SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- The organization behind the passage of Proposition 8 which limits marriage to a man and a woman will defend the measure in Federal Court.

Chief US District Judge Vaughn Walker has ruled Protect Marriage California will defend Prop 8 since Attorney General Jerry Brown's office has declined to do so.  Several plaintiffs are suing to block the enforcement of the same-sex marriage measure saying it violates the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution.

KRON 4's Dan Kerman, who attended Thursday's hearing, says the judge won't stop enforcement of the law while the case is being considered.  Judge Walker says he expects a full trial with witnesses will be needed in the case.

The next step is for both sides to agree on what facts can be stipulated and submit those issues to the court by August 7th.  Another case management conference is set for August 19th.

California voters narrowly passed Proposition 8 last November.  The measure invalidates an earlier state Supreme Court ruling offering marriage equality to same-sex couples.

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