California
Supreme Court to Hear Marriage Case

California's highest court is now on schedule to hear arguments regarding same-sex marriage. Three hours of arguments are slated for March 4 in San Francisco. According to the Associated Press, the court then has 90 days to make its ruling.

Six consolidated cases being heard together challenge the current voter-approved state law that prohibits marriage for gay and lesbian couples. The supreme court has upheld the policy in preparation of hearing the case.

In April 2005, San Francisco's superior court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage, but the court of appeal overturned the decision in a 2-1 ruling. In December 2006, the California supreme court unanimously granted review.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed Assembly Bill 43, which would have allowed same-sex marriage in California. According to his veto message in October, he preferred to leave the decision up to the supreme court to rule on the current policy. (The Advocate)