In response to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals panel decision that Proposition 8, which bans gay marriage in California, is unconstitutional, Tim Donnelly (R-Twin Peaks) issued the following statement:
“Marriage was ordained as a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, and as such, no court or government has any authority over it," said Donnelly according to the High Desert Daily Press. "The 9th Circuit has shown once again how it has no respect for the will of the people by denying Californians the right to, as a state, uphold the traditional definition of marriage.”
The court's decision will likely be appealed to the full 9th Circuit Court or to the U.S. Supreme Court, and there is currently a stay on gay marriage while the case continues.
Still, same-sex marriage supporters see this ruling as a major victory. Governor Jerry Brown backs the court decision, saying “the court has rendered a powerful affirmation of the right of same-sex couples to marry. I applaud the wisdom and courage of this decision.”
Prop 8 was narrowly approved by California voters in 2009, tallying 52.5 percent of the vote.
More on the court ruling on Prop. 8:
Poll: U.S. Court Rules Proposition 8 Unconstitutional
Antonovich Blasts U.S. Court Decision on Same-Sex Marriages
