Proposition 8 Judge...gay! Ethical questions arise...

Apparently, the San Francisco Chronicle reported earlier this month that Judge Vaughn Walker - who is presiding over the same-sex marriage case in Federal Court in San Francisco-  is "gay".

According to the news report, an anonymous tipster revealed the sexual persuasion of his Honor, to set the record - um - straight.

Due to the sensistive nature of  the case - the caller was reluctant to provide many details (including his or her identity) - save to state the following:

"He (Judge Walker) has a private life and he doesn't conceal it (the fact he is gay), but doesn't think it is relevant to his decisions in any case."

On the contrary, one could easily argue that it is especially "not true" in this instant case, which arises from the Prop 8 initiative banning same-sex marriage.

For instance, early on in the proceedings, Judge Walker ruled that there would be "no jury".
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Why is that?

So he could control the outcome, of course!

The National Organization for Marriage was quick to jump on the issue.

The spokesperson for the group asserted that Judge Walker was more "akin to an activist than a neutral referee."

I agree!

Andy Pugno, who is the lawyer in charge of general counsel for Prop 8 supporters, has allegedly taken sides with Judge Walker.

For the record, NOM has stated that if they lose the case, they will not make his sexual persuasion an issue.

I have to wonder, though, is that just a political posture they've taken to avoid angering the Judge before he hands his ruling down?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Proposition 8...YouTube broadcast voyeuristic foray! Federal trial in Frisco...

Will trial broadcast on YouTube end or trigger hate?

Initially, when a request was made to allow a broadcast of the Proposition 8 Federal trial proceedings - which get underway on Monday in San Francisco - it was assumed that the government would not budge on the issue.

Broadcasts of Federal trials are normally prohibited, after all.

However - in view of the high-profile nature of the case and public concerns hanging in the balance - a Federal Appeals Court Judicial Council jumped ship and opted to allow it under an established "pilot" program wherein a roster of nonjury Civil trials are underway in the Western States.

The Judge presiding over the case gave a nod, too.

U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker noted for the record that it was worth attempting in a case of "this nature" and in view of the widespread interest in the outcome.

Indeed!

The Prop 8 (same-sex-marriage) controversy has just about torn apart the State of California - politically, socially - you name it!

There are a few stipulations, though.

Because some critics have argued that a live feed of the trial may cause a lot of tension for witnesses testifying on the stand (and hence, hinder their ability to speak freely, in open court) the Judge issued an order that the broadcast be delayed with the ultimate aim of preventing that tawdry scenario from unfolding onscreen.

The court's decision to post the trial proceedings on YouTube - signals a remarkable turning point in North American Society - in my opinion.

Has a court proceeding been reduced to a voyeuristic foray while surfing for adrenalin rushes on the World-Wide-Web?

What next, gladiators battling each other 'til death, with blood-thirsty citizens taunting them on?

Sick!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Gay Marriage...legalized in forward-thinking New Hampshire! I do! I do! But, not in sunny California...

As Gays in California languish in the political arena and continue to worm their way through the judicial system over the controversial issue of same-sex marriage, their counter-parts in other states celebrate joyous news!

For example, New Hampshire just became the sixth State in the Union to legalize gay marriage!

It was a tough row to hoe, nonetheless, as activists scrambled to get all their chicks in a row in the final stretch of the "I do!" game.

In spite of the fact Governor John Lynch opposed the move towards same-sex unions in New Hampshire originally, he was inclined to sign the legislation into law once the Senate and the House passed key language on religious rights (hear that, California?).

In a surprise political turn, Lynch stated for the record:

"Today, we are standing up for the liberties of same-sex couples by making clear that they will receive the same rights, responsibilities - and respect - under New Hampshire law."

Analysts on the sidelines speculated that the nod from the State reflected a changing demographic from one that was once Republican and conservative in stance to that of a more liberal view held by younger constituents.

The forward-thinking States of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, and Iowa now allow same-sex marriages recognized by law.

On the heels of the affixing his John Henry to the historical documents, Lynch opined for the record that it was time for the Federal Government to extend full equal rights to same-sex couples around the Nation.

The New Hampshire law goes into effect January 1st (2010).

Happy New Year!

http://www.julianayrs.com