Stay Lifted on Prop. 8 Decision: Gays in California Can Marry As of August 18

Judge Vaughn Walker will lift his temporary stay on last week's decision declaring Proposition 8 unconstitutional. However, as Joe My God notes, the stay won't expire until August 18. But after then, California will again become one of the few states where gay and lesbian couples can marry, at least until the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals takes further action.

Those hoping for wedding bells today will be a little disappointed. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that hours before the decision was released, about 15 gay and lesbian couples were already lined up at San Francisco City Hall just in case things went their way. At the front of the line were Rod Wood and Roger Hunt, boyfriends of seven years, who just got engaged a couple days ago.

As with the last document Walker released, this one has a forceful conclusion. Having given Prop. 8 supporters the chance to make their case for why his decision should have been stayed pending appeal, he writes, "None of the factors the court weighs in considering a motion to stay favors granting a stay. Accordingly, proponents‚ motion for a stay is DENIED."