Proponents of Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Call Restart 'Disgraceful'

Sponsors of California's same-sex marriage ban say a federal appeals court decision that clears the way for gay weddings to resume is "disgraceful."

Anthony Pugno, general counsel for a coalition of religious conservative groups, called Friday's order from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals an "outrageous act" by judges and politicians determined to overturn voter-approved Proposition 8.

Immediately after the court's order, the lead plaintiffs in the case hurried to San Francisco's City Hall to be married by state Attorney General Kamala Harris.

Pugno called the court's decision an "abuse of power to manipulate the system and render the people voiceless."

Friday's decision came after the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that the sponsors of California's gay marriage ban lacked the authority to defend it in court.