Prop 8: Ninth Circuit Grants Emergency Stay to Stop Same-Sex Marriages

              This past Monday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals granted an emergency stay pending appeal in Perry v. Schwarzenegger, blocking the issuance of same-sex marriage licenses that were scheduled to begin being issued Wednesday at 5 p.m.  The district court’s ruling last week denying a permanent stay of his earlier ruling declaring Prop 8 unconstitutional was overturned by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.  The stay from the Ninth Circuit was both an answer to prayer and a necessity in order to assure that legally uncertain marriage licenses were not issued pending an appeal.   

            Both the County of Imperial and the “Yes on 8” Campaign filed appeals of Judge Walker’s decision to overturn Proposition 8 and the County additionally appealed Judge Walker’s decision to deny the County of Imperial status as an intervening defendant.  As attorneys for both sides have publicly stated that this case should ultimately be decided by the United States Supreme Court, a stay is appropriate to preserve the status quo until a final decision is made through the appeals process. 

            “The Ninth Circuit recognized the significance and importance of this case by agreeing to stay the district court’s decision until a final ruling is obtained through the appeals process.” said Jennifer Monk, Associate General Counsel of Advocates for Faith and Freedom.  “The Ninth Circuit’s action is consistent with prior precedent and is ultimately in the best interest of the parties, the State of California, and the Nation.”

            The Ninth Circuit also put the case on an expedited schedule, stating that briefing will begin in September and oral arguments will be heard the week of December 6, 2010.

            Please consider giving generously to help Advocates continue to fight this important battle.  We believe that with your prayers and financial support we can and will be victorious.  The expedited schedule set today by the Ninth Circuit will significant amounts of hard work and financial resources over the next three months.  We covet your continued prayers and ask that you consider a financial gift to assist with the cost of the battle ahead. 

  
            This information is provided by Advocates for Faith and Freedom, a non-profit religious law firm dedicated to protecting religious liberty in the courts!  To help us in our ongoing battle for religious freedom, click here to donate to Advocates.