Supreme Court keeps California in suspense on gay marriage

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The U.S. Supreme Court did not address the California gay-marriage case on Monday morning. The next time they might make an announcement on the issue is Friday.

The case against Proposition 8, the 2008 ballot initiative that banned gay marriage in California, had been discussed by justices last Friday, but was not on the list of cases the court said it would review.

Many speculated that the court might have decided not to take the case, which would let an appeals court ruling on the matter stand. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals found earlier this year that Proposition 8 was unconstitutional, clearing the way for same-sex marriage in California unless the Supreme Court decides to get involved.

TIMELINE: Gay marriage since 2000

But the matter will remain in suspense for a while longer. The court could continue to discuss the case at conferences this year and early next year in advance of possibly hearing the case in June. They could also hold the matter over for the fall.

Gay-marriage activists expressed disappointment that there was no news Monday.

‘We understand that it is a complex case, and if they need another week to reach the right decision, we’re fine with that,’ said Adam Umhoefer, executive director of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which is fighting to overturn Proposition 8.

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Timeline: Gay marriage in the United States

Map: How gay marriage has progressed in the U.S.

Prop. 8 supporters, opponents await Supreme Court decision

--Jessica Garrison