Ruling Due on Whether Gay Marriages Can Resume in California

U.S District Judge Vaughn Walker says he will issue his ruling Thursday on whether same-sex marriages can resume in California. Walker's ruling is expected by noon, according to the U.S. District Court in San Francisco.

Last week, Walker ruled that Proposition 8 was unconstitutional. The measure, which prohibits gay and lesbian couples from getting married in California, was approved by the state's voters in November 2008 by a margin of 52.5 percent to 47.5 percent.

The judge granted a temporary stay on his ruling, allowing defendants and plaintiffs to respond to his decision. If he lifts the stay, same-sex marriages in California would resume, but if he leaves it in place, it would maintain the ban on gay marriage.