court to
fast-track the case.