SAN FRANCISCO — A vocal gay marriage opponent who volunteered to become a defendant in the case challenging California’s same-sex nuptial ban is now asking to be removed from the case.

Hak-Shing William Tam was one of the five official sponsors of Proposition 8 who formally “intervened” in a federal lawsuit challenging the voter-approved ban. The lawsuit officially names the state as the defendant, but Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown have refused to defend the voter-approved ban.

On Friday, Tam told U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker that he fears for his and his family’s safety. In his court filing, Tam’s lawyers say the trial will bring him unwanted publicity and expose him to retribution from gay marriage supporters.

Tam also says the case has been more time-consuming and more intrusive into his personal life than expected.

AP article here.