Mitt Romney ripped the Ninth Circuit Appeals Court on Tuesday for striking down a California initiative that banned gay marriage in the state after a brief period in which it was legal. 

“Today, unelected judges cast aside the will of the people of California who voted to protect traditional marriage,” Romney said. “This decision does not end this fight, and I expect it to go to the Supreme Court. That prospect underscores the vital importance of this election and the movement to preserve our values. I believe marriage is between a man and a woman and, as president, I will protect traditional marriage and appoint judges who interpret the Constitution as it is written and not according to their own politics and prejudices.” 

While opposing gay marriage and condemning judges is a no-brainer in the GOP primary, Romney still faces pressure from his right flank on the issue. Rival Newt Gingrich has gone even farther by pledging to abolish the Ninth Circuit entirely.