SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- A federal judge's decision to overturn California's same-sex marriage ban has touched off coast-to-coast celebrations among gay rights activists, while Proposition 8 proponents plan their appeal.
The lead plaintiff in the case says the decision striking down the ban as unconstitutional makes her "incredibly proud" of the country. Gay couples outside the San Francisco courthouse erupted with cheers after the ruling. In New York City, about 150 people gathered in front of a Manhattan courthouse while organizers read portions of the ruling.
But Attorney Andrew Pugno of ProtectMarriage.com, says overturning the voter-backed initiative "short-circuits the democratic process."
Backers say they'll file an immediate appeal.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which actively worked for Proposition 8, says it regrets the ruling.
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