Originally Posted by mikesouth

I know your problem is overturning the idea of majority rule and that is EXACTLY what the supreme court was set up to do.

The supreme court is the check against mob rule. it doesnt matter if 99.999% of the people are in favor of something and vote it into law the job of the supreme court is to make sure that the rights guaranteed to all of the people, including that .001% are not violated. If they are violated then it doesnt matter what the majority thinks or wants, it's the whole equal protection thing, the government is NOT allowed to treat people differently because of race, religion or anything else.

So few people really understand the role of the Supreme Court but they really should because it is hugely influential on their lives in ways they dont understand.

LONG after President Obama and all the justices are gone this decision will effect people's lives in ways that we don't yet know, but falling back on the idea of equal protection (DOMA) was exactly the right decision.

As far as the constitutionality of prop 8 and similar laws are concerned that will be decided on another day when someone who does have standing brings forth the suit.