Proposition 8, the California ban on same-sex marriage, was ruled unconstitutional by the ninth circuit court. A two to one vote by a federal panel out of San Francisco caused the repeal of the proposition, the Washington Post reports.
It further reports that instead of investigating the entire matter of same-sex marriage, the court examined the right to of same-sex couples to marry in California for a brief period of time. They said the unconstitutionality of Proposition 8 came in taking that right away.
Some same-sex marriage advocates are hoping this ruling would sway President Obama to fully support gay marriage since he currently decsribes his opinion as 'evolving,' the Post said. Others see this ruling as a safe way for the President to maintain his position on same-sex marriage while agreeing with the outcome of this decision, the Post said.
Other states may look to California when deciding which direction to take with gay marriage, especially since California is often a trend-setter for laws.
An official release from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said the Church 'regrets today's decision.' California citizens have voted to protect traditional marriage twice and the courts should have respected that decision, the release said. They also acknowledged the need for awareness of others in this divisive issue.
'There is no doubt that today’s ruling will intensify the debate in this country,' the release said. 'We urge people on all sides of this issue to act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility toward those with a different opinion.'
If those arguing on behalf of Proposition 8 decide to appeal this decision, this case may end up in the Supreme Court. Check out the video below for more detailed information on the ruling and the future of the case:
Updates of the case -- including court opinions -- can be found on the Ninth Circuit website.