9th Circuit Panel Rules Prop 8 Unconstitutional

Exactly as I predicted, the three judge 9th Circuit panel ruled in a 2-1 decision that:

(a) Prop 8 violates the US Constitution

(B) Judge Vaughn Walker had no reason to recuse himself from hearing the case, even that he happened to be gay, had a long-time partner with whom he was not married and thus would seem to have had a personal interest in the case and

(C) that the plaintiffs have standing to continue their appeals.

The next step will undoubtedly be an appeal before the full 11-judge 9th Circuit,followed by an appeal to the Supreme Court if the 9th Circuit backs today's ruling by the 3 judge panel.