By James Tillman
SACRAMENTO, California, August 9, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is urging Judge Vaughn Walker to discontinue the stay that the judge placed on the enforcement of his own ruling against Proposition 8, and to thereby let homosexuals marry.
Judge Walker issued his explosive decision against traditional marriage last week; however, he decided to enjoin enforcement of his order and not to allow gay “marriages” to commence immediately in the state, pending the inevitable appeal of his ruling by defenders of true marriage.
“The Administration believes the public interest is best served by permitting the Court’s judgment to go into effect, thereby restoring the right of same-sex couples to marry in California,” wrote attorney Kenneth C. Mennemeier, representing Schwarzenegger, in a brief for Walker.
“Doing so is consistent with California's long history of treating all people and their relationships with equal dignity and respect.”
While Schwarzenegger, as governor of California, was technically the lead defendant in the case to protect the constitutional amendment put in place by Prop. 8, he fled the legal battle and declined to defend marriage, forcing other law firms to step forward and defend California's own constitution in his stead.
In addition to Schwarzenegger, California Attorney General Jerry Brown and the City of San Francisco have also issued briefs opposing the stay placed on Judge Walker’s decision.
Schwarzenegger has a history of supporting homosexualist causes: he has previously raised funds for homosexual causes and endorsed gay pride events.
Nevertheless, he also in the past vetoed bills legalizing same sex “marriage,” in 2005 and in 2007.
Schwarzenegger praised Judge Walker for what he said was his fairness over the course of the trial, after Walker's decision was released on Wednesday.
“[Judge Vaughn Walker] heard in-depth arguments from both sides on fundamental questions of due process, equal protection and freedom from discrimination,” said the governor in a statement. “There are strong feelings on both sides of this issue, and I am glad that all viewpoints were respected throughout the proceedings.”
Schwarzenegger also promised further steps along the same path.
“[The judge’s decision] is by no means California's first milestone, nor our last, on America's road to equality and freedom for all people,” he said.
See related stories on LifeSiteNews.com:
Schwarzenegger will oppose same sex “marriage” ban
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/apr/08041401.html