Anti-Gay Alliance Defense Fund Seeking To Oppose Federal Marriage Equality Suit

The anti-gay Alliance Defense Fund is seeking to formally oppose the federal marriage equality lawsuit filed by Ted Olson and David Boies.

The Alliance Defense Fund filed court papers Thursday asking U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker to allow it to defend the constitutionality of Proposition 8. Gay couples prohibited from marrying filed a lawsuit in San Francisco federal court May 22 and allege that California's marriage ban violates constitutional equal protection provisions. The Alliance Defense Fund spent more than $37 million in leading the campaign to pass Proposition 8 in November and successfully defended it before the state Supreme Court. The judge will hold a hearing July 2 to consider the group's request and whether to temporarily suspend the ban while considering the lawsuit.

Despite their win with Prop 8, the ADF has lost numerous other challenges to LGBT rights laws, including NY Gov. David Paterson's directive that state agencies recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions. Olsen and Boies are bringing their case on behalf of the American Foundation For Equal Rights. They are representing plaintiffs Kris Perry & Sandy Stier, and Paul Katami & Jeff Zarrillo.