Prop 8 Opponents, Supporters Wait for Supreme Court Decision

Monday, May 25, 2009

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state, amanda perez

California News (KFSN) -- Opponents and supporters of same sex marriage are anxiously waiting for Tuesday's ruling from the California Supreme Court. The court will decide whether to uphold a ban on same sex marriage.

An exclusion Action News poll conducted by Survey U.S.A shows the majority of California voters, about 49%, don't believe same sex couples here in California should be allowed to marry. When asked if Proposition 8 should remain a law or be overturned, nearly half of the people who responded said the law should stay on the books. 38% want to see it overturned.

An entire wall in Jason Scott's living room is covered in boxes and signs, ready for a rally at city hall Tuesday. Scott is hoping the Supreme Court will overturn a ban on gay marriage and the rally will be a celebration. Either way, he's hoping people will show up en masse like they did prior to the November election. "I think that is one of the most important things, win or lose, is that people come out and show that they still care about the issue," said Jason Scott with Marriage Equality U.S.A.

Within the last year, Fresno's City Hall has been the backdrop for several rallies in the valley both for and against gay marriage. This weekend's "Meet in the Middle 4 Equality" could be the largest yet. Thousands of people from all over the state are expected to arrive in the valley via bus, train, and carpools Saturday and march from Selma to Fresno's city hall. Organizers say it's important that gay rights advocates turn their attention to the Central Valley, where about 70 % of voters voted against gay marriage. "Fresno is very indicative of 'middle America' values. It's a place that people need to go to understand to talk to them about the issues so they can become educated on the issues, and what it at stake," said Meet in the Middle 4 Equality's Jon Carroll.

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Supporters of traditional marriage are also hoping for victory Tuesday. Fresno Pastor Jim Franklin is organizing a rally for Sunday that he is hoping will be re-affirmation for the majority who voted for Prop 8. "I'm optimistic, but if it were to go against the people, then there really should be rioting in the streets because then we have lost the ability to govern ourselves," said Franklin.