NEW : Gay marriage foes lament the decision , but the debate in California is n't over . California 's chief justice dismisses an attempt by foes of same - sex marriage . Proposition 8 is ` ` dead for good , '' an LGBT rights activist says after the ruling . The tide turned a few months later , when 52 % of voters backed Proposition 8 to halt gay and lesbian marriages . California passed Prop 8 banning gay marriage ; federal courts knocked down the ban .
NEW : Gay marriage foes lament the decision , but the debate in California is n't over . California 's chief justice dismisses an attempt by foes of same - sex marriage . Proposition 8 is ` ` dead for good , '' an LGBT rights activist says after the ruling . California passed Prop 8 banning gay marriage ; federal courts knocked down the ban .