No single entity or oligarchy is in charge of the gay equality movement in California. Conference calls and discussions between groups now focus on how a decision will eventually be made on whether or not to put equal marriage on the ballot--a framework for making the call.

"It's a process of trying to figure out what a campaign structure would look like, and how we should decide whether to launch a campaign," Pizer said.

To Pizer, the legal and political fights are connected.

"I think success in the trial court in this litigation would be very motivating for people, and it probably would spur some of the outreach and educational work in a positive way, because it buoys people's spirits," Pizer said.