The battle over same-sex marriage in California has been extended for another week. A federal district judge ruled Thursday that same-sex marriages can resume after 5 p.m. on August 18. Opponents in San Diego and around the country are gearing up to appeal.
U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker lifted a stay that overturns Proposition 8 -- the state ban on same sex marriage -- but he’s giving opponents one week to take their case to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Chris Clark, pastor of East Clairemont Southern Baptist Church in San Diego and member of the Protect Marriage coalition, said he’s disturbed by the judge’s ruling but pleased there’s time to appeal.
"Judge Walker continues to be intent on establishing a judicial monarchy in that he and he alone is best suited to determine the definition of marriage, not just for our state, but also for our nation," said Clark.
San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk David Butler said same-sex couples have already begun lining up at his office to make marriage ceremony appointments. "The phones have been ringing off the hook ever since the ruling came down. A lot of people who were here at noon actually made appointments while they were here for the 19th or beyond," he said.
Butler said if the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issues a stay, same-sex ceremonies will be stopped immediately. A final decision on same sex marriage is expected to eventually end up before the U.S. Supreme Court.
