Proposition 8 case: Court packed for hearing on same-sex marriage judge

A San Francisco federal courtroom is packed for this morning's hearing in the latest legal maneuvering over Proposition 8, California's ban on same-sex marriage. The lawyers are assembled to argue whether former Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker was biased when he struck down the law last year because he was in a long-term same-sex relationship. New Chief Judge James Ware, a longtime veteran...

Contra Costa Times • Jun 14, 2011

Groups try to spur dialogue, healing between gays, Mormons

Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have big decisions to make about whether they will publicly defend traditional marriage again. If they abandon the topic, Mormons may appear weak or inconsistent, and if they stay involved, they may never escape rumored bigotry. Plus, fighting gay marriage takes resources from other church projects such as growth and charity. The church m...

Contra Costa Times • Mar 22, 2011

Anti-Prop. 8 bill gains a surprise ally

If it had been up to Long Beach voters back in November 2008, Proposition 8 would just be a memory. Now, the Long Beach City Council is joining its constituents in opposing the same-sex marriage ban. Next Tuesday, the council will vote on creating a resolution "affirming the support of the City of Long Beach for full marriage equality, and for the decision of the Governor and Attorney General no...

Contra Costa Times • Sep 30, 2010