Jerry Sanders testify in the federal trial on same-sex marriage.

Sanders to testify in same-sex marriage trial
Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 12:13 a.m.
 

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders will testify today in the first federal trial about whether states can ban same-sex marriage.
Sanders is set to testify at 8:30 a.m. and address the media afterward on the courthouse steps in San Francisco, spokesman Darren Pudgil said.
 

Sanders, a Republican, has gained the respect of gay-rights advocates — and the animosity of opponents — with his turnaround on the issue. He announced in September 2007 that he no longer would oppose marriage rights for gays, including his lesbian daughter.
 

“He’s testifying essentially on his experience on the issue and why he believes marriage equality is important from a government perspective,” Pudgil said.
 

The case is being heard by Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker. It challenges the validity under the U.S. Constitution of Proposition 8, the November 2008 ballot measure that banned same-sex marriage in California.
 

Ricky Young