In a decision released early Tuesday afternoon, Judge James Ware denied a motion that would have vacated Judge Vaughn Walker's decision deeming Proposition 8 unconstitutional. The foes of same-sex marriage had challenged Walker's decision on the grounds that he's in a long-term relationship with a man.  Ware wrote: "The Motion fails to cite any evidence that Judge Walker would be incapable of being impartial." You can read the full text ......

Is a gay judge necessarily biased in favor of same-sex marriage?   Supporters of Proposition 8, the voter-approved initiative banning same-sex marriages, say yes.  And they argue that the ruling that overturned Prop. 8 should itself be overturned because the judge who issued the decision is openly gay and should have recused himself. The Mercury News reports that Andrew Pugno, the general counsel for supporters of Prop. 8, filed papers ......

Wedding bells won’t start ringing again for same-sex couples in California this Wednesday. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals granted a stay just after 3:30 p.m. on Monday at the request of Proposition 8 proponents. The stay means that same-sex couples won’t be able to get married before the court hears the appeal the week of Dec. 6. Read the order here. Last week, U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker, who ......

Judge Vaughn Walker ruled that the stay banning same-sex marriage in California will remain in place until August 18, 2010 at 5 p.m. at which time Proposition 8 should no longer be enforced.  The federal judge had found Proposition 8, the state's ban on same-sex marriage, unconstitutional last week, but imposed a temporary stay barring same-sex marriages.  He wrote in the ruling: "Because proponents fail to satisfy any of the factors necessary ......

On the morning that District Court Judge Vaughn Walker will release his ruling on whether to lift a stay preventing same-sex marriages, dozens of people have gathered at San Francisco's City Hall, many of them anxiously waiting to tie the knot if he rules to let the weddings proceed. As they waited Mayor Gavin Newsom walked up the steps of City Hall, and a cheer went up. He stopped to ......