US federal judge overturns same sex marriage ban

A US federal judge has overturned California's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage.



According to BBC reports, the judge found that it unconstitutionally discriminated against same-sex couples who sought to wed.



The state measure, known as ‘Proposition 8’, was passed by voters in 2008.



It banned same-sex marriage, although the state offered same-sex civil unions.



Backers of the ban have indicated their intention to appeal against the judge's ruling.



The case is likely to reach the US Supreme Court.



Currently, five states and Washington DC allow same-sex nuptials, although many states have enacted bans.