Supreme Court Stays Streaming Broadcast of Trial in Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Case

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The U.S. Supreme Court today issued a stay preventing the streaming broadcast of a San Francisco trial challenging Califonia's Proposition 8 ban on gay marriage, Perry v. Schwarzenegger (Case. No. 3:09-cv-02292).

The High Court's order, which is in effect until Weds. Jan. 13, freezes the ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Vaughan Walker, that would have permitted real-time streaming of the trial. Proponents of  broadcasting the trial cited overwhelming public interest in the case, but opponents said a "media circus" would ensue and that witnesses and attorneys could be subject to harassment and intimidation from supporters of gay marriage.