You weren't expecting this? People were pretty much expecting that either this or the new DC law was what was going to get this whole issue before the US Supreme Court. I sure hope these California people find some heavy bats to put up for this one.
Well the DC thing is different. That is just approval from Congress about the local ruling. Or they have the ability to remain silent.
I am surprised this went to the feds because basically this is the fullon case to take on DOMA as well as the full clause where each state has to recognize each other's status with the concept of marriage. This case has not made it up to the fed Supreme court before because lower courts have thrown it out before. I would likely see this happen, too.
And the attorneys that are bringing it up are very interesting, too; the Bush vs. Gore attorneys, from both sides.