California Supreme Court Denies Gay Marriage Ban Challenge

The California Supreme Court today rejected a bid to remove a measure from the November ballot that would restore the state's ban on gay marriage.

Without any comments from Chief Justice Ronald M. George, the court unanimously refused to hear the legal challenge, filed last month by civil rights groups. The organizations argued that the ballot measure was legally flawed and should not be put before the voters.

This means Proposition 8 will stay on the ballot. It also clears the way for the California Secretary of State to print voter information pamphlets on the issue.

The latest legal salvo ensures that voters will consider the measure, which would amend the California Constitution to confine marriage to a union between a man and a woman.

Unlike most states, one Chief Justice and six associate justices are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments. The appointments are confirmed by the public at the next general election; justices also come before voters at the end of their 12-year terms.