The San Fernando Valley Bar Association passed a resolution in support of judicial independence in response to what members believe has been too much political pressure applied to the justices of the California Supreme Court in regard to the pending decision about the constitutionality of Proposition 8, which eliminated the right of same-sex couples to marry in the state. The Board of Trustees unanimously voted March 10 to adopt the resolution in anticipation of the court’s forthcoming decision about the constitutionality of Prop. 8. “There has been a lot of angry discourse about Proposition 8, much of it directed toward our judiciary and especially the California Supreme Court,” said Bar Association President Tamila Jensen. “There is a difference between disagreeing with judges’ decisions and impugning their character and threatening political and other repercussions. The impact of the decision, either in support of the measure, which opponents have taken to calling “Proposition Hate,” could have a big impact on businesses in terms of employee benefits. Many companies already provide domestic partner benefits, and will not change their policies regardless of the court’s decision. Companies that have no such benefits, but would be required to if Prop. 8 is found to be unconstitutional. Thom Senzee
