Backers of Calif. gay marriage ban file more arguments to block start of same-sex weddings

Prop. 8 backers argue more to stop gay weddings

SAN FRANCISCO — The lawyers defending California’s gay marriage ban are making one last argument on why an appeals court should block same-sex weddings while it decides the case.

Sponsors of Proposition 8 are appealing a federal judge’s Aug. 4 decision that found the ban unconstitutional.

In documents filed Monday morning, ban backers argued that gay marriages would harm the state’s interest in promoting responsible procreation through heterosexual marriage.

The judge ruled that county clerks may begin issuing marriage licenses to gay couples on Wednesday unless the 9th Circuit appeals court decides otherwise. The Proposition 8 legal team asked the court last week to stop the weddings.

Plaintiffs lawyers and state Attorney General Jerry Brown urged the court to allow them.