UPDATE: Ruling Could Mean More Delays in California Same-Sex Marriage Trial

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – Several civil rights groups that campaigned against California’s same-sex marriage ban have lost an attempt to keep internal memos and e-mails from lawyers for the other side.

U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn Walker ruled Monday that they must surrender the campaign documents as evidence in a federal trial on the constitutionality of Proposition 8. Walker’s decision upholds a previous ruling by a federal magistrate.

The trial is the first in a federal court to examine whether the U.S. Constitution prevents states from outlawing gay marriages.

Walker’s decision could delay a verdict.

The American Civil Liberties Union, one of the three groups that must turn over the campaign materials, has said it would appeal if Walker upholds the magistrate’s order.

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