On Nov. 4, California voted “yes” to Proposition 8, which amends the state constitution, allowing only marriages between a man and woman. The proposition, which passed with a just 52% majority, overturned a May 15 state Supreme Court ruling that allowed same-sex marriages.

Protests began immediately following the vote results. One demonstration in Los Angeles saw more than 10,000 gather and march peacefully through the streets, bearing posters with slogans such as “Keep Your Church Out of My Religion” and “No on H8.” The Associated Press also reported of demonstrations in Boston, New York and other major U.S. cities.

Suits have been filed against Proposition 8, claiming the measure violates fundamental rights of equality and contradicts the constitution’s provisions to protect minorities.

Mathew Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel, a group supporting the ban, said in a statement that the suits were “patently frivolous” and that “it makes no sense that four judges can rewrite the historic definition of marriage and more than five million people (who voted for Prop. 8) cannot restore it to its common understanding” (San Francisco Chronicle).

Until the state Supreme Court renders a decision, all homosexual marriages are postponed. The court will also have to address the validity of the 18,000 marriages already performed. Hearings on the suits are scheduled to begin in March of next year.