Prop 8 Reversed, Same Sex Marriage Ban Unconstitutional

San Francisco (Obama.net)- Nearly one year ago, the debate over same sex marriage went to the voting polls in the state of California. Being that California is traditionally one of the more progressive and liberal states in the United States of America, most assumed that same sex marriage would pass easily and become legal in the West Coast state.

However, in a shocking turn of events, same sex marriage lost out in the polls and was banned in California. After an uproar filled with numerous protests and appeals, the debate went to the federal courts to go under review. The question at hand was whether or not banning same sex marriage is constitutional or not.

Being that there is no legislation on the matter, partly due to no President ever making a motion to either legalize same sex marriage or ban it, it was up to the judicial branch to determine the legality. Even President Barack Obama did not make a choice on same sex marriage at the beginning of his term and made it clear that he would allow each state to decide on their own and he would support each individual states’ choice.

Wednesday, in a California federal court, a judge ruled against the ban against same sex marriage, making the controversial passing of Prop 8 unconstitutional.

Chief United States District Judge Vaughn Walker said that “the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite sex couples are superior to same sex couples.”

Walker also concluded that “gender no longer forms an essential part of marriage; marriage under law is a union of equals.”

Same sex marriage is already legal in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Iowa, as well as the District of Columbia.

The decision made in San Francisco, California on Wednesday is more than likely going to be appealed and will eventually end up going before the United States Supreme Court for a final verdict.

While President Obama made it clear that he will not pick a side on the issue, he is sure to support whichever side wins the case when it finally does reach the Supreme Court and a decision is made.