No Suspension on Prop 8 in California

Yesterday, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Vaughn Walker, a federal judge in San Francisco said it is unlikely he would suspend Prop 8 while the lawsuit which challenges the measure is being considered.

Walker stated he felt it would be better to move towards a speedy trial on the case rather than grant a preliminary injunction that would temporarily allow same-sex marriages until the case is decided. Walker wrote:

“Because entering a preliminary injunction may raise novel concerns that could be avoided through a prompt decision on the merits, the court’s tentative plan is instead to proceed expeditiously to trial.”

California’s Attorney General  and Governor both have raised concerns that staying the ban and allowing same-sex couples to resume marrying while the case is heard would create unnecessary confusion, both for same-sex couples and the state.