November 5, 2008
Gay marriage critics sweep three states
by John Gramlich
Stateline.org
Opponents of same-sex marriage scored resounding victories in Arizona and Florida on Election Day, and neared a win in California early Wednesday (Nov. 5) on a measure to ban gay marriages in the nation's most populous state.
If Californians approve Proposition 8 -- the nation's most expensive ballot measure fight this year, with more than $70 million in contributions -- the Golden State would inflict a serious emotional blow to same-sex couples who less than six months ago won the right to wed under a state high court ruling.
More than 11,000 gay couples -- many from out of state -- already have married in California. Although California Attorney General Jerry Brown (D) has said passage of Proposition 8 would not invalidate those marriage licenses, gay rights advocates say they are not sure his opinion would withstand a court challenge.
With 95 percent of California's precincts reporting, 52 percent of votes were for the gay-marriage ban and 48 percent were against.
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