October 8, 2008
4,000 gay couples risk losing marriage license
SAN FRANCISCO - The California Supreme Court is considering whether to nullify more than 4,000 marriage licenses that San Francisco granted to gay couples this year.
In an order issued yesterday, the state's highest court asked lawyers for the city, the state and anti-gay marriage groups to present written arguments on whether the court should declare the marriages valid or void if it rules that San Francisco exceeded its authority in marrying same-sex couples.
The court is expected to decide within the next few months whether San Francisco flouted state law when it began issuing marriage licenses to gay couples Feb. 12. The city stopped granting the licenses March 11 in response to a court order.
Mayor Gavin Newsom ordered the gender-neutral licenses, he said, because the state constitution's equal protection clause supercedes state laws that define marriage as heterosexual.
Legal analysts said yesterday's order indicates that the court is likely to rule against San Francisco.
"If they were upholding the marriages, this question wouldn't arise, so it suggests that they are not going to uphold them," said Stephen Barnett, law professor emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley.
The court issued its one-page order after meeting in closed session during its weekly conference. San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera said the order gave no indication of how the court was leaning.
Get home delivery of The Sun and save over 50% off the newsstand price
Copyright © 2008, The Baltimore Sun
 Fatal medevac crashFour people died and another was seriously injured when a medevac helicopter crashed in a Prince George's County park. Photos Archived coverage: Ex-councilman Harris killed | Md. police spying City Hall, Dixon investigated | CEG sold for $4.7B  A roundup of crimes reported in Baltimore City and Baltimore County |
Popular stories: Maryland News
- Former state police chief defends spying activities
- Questions, concerns over pastor's divorce
- Prosecutors' tack in sniper cases contested
- Rats! How many million are in the city?
- Jean Marbella: Holes in anthrax case not novel
Watchdog archive
Is there something in your neighborhood that's not getting fixed? Tell us where the problem is and how long its been there.
 Area farmers' marketsAn interactive map featuring locations, times, photos and other coverage of farmers' markets across the area. |
 | |
My MarylandSubmit photos from around the state and view those from other readers Also see: Charm Cityscapes | |