has struck down a voter-approved ban on marriage between same-sex couples, also known as proposition 8. a momentous decision, but it far from ends the legal battle over gay marriage. now it s almost certain this case will end up in the united states supreme court. nbc s noelle walker has our story. reporter: gay marriage supporters held their collective breath for the past two years. yesterday, a collective and joyous sigh of relief. this land was made for you and me reporter: from san francisco s castro district to the streets of west hollywood, the iconic homes of the gay rights movement celebrated this court ruling that struck down the voter-passed proposition 8. we have other battles ahead of us, but with this decision, carefully analyzing evidence, we are well on our way to earn an ultimate victory. reporter: at the heart of chief u.s. district court judge vaughn walker s ruling is proposition 8 s narrow definition of marriage as a union between a man and a
streets where barricades are setup and people are hailing the ruling that overturned proposition a. what happens to the constitutionality of prop 8, we have live team coverage, we begin with details on today s much anticipated ruling. reporter: cheers erupted from the crowd on it sued the courthouse in san francisco as same-sex marriage supporters learned judge vaughn walker had learned proposition 8 is unconstitutional. this is fabulous. it s so clear that we have the same constitutional rights to live as a family and to live together in love and harmony. reporter: the judge ruled the u.s. constitution protects the choice of marital partner regardless of gender and invoked all bans on mixed race marriages on how things can change. the main backers of proposition 8 had harsh words for the judge this deals really is an assault on the people of california and their fund. amanda: right to define marriage and protect marriage through the democratic process. reporter:
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the constitutionality of prop 8, we have live team coverage, we begin with details on today s much anticipated ruling. reporter: cheers erupted from the crowd on it sued the courthouse in san francisco as same-sex marriage supporters learned judge vaughn walker had learned proposition 8 is unconstitutional. this is fabulous. it s so clear that we have the same constitutional rights to live as a family and to live together in love and harmony. reporter: the judge ruled the u.s. constitution protects the choice of marital partner regardless of gender and invoked all bans on mixed race marriages on how things can change. the main backers of proposition 8 had harsh words for the judge this deals really is an assault on the people of california and their fund. amanda: right to define marriage and protect marriage through the democratic process. reporter: but legal analysts say the turning point for the judge may have been the testimony of same-sex couples. couples.
supporters of gay marriage rallied in san francisco s city hall. but no one can get married just yet, with an appeal set to begin. don guevara has the story. reporter: a celebration in the streets of california, after a judge ruled proposition 8, the ban on gay marriage, unconstitutional. judge vaughn walker said, quote, opposite-sex couples are not better than their counterparts. instead, as parents and citizens, opposite-sex couples and same-sex couples are equal. this is a victory for the american people. it s a victory for our justice system. reporter: two same-sex couples filed the lawsuit to overturn prop 8. we know that we have the law, the incredible people you see behind you, and so many more on our side. thank you. reporter: prop 8 supporters say traditional marriage needs to be protected. and that children are better off with biological parents. marriage is a state jurisdiction. the voters have said, twice now, keep marriage only for a man and a woman.