Same-Sex Marriage Foes Battle YouTube Decision

SAN FRANCISCO -Sponsors of California’s gay marriage ban are asking to delay the start of a federal trial considering the constitutionality of the voter-approved law.

They say they want time to appeal a judge’s decision to broadcast the court proceedings on YouTube because they oppose having cameras in the courtroom.

The trial is currently scheduled to begin Monday.

Earlier this week, U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker decided to allow the video recording, a first for a federal courtroom in the West.

But the ban’s sponsors, who have intervened as defendants in the case, argue that witnesses fearing public reprisal may restrain or otherwise alter their testimony if cameras are present.

Until the appeals court decides the issue, the sponsors are asking that Walker delay the start of the trial.

Meantime,a vocal gay marriage opponent who volunteered to become a defendant in the case challenging California’s same-sex nuptial ban is now asking to be removed from the case.

Hak-Shing William Tam was one of the five official sponsors of Proposition 8 who formally “intervened” in a federal lawsuit challenging the voter-approved ban. The lawsuit officially names the state as the defendant, but Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown have refused to defend the voter-approved ban.

On Friday, Tam told U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker that he fears for his and his family’s safety. In his court filing, Tam’s lawyers say the trial will bring him unwanted publicity and expose him to retribution from gay marriage supporters.

Tam also says the case has been more time-consuming and more intrusive into his personal life than expected.