Dolan reports: "A federal appeals court is expected to rule Tuesday on the constitutionality of Proposition 8, the 2008 ballot measure that banned gay marriage in California."

San Francisco: A supporter of same-sex marriage holds American and gay pride flags. (photo: Getty Images)

Appeals Court to Decide Fate of Prop. 8 on Tuesday

By Maura Dolan, Los Angeles Times

06 February 12

federal appeals court is expected to rule Tuesday on the constitutionality of Proposition 8, the 2008 ballot measure that banned gay marriage in California.

Regardless of how a three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decides the case, its ruling is very likely to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which could decide next year whether gays and lesbians nationwide have the right to marry.

FULL COVERAGE: Prop. 8

Former Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker, 67, a Republican appointee, ruled in August 2010 that Proposition 8 violated the federal constitution. ProtectMarriage, the sponsors of Proposition 8, appealed his ruling to the 9th Circuit.

The appeals panel's decision is scheduled to be released by 10 a.m. During arguments, the panel appeared to be leaning toward striking down the marriage ban.

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