Schiff calls court decision a positive step for gay marriage rights

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) called a federal appellate court's decision on Tuesday to deny an appeal against Proposition 8 -- paving the way for aU.S. Supreme Court decision on gay marriage -- "another step towards marriage equality."

The decision by the U.S. 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals marked the latest chapter for the ongoing legal over Proposition 8, which was passed by California voters in November 2008. The measure reinstated a ban on same-sex nuptials six months after the state Supreme Court had struck it down on state constitutional grounds.

Two same-sex couples, including a gay couple in Burbank, then sued in federal court, contending that Proposition 8 violated the U.S. Constitution.

Schiff released a statement on Tuesday supporting the latest development.

“Today’s ruling by the 9th Circuit – not to revisit its decision striking down Prop 8 – is another step towards marriage equality," he said. "I look forward to the day when any couple wishing to make the life-long commitment of marriage has the opportunity to do so."

-- Jason Wells, Times Community News, with contributions from the Los Angeles Times

Twitter: @JasonBretWells