Victory in California -- reactions

Wednesday's ruling striking down Proposition 8 in California was a historic event whose eventual implications could be immense. The gay-marriage ban was declared to be in violation of the federal Constitution -- if the ruling survives the appeals process and is finally upheld by the Supreme Court, it will presumably make gay marriage legal all over the United States, at one stroke.

The day after the decision, NOM held one of its "rallies" in St. Louis. After the news from California, the expected "backlash" should've turned out hordes of furious attendees, right? Actual turnout was 35 people, compared with over 200 pro-gay counter-protesters. And this was St. Louis, not San Francisco or New York. More on the backlash issue at The Crossed Pond.

California Attorney General Jerry Brown won't defend Prop. 8, but this November's election will bring a new figure to that office; not surprisingly, it will make a big difference whether the Democrat or the Republican wins.

Governor Schwarzenegger has joined calls to let marriages resume immediately, without waiting for the outcome of the appeal.

Judge Walker was a Reagan appointee and was once considered to be a conservative, but he's now under hysterical right-wing attack.

Opponents of the ruling don't understand its precedents.

The Supreme Court's decision will depend upon Justice Anthony Kennedy -- and FiveThirtyEight leans toward thinking he'll vote to uphold the ruling.

Dissenting Justice looks at Obama's position and an accusation of bias against judge Walker.

ZJ explains why the ruling is so devastating to the opposition.

DR Tucker asks if there's a conservative case for gay marriage.

TomCat looks forward to the final victory, and posts commentary by Rachel Maddow.

See also more blogger reactions from Gothic Atheist, Hello Mr. President, Mad Mike's America, and Urban Koda. Update: See also Momma Politico.