Verdict expected in marrying gay couples

<p>A verdict is expected today in the case of the Rev. Jane Spahr, a retired Presbyterian minister accused of marrying 16 same-sex couples in violation of church law.</p><p>Closing arguments by attorneys for Spahr and the Presbytery of the Redwoods concluded Thursday, and a six-member panel of Presbyterian pastors and elders, acting as a jury, began deliberation.</p><p>Spahr, 68, of San Francisco testified in the case, along with 10 of the couples in the proceeding that began Tuesday at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Napa.</p><p>The prosecutor, JoAn Blackstone, on Thursday reduced her recommended penalty, asking for a verbal censure of Spahr instead of a temporary suspension of her ministerial privileges.</p><p>Scott Clark, Spahr's attorney, said it was unlikely the panel would -- if it found her guilty -- impose a stronger penalty than Blackstone's recommendation.</p><p>Spahr was acquitted on similar charges by the church's highest court in 2008.</p><p>The ceremonies at issue in the current case were performed later that year, while gay and lesbian marriage was legal in California.</p><p>-- Guy Kovner</p>