After United States Election Day on November 4, Proposition 8 was passed in the state of California. While the Presidential race between Democratic nominee, now President-Elect Barack Obama of Illinois (who resigned his US Senate seat on Sunday) and then-GOP nominee Senator John McCain of Arizona was a race to watch closely, California’s Proposition 8 campaign was another one to watch very carefully.
Proposition 8 was in the works when same-sex marriage was legalized. The decision to legalize same-sex marriage was made back in June. On November 4 while many were waiting in line at the polls, same-sex couples were racing to the altar to get married.
Since Proposition 8 has passed, there will soon be a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. However, this battle is far from over. Apparently, the battle still wages on in California.
Also, this battle could shift towards New York and Connecticut. Back in early October, same-sex marriage was legalized in Connecticut.
In California, the fallout has caused collateral damage for proponents and opponents of Proposition 8 in the form of a blacklist. Opponents of Proposition 8 have already created a website called AntiGayBlacklist.com, in which names of those that donated to support Proposition 8 are listed.
This is proof that the battle is far from being over. Now, the California State Supreme Court will be a crucial player in this battle.
It will review two arguments by opponents of Proposition 8. It has already accepted three lawsuits that want to see Proposition 8 nullified. According to the plaintiffs, the authority to add such an amendment did not belong to the voters alone.
The California Supreme Court will hear arguments and take the cases. However, oral arguments will take place in March at the earliest.
A lot can happen between now and March. This could be one of the biggest political battles come 2009. Also, this could prove to be one of the first challenges let alone social challenges for US President-Elect Barack Obama when he takes the oath of office in January.