Judge's partner cited in Prop 8 case (AP)

SAN FRANCISCO – The sponsors of California's same-sex marriage ban say the recent disclosure by the federal judge who struck down Proposition 8 that he is in a long-term relationship with another man has given them new grounds to appeal.

Lawyer Andy Pugno tells The Associated Press on Monday that backers of the voter-approved measure believe that Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker should have removed himself from the case because his impartiality could "reasonably" be questioned.

Walker declared Prop 8 to be an unconstitutional violation of gay Californian's civil rights last summer. He retired from the bench in February.

Rumors circulated during the 13-day trial that the judge was gay. Walker confirmed them this month. He said he did not consider his 10-year relationship a reason for recusal.