In the News: Prop 8 Goes to Court With Some New Supporters

Theodore B. Olson is not a name synonymous with social activism. He is, however, known for his position as the head of the Office of Legal Counsel at the Justice Department under the Reagan administration. Perhaps he is even better known for his role in the Supreme Court case of Bush V. Gore in 2000, in which he represented President Bush and secured his first term in the White House. In fact, Mr. Olson has stood before the bench in the Supreme Court 55 times.

But now, Mr. Olson is taking on what could be one of the most important cases he has ever tried. Mr. Olson has filed a lawsuit on behalf of two gay couples in the Federal District Court in San Francisco, challenging Proposition 8, the state-wide ban on same-sex marriage. Proposition 8 passed last year as a state referendum in a 52-48 vote.

Mr. Olson hopes that the case will lead him to his 56th case in front of the United States Supreme Court, where he hopes to argue for the rights of gay couples across the nation. Mr. Olson has drawn fire from both sides of the political spectrum over his support for same-sex marriage. Despite the recent support of same-sex marriage from conservatives like Former Vice President Dick Cheney and Senator John McCain, many conservatives are baffled by Mr. Olson's support. On the left, many longtime advocates for same-sex marriage have expressed not only distrust for Mr. Olson but also apprehension at bringing same-sex marriage before the courts, for fear that a loss could set back marriage equality considerably.

But Mr. Olson keeps his head high and anticipates the legal battle that will hopefully bring marriage equality to gay couples across America. The trial is set to start January 11th in front of Judge Vaughn R. Walker of the Federal District Court in San Francisco.

Sources:

NY Times

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Hey guys, sorry it has been awhile since my last post. I've been hard at work on an original piece that I think you will all really like. Just to give you all a taste, it's a piece on the New York State Bailout of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and some of the opposition to it. The piece will be complete with interviews from not only the opposition to the bill, but some of those that it is hurting. I should have it for you soon. In the meantime, keep reading. Thank you all for your support!

- Kyle