Judge blocks Calif. affirmative action measure

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuter) - A federal judge temporarily blocked enforcement on Wednesday of a California measure eliminating most state and local affirmative action programs, a civil rights group said.

The American Civil Liberties Union said U.S. District Judge Thelton Henderson granted its request to issue a temporary restraining order barring state officials from implementing the controversial Proposition 209, which was approved by California voters on Nov. 5.

Proposition 209 bars preferential treatment based on race or sex in public employment, education and contracting in California. Opponents say the initiative, the first of its kind, strikes a blow at 30 years of U.S. affirmative action policies aimed at broadening opportunities for women and racial minorities.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other civil rights group sued to block the measure, arguing it was unconstitutional.

In a written ruling, Henderson granted their request for a temporary restraining order and set a hearing for Dec. 16 to hear arguments on a motion by the civil rights groups for a preliminary injunction that would continue to freeze Proposition 209 until a trial is held on its constitutionality.

"We're thrilled. Thanksgiving came a day early in California," Mark Rosenbaum, legal director of the ACLU of Southern California, said.