Prop 8 Trial? No Live TV Coverage For You!

by Michael Jones · 2010-01-06 12:16:00 UTC
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Prop 8Thousands upon thousands of people have asked federal court Judge Vaughn Walker to allow TV cameras into his courtroom next week, for the long-awaited trial that could overturn California's ban on gay marriage, Proposition 8. But while the case could impact the civil rights of tens of thousand of Californians, and millions of Americans, don't count on any live television coverage, at least at this moment.

Judge Walker ruled this afternoon that while the proceedings could be recorded, they won't stream live. It'll be recorded for delayed web distribution via channels like YouTube, which is a ruling that may allow for transparency, but one that also significantly cuts back on the number of folks who can tune into the historic trial.

The American Foundation for Equal Rights tweeted the ruling moments ago. It still has to be approved by the 9th Circuit, so anything is possible (which is why it's critical to keep sending Judge Vaughn Walker the message that cameras should be allowed).

But if it stands, say goodbye to seeing the anti-gay forces that brought us Proposition 8 having to atone for their sins on live television. Pity. For people who like to play games with the civil rights of their fellow Americans, it would have been more than interesting to see them live from a California courtroom.

Photo: CarbonNYC

Michael Jones is a Change.org Editor. He has worked in the field of human rights communications for a decade, most recently for Harvard Law School.
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