Supreme Court Takes Up Prop 8

The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments today regarding an ongoing legal dispute challenging California’s ban on same-sex marriage.

The Associated Press reports that it is the Court’s first major examination of gay rights in over a decade. Proposition 8 was passed statewide in 2008 by a count of 52.7% to 47.7%. In Tuolumne County, 62% voted in favor of the ban, and in Calaveras County 63%.

A U.S. District Court Judge overturned Proposition 8 in 2010, and a Court of Appeals Panel affirmed the ruling last February. The U.S. Supreme Court is the final stage in the ongoing legal battle. A ruling is expected to be handed down by June.