Judge in historic gay marriage trial challenges lawyers with tough closing argument questions
By Lisa Leff, APSaturday, June 12, 2010
CA gay marriage trial to resume after long break
SAN FRANCISCO — The lawyers in the landmark federal trial over the constitutionality of California’s gay marriage ban may have to check their dazzling oratory at the courtroom door during next week’s closing arguments.
Chief U.S. Judge Vaughn Walker has given them a list of 39 questions he expects answered before he delivers his verdict.
After a months-long hiatus, Walker is scheduled to wrap the trial up on Wednesday.
Among Walker’s questions for lawyers representing gay rights advocates and Proposition 8’s sponsors are whether there is any proof that allowing gay men and lesbians to wed would reduce discrimination against them.
He also wants to know whether limiting marriage to a man and a woman improves the odds that children will be raised by a married mom and dad.
