A round-up of today's other stories in brief
US court needs 'guidance' on same-sex ruling
SAN FRANCISCO – A US appeals court considering California’s controversial gay marriage ban said yesterday it needed more legal guidance before it could decide the constitutional issues at stake, which will probably delay a final ruling in the case.
California voters banned same-sex weddings in 2008 by approving so-called Proposition 8. But last year a federal district court ruled the measure unconstitutional. That ruling is on hold as supporters of the gay marriage ban appealed. But then attorney general and now governor Jerry Brown refused to sign on to the appeal. Then governor Arnold Schwarzenegger also took the same stance.
The state Supreme Court could resolve the issue in “a matter of months”. – (Reuters)
Archdiocese to file for bankruptcy
MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee’s Roman Catholic archdiocese is to file for bankruptcy, citing the financial drain from unresolved lawsuits brought by victims of sexual abuse by priests.
Archbishop Jerome Listecki said that the move to file for Chapter 11 reorganisation grew out of a November court decision that insurance companies are not bound to contribute to financial settlements with victims. Mediation efforts in many of the suits have failed, he added. The aim is to pay pending claims and “to continue to meet the needs of parishes . . . and others who rely upon the church for assistance” he said. – (Reuters)
Jackson doctor ‘removed evidence’
LOS ANGELES – The doctor charged in the death of pop star Michael Jackson removed evidence from the scene before seeking help when he found the singer unconscious, a prosecutor said yesterday.
The accusations came during a preliminary hearing in the trial of Dr Conrad Murray, who was caring for Jackson when he died of a drug overdose on June 25th, 2009, and is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the singer’s death.
Los Angeles deputy district attorney David Walgren said more than 20 minutes passed between the time Dr Murray discovered the 50-year-old megastar in his bed not breathing and when a member of Jackson’s security team called paramedics. – (Reuters)