California High Court Takes Suits Against Proposition 8, Bans Gay Marriages Pending Ruling

San Francisco, CA (AHN) - California's highest court conducted Wednesday its first hearing on three lawsuits against a ballot initiative restoring a ban on same-sex marriage and prohibited such unions until it rules on the case.

In a closed-door session, the seven justices ordered the plaintiffs and defendants to submit more written arguments and tentatively set the next hearing in March. Six of the justices also rejected the petition of Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown and Proposition 8 supporters to permit same-sex couples to marry while the case is heard.

The state Supreme Court ruled in May against a ban on same-sex unions. Opponents of gay marriage then successfully petitioned for a ballot initiative to amend the state constitution reversing the historic decision.

The initiative known as Proposition 8 won in the elections early this month prompting gay rights groups and same-sex couples to challenge the proposition before the state Supreme Court.