Prop 8 supporters to appeal court ruling

Posted: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 2:20 PM EST Updated: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 2:20 PM EST SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Backers of California's Proposition 8 say they will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court after a federal appeals court declared that the state's same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional. Alliance Defense Fund senior Council Brian Raum says, "no court should presume to redefine marriage." However, American Foundation for Equal Rights President Chad Griffin called the panel's ruling "a historic victory." More than 50 people who gathered outside the federal courthouse in downtown San Francisco greeted the ruling with cheers. They held signs and waved rainbow flags. California Attorney General Kamala Harris called the ruling a victory for fairness, equality and justice. A gay rights group says it plans to start gathering signatures for a November ballot initiative asking voters to repeal Proposition 8. Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.