Gays organize for new California gay marriage fight

A leading gay rights organization plans a town hall meeting in Long Beach tonight to discuss placing another measure on the California ballot that would legalize same-sex marriage.

Equality California is hosting a series of town hall meetings around the state to discuss a measure for next year’s ballot that would repeal Proposition 8 – the law voters approved three years ago that prohibits same-gender marriages.

A federal judge struck down the measure, but opponents of gay marriage appealed the ruling. The appeals court has asked the state supreme court to decide whether they have a right to appeal. If they do, the issue likely will end up in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Some backers of gay marriage worry that the nation’s highest court would uphold Proposition 8. They argue that gay rights activists should steer clear of the courts and return to the ballot box, pointing to polls that indicate most Californians would now back same-sex marriage.

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Equality California leaders have said they plan to conduct their own poll, and decide whether to promote another ballot measure later this year.