Marriage for Gay Couples Could Come to California in Matter of Weeks

Supreme Court to decide fate of Prop 8 case shortly; denial of hearing would mean return of marriage equality in California

In a matter of weeks, the U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether or not to hear the Perry case – the suit challenging California’s ban on marriage for gay and lesbian couples known as Prop 8.  If the court decides not to hear the case, the appeals court ruling will stand striking down Prop 8 as unconstitutional, and the state will begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples again.  The court will also consider whether to review a number of cases challenging the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which bars the federal government from recognizing married same-sex couples, even in states that legally recognize their union.  These milestones, along with the four states deciding marriage-related issues on the ballot in November makes these next few weeks critical to the future of marriage equality in this country.

On Wednesday, September 18, 2012 at 1:30pm ET, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) will hold a national phone press briefing on the status of the marriage cases in front of the Supreme Court and the marriage equality landscape across the country.  For more information on the various cases, states and federal issues, view our new infographic at: http://www.hrc.org/blog/entry/2012-the-year-of-marriage



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