Dean Johnson Comments on Prop. 8 for Christian Science Monitor
Dean Kevin R. Johnson commented for the Christian Science Monitor on the continuing legal battle over California's Proposition 8. The same-sex marriage ban was passed by voters in 2008, then overturned by a federal court last year, a decision that has been appealed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. On March 23, the Ninth Circuit declined to lift a stay on same-sex marriages while the California Supreme Court considers whether the parties appealing the district court decision have standing under state law.
"The Ninth Circuit has decided, out of deference to state law, that it should wait for the input of the California Supreme Court before it decides the case," Dean Johnson said. "While everyone is eager for resolution of the case, it is important that the Court take the time necessary to fully consider and correctly apply and interpret the relevant law."
Kevin R. Johnson is Dean and Mabie-Apallas Professor of Public Interest Law and Chicana/o studies at UC Davis School of Law. He is an internationally recognized scholar in the fields of immigration law and policy, refugee law, and civil rights.