Next round for California’s gay marriage ban

The next challenge for California’s ban on gay marriage comes today when the state’s highest court considers whether gay marriage opponents have the legal standing to defend it in court.

The state Supreme Court will hear arguments on the issue.

US District Judge Vaughn Walker ruled in August 2010 that the 2008 ban, known as Proposition 8, should be lifted.

Then, opponents applied for – and won – a stay while they appealed the decision.

Judge Walker’s verdict is being considered by the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeal, which says it will not make a ruling until the Supreme Court decides whether the gay rights opponents have the legal standing to bring the case.

Anti-gay group ProtectMarriage.com wants to challenge the ruling but state officials have refused the defend the ban.