Judge Refuses to Step Down From Prop 8 Panel

Judge Stephen Reinhardt is refusing to step down from the three-judge panel that will hear oral arguments Monday on Proposition 8, California's controversial same-sex marriage ban, according to LA Now. Last night proponents of the prop filed a motion requesting he withdraw, citing his marriage to the ACLU's Ramona Ripston as a conflict of interest, since the organization has been supportive of same-sex marriage. In his written response, Reinhardt said: "I will be able to rule impartially on this appeal, and I will do so."