SAN FRANCISCO — The battle for traditional marriage shifted from Massachusetts to California where the California Supreme Court began hearing arguments on whether San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom abused his municipal power when he issued some 4,000 marriage licenses to homosexual couples earlier this year.
State law defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. But in February of this year, Newsom tossed state law aside and ordered the issuing of homosexual marriage licenses in what he called an act of “civil disobedience.”
The California Supreme Court stopped the same-sex marriages in March, and now supporters of traditional marriage say Newsom should be held accountable for breaking the law. Attorneys for the city of San Francisco argued that Newsom had the right to interpret the constitutionality of state law.
But several justices suggested that approval of Newsom’s actions would encourage legal anarchy under which local officials could choose which laws to follow. A decision is expected within 90 days. (TAB)
Share with others: