LOS ANGELES, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- The California Supreme Court says it will hear arguments next month on the constitutionality of a November ballot measure reinstating a same-sex marriage ban.
In addition to Proposition 8, the California high court says it will rule on the fate of 18,000 same-sex marriages that occurred before the Nov. 4 election, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.
The newspaper says the court set March 5 as the date for a three-hour hearing and promised to reach a decision within 90 days.
Forty-three groups representing civil rights activists, legal scholars, labor unions, bar associations, state legislators and religious organizations have filed written arguments asking that Proposition 8 be overturned.
Twenty organizations, including religious and legal groups, argue that the measure should be upheld.
Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, says it is unusual for the court to hold a hearing so soon after obtaining written arguments.
