Stuart Gaffney (R) and John Lewis outside of Philip Burton Federal building where US District
Judge Vaughn Walker announced his ruling to overturn Prop 8. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Judge Vaughn Walker announced his ruling to overturn Prop 8. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker has ruled that California's ban US Constitution. The 36-page decision stated that Prop 7 is "unconstitutional under both the due process and equal protection clauses."
"Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license. Indeed the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California constitution the notion that opposite sex couples are superior to same sex couples."
Some comments on the ruling from around the LGBT world:
Kate Kendell - Executive Director National Center for Lesbian Rights
“This groundbreaking decision upholds the rights of liberty and equality that are enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, and affirms that the law cannot treat people differently based on who they love and that a majority cannot strip a minority group of its fundamental freedoms at the ballot box. But more than that, the ruling elevates the central reason same-sex couples wish to marry, because we are in love with a person special to us and with whom we want to share our lives, just like everyone else. So at its most basic, today’s victory is about humanity, dignity, and love. It is hard to accept that there is such fierce opposition to that.” Full Statement
Reed Cowan - director of “8: The Mormon Proposition”
"Much of the information that came before the court in this matter appeared in our film and I am overjoyed that the sway of fact bent the judge's decision toward equality. It is never appropriate to put the equality of another human being up to the vote of the citizenry as happened with Proposition 8 in California. I'm thankful our democracy allows for the process of courts to correct the mistakes and ultimate misinformation that robbed California voters of the opportunity to cast a vote based on facts. I hope today's ruling sends a message to Mormons and other religions who work to influence the political process that ultimately they are wasting tens of millions of dollars on an effort that ultimately will fail. Those tens of millions of dollars are needed to feed and educate the poor and I hope religions get back to the business of religion and stop hurting families like mine."
Lorri Jean - CEO LA Gay & Lesbian Center
“Walker’s ruling striking down Prop. 8 is clearly a milestone victory for all gay, lesbian and bisexual Californians, our families and our friends. But much more than that, it is a resounding affirmation of fundamental American ideals and core principles of the U.S. Constitution.”
Jarrett Barrios - President GLAAD
"More and more Americans are supporting equality, and it is the stories of same-sex couples that are leading that charge across the nation. Today's decision comes after same-sex couples from across California shared their personal stories with Judge Vaughn Walker and the public, helping to show that all loving and committed couples – straight and gay – should have the same opportunity to take care of and be responsible for each other.”
From the ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives
“While the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community’s struggle for marriage equality began long before California’s Proposition 8, today’s ruling marks a historic turning point in this ongoing struggle. Whatever the outcome of probable U.S. Supreme Court appeals, the historic nature of this decision cannot be overlooked ... ONE Archives provides an unparalleled resource for those looking to truly understand the history behind today’s decision and its long-term impact on the LGBT community.”
Rick Jacobs - Courage Campaign Founder and Chairman
"This ruling is an historic milestone for millions of loving families, for all who have fought to realize the dream of equality under the law, and for our nation as a whole. While today concludes the first step in a legal process that could take up to two years, Judge Walker's ruling is a landmark victory in America's centuries long war against discrimination, and the result of months of extraordinary work by the American Foundation for Equal Rights, Attorneys David Boies and Ted Olson, and courageous plaintiffs Kris Perry, Sandy Stier, Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo."
"This ruling is an historic milestone for millions of loving families, for all who have fought to realize the dream of equality under the law, and for our nation as a whole. While today concludes the first step in a legal process that could take up to two years, Judge Walker's ruling is a landmark victory in America's centuries long war against discrimination, and the result of months of extraordinary work by the American Foundation for Equal Rights, Attorneys David Boies and Ted Olson, and courageous plaintiffs Kris Perry, Sandy Stier, Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo."
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