Via JMG: Cyndi Lauper Reacts

"Gay and lesbian couples have long struggled for acceptance and the ability to marry the person they love and want to build a family with. Today's landmark ruling declaring Proposition 8 unconstitutional is a testament to the fundamentals on which this great country was built and validates that the discrimination gay couples face must come to an end. We as a society should be embracing these couples and helping them make the lifelong commitment to each other that many of us straight people take for granted each and every day. This decision is a major step in the right direction towards equality.

"On behalf of the True Colors Fund and the Give a Damn Campaign, I want to commend and thank Chad Griffin and the American Foundation for Equal Rights, the legal team headed by Ted Olson and David Boies, and the plaintiffs in the case, Kris Perry & Sandy Stier and Paul Katami & Jeff Zarrillo, for their leadership and courage in standing up for equality and fairness." - Cyndi Lauper.

Labels: Cyndi Lauper, Proposition 8, straight allies

reposted from Joe

Via JMG: LGBT & Progressive Orgs React

Ted Olson & David Boies (AFER):

"We came to court to seek for Kris, Sandy, Paul and Jeff the same right to marry that all other Americans enjoy, and to ensure that they receive equal protection under the law as guaranteed to every American by the Constitution. Through its decision today, the court has acted in the best traditions of a legal system established to uphold the Constitution and the principles of equality upon which this nation was founded," said attorney Theodore B. Olson. "On no less than 14 occasions, the Supreme Court has held that marriage is a fundamental right. This decision recognizes that Proposition 8 denied the plaintiffs, and tens-of-thousands of other Californians, that fundamental constitutional right and treated them unequally." “The Supreme Court has long held that marriage is a fundamental right. Equal protection under the law is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, and this ruling affirms that universal right of every American,” plaintiff's attorney David Boies said. “Depriving the fundamental right to marry causes grievous harm to millions of Americans and their children.”

ACLU:

“Today’s decision is a huge victory for the LGBT people of America. For the first time, a federal court has conducted a trial and found that there is absolutely no reason to deny same-sex couples the fairness and dignity of marriage,” said James Esseks, Director of the ACLU Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Project. “At the same time, we know that this is not the end. In order to give this case the best possible chance of success as it moves through the appeals courts, we need to show that America is ready for same-sex couples to marry by continuing to seek marriage and other relationship protections in states across the country. It’s simply not fair, and not legal, to continue to exclude committed same-sex couples from marriage.”

Equality California:

Victory! After compelling testimony from California couples who are denied the freedom to marry, Federal District Judge Vaughn Walker ruled today that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. The case will now move to the Court of Appeals. We owe Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown a great deal of gratitude for their unprecedented decision not to defend this discriminatory measure, leaving only Andrew Pugno’s anti-LGBT extremist group to defend the case. Celebrate this incredible victory by defending it.

GLAD:

"GLAD's case and Perry seek to cure two important but different injustices," according to Mary L. Bonauto, GLAD attorney and co-lead counsel in Gill v. Office of Personnel Management. "Gill is not a right-to-marry case, since we represent couples who are already married. Rather, it is a case about federal recognition, challenging DOMA's denial of these marriages for purposes of all federal laws. DOMA is synonymous with disapproval of gay people and our families, and we seek to end Congress's different treatment of married people based simply on sexual orientation." Bonauto added, "No matter the outcome of these federal court cases, it is still imperative to continue working on a local level to secure respect for and undo all state-based discrimination against gay and lesbian families."

NGLTF:

This ruling marks a victory for loving, committed couples who want nothing more than the same rights and security as other families. From the start, this has been about basic fairness. Today we celebrate the affirmation of this fundamental principle; tomorrow, we are back out there sharing our personal stories and having conversations with Californians and people all across the country about why this matters and who we are. The tide is turning nationwide in favor of marriage equality, but our work is far from over. Today’s ruling is just a beginning step in what will likely be a long process, yet we are confident that fairness will prevail. Our conversations are breaking down barriers and helping to transform our country.

Human Rights Campaign:

“After hearing extensive evidence in support of marriage equality, and essentially no defense of the discrimination wrought by Prop 8, Judge Walker reached the same conclusion we have always known to be true – the Constitution’s protections are for all Americans, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “We thank the courageous plaintiff couples, the American Foundation for Equal Rights, and attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies for their tremendous efforts leading to today’s decision and their ongoing commitment as the case moves forward on appeal. The battle for marriage equality continues, and we must all continue our work – in courthouses and statehouses, in church pews and living rooms – until equality is reality for LGBT people and our families everywhere.”

Labels: California, LGBT History, LGBT rights, Proposition 8

reposted from Joe

Via Courage Campaign:

Dear Daniel --

Judge Vaughn Walker just released his decision, ruling that PROP 8 IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL!

Judge Walker's federal court decision is an historic milestone in the fight for full equality, but it is only a first step: The decision will inevitably be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

After denying Americans the opportunity to watch this historic trial on television, Prop 8 campaign leaders and extreme right-wing organizations like the National Organization for Marriage and Focus on the Family will stop at nothing to delegitimize this decision before it ever reaches the Supreme Court.

But this time, we're fighting back by launching our biggest campaign ever -- an unprecedented online storytelling project to bring the Prop 8 trial into the lives of the American people and transform the debate over marriage equality.

As the next phase in our year-long "Testimony: Equality on Trial" project, our new campaign will empower same-sex couples, their families, and allies to fundamentally change the conversation about same-sex marriage in America -- establishing today's ruling as the social and cultural foundation for victory in the Supreme Court.

To defend Judge Walker's historic decision, we need to go on offense against the Prop 8 campaign, NOM and Focus on the Family. That's why Tom Dolby and Drew Frist, just married last year, have pledged to contribute $25,000 if our community can match it in the next 48 hours. Will you help us make the match and defend Judge Walker's decision in the court of public opinion? Click here to contribute $25, $50, $100 or more right now! DEADLINE: FRIDAY, 11:59 PM:

http://www.couragecampaign.org/DefendTheDecision

Ted Olson, the legendary attorney who teamed up with one-time adversary David Boies to successfully lead this case against Prop 8, said it better than anyone:

"If there was ever a trial in the history of our country that the American people should have seen, it was this one."

I couldn't agree more. To prevent the right-wing from spouting the same lies that were debunked and destroyed in Judge Walker's courtroom, we must translate today's victory in court to victory in the hearts and minds of Americans.

That's why we collected nearly 140,000 signatures to televise the Prop 8 trial -- a campaign cited in a dissenting opinion to the the Supreme Court's 5-4 decision against broadcast. It's also why we launched the Prop 8 Trial Tracker and the NOM Tour Tracker -- generating more than 2.5 million views and 44,121 comments combined. And it's why we are bringing this trial to life across America with the next phase of Testimony: Equality on Trial.

Today's historic decision must be defended in the court of public opinion. That's why Tom Dolby and Drew Frist have stepped up to make a $25,000 matching grant challenge to the Courage community so we can fight back together against the right-wing's framing of this trial, all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. But we need your help now to make the match in the next 48 hours. Click here to contribute $25, $50, $100 or whatever you can afford. DEADLINE: FRIDAY, 11:59 PM:

http://www.couragecampaign.org/DefendTheDecision

Thank you for all you have done to make today's victory possible. With your ongoing support, full equality will eventually be the law of the land.

Rick Jacobs
Chair, Courage Campaign Institute 

Courage Campaign Institute is a part of the Courage Campaign's multi-issue online organizing network that empowers more than 700,000 grassroots and netroots supporters to push for progressive change and full equality in California and across the country. To get involved in the Courage Campaign Institute, visit "Testimony: Equality on Trial" -- our year-long campaign to bring the Prop 8 trial into the lives of Americans.

To power our campaign to defend the Prop 8 decision, please chip in what you can today:

Via Judy Shepard:

Judy Shepard: Prop 8 Verdict ‘Moves America Closer to Its Ideals’ Says Victory for Plaintiffs ‘Proves the Power of Personal Stories’ DENVER, Colo. — A sweeping federal court verdict invalidating California’s ban on same-sex marriages “moves America closer to its ideals of respecting individual freedom and treating all citizens equally under the law,” Matthew Shepard Foundation board president Judy Shepard said Wednesday. Shepard, the mother of 1998 Wyoming anti-gay hate crime victim Matthew Shepard, serves on the advisory board of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which filed the legal challenge to the ban in May on behalf of citizens denied marriages by the 2008 law narrowly approved by voters. “These plaintiffs are law-abiding, family-oriented, tax-paying citizens whose privacy was invaded, and whose dignity was affronted, by a misguided and unconstitutional law,” Shepard continued. “Their victory at trial shows that our courts still play a vital role in safeguarding the rights of minorities from majorities who misunderstand them. But more importantly, it proves the power of personal stories. Equal marriage rights are ultimately about people’s families, and during the trial, their personal need for legal recognition of their relationships came through loud and clear,” she added. “After Matt came out to me, he once asked me if I thought gay couples would ever be allowed to get married,” Shepard recalled. “I told him I didn’t think it would happen in my lifetime, but it probably would in his. It’s so sad, and ironic, that it turned out the other way. But this case warms my heart, to think that his dream is still coming true.” Judy Shepard and her husband Dennis established the Matthew Shepard Foundation in 1998 after their son’s murder in Laramie, Wyoming, to honor him in a manner appropriate to his dreams, beliefs and aspirations. The Foundation seeks to “Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion and Acceptance” through its educational, outreach and advocacy programs and by continuing to tell Matthew’s story. The Matthew Shepard Foundation was founded by Dennis and Judy Shepard in memory of their 21-year old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming in October 1998. Created to honor Matthew in a manner that was appropriate to his dreams, beliefs and aspirations, the Foundation seeks to "Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion & Acceptance" through its varied educational, outreach and advocacy programs and by continuing to tell Matthew's story. Tell a Friend!

Via HRC:

Dear Daniel, BREAKING NEWS: Federal judge declares Prop. 8 unconstitutional! The two loving couples who were plaintiffs in this case deserve our gratitude. Let's thank them. Today we moved a step closer to full equality. After the first-ever federal trial on whether it's legal to ban same-sex couples from marrying, the district court ruled that Proposition 8 violated the U.S. Constitution. This court's ruling will undoubtedly be appealed, so our struggle is far from over. But it was a tremendous step forward for equality and a critical win. The two courageous couples who acted as plaintiffs in this suit opened up their lives to months of public scrutiny and helped bring about this victory, fighting alongside the legal team of Ted Olson, David Boies and the American Foundation for Equal Rights. They deserve our gratitude. Will you take a moment to thank them? Send a quick note of thanks and support – and tell your friends to do the same. Here is another way to get involved. Today, people in cities across the country will be gathering for peaceful "Day of Decision" rallies to take advantage of this moment and show the broad support for marriage equality among both LGBT and straight Americans. Find out if there's a rally near you. This case was a landmark. Over the course of the months-long trial, the plaintiffs introduced substantial testimony and evidence to finally show that Prop. 8 had discriminatory motivations – and that same-sex couples are entitled to equal rights. Because this is a district court decision and will most likely be appealed, it may not have an immediate effect on marriage bans in California or any other states. Nonetheless, it's a significant moment. It's a vindication of the grassroots work we've done across the country to give every loving couple the same rights – and a shot of momentum to continue that work. The trial also showed that the other side remains as ferocious as ever. Not content with simply defending Prop. 8, they tried to persuade the judge to stop California state agencies from recognizing the marriages of the 18,000 same-sex couples who tied the knot in the months before Prop. 8 passed. So without question, the forces of bigotry will appeal this ruling. After the Court of Appeals, this case could very well end up before the highest court in the land – just another reason we must fight to get fair-minded judges like Elena Kagan on the Supreme Court. We know we will prevail in the end. Because we are on the right side of history and the law. Because public opinion is increasingly in our favor. Because even conservatives like Ted Olson – who argued for the George W. Bush side in Bush v. Gore – share a passion for this cause. But it will take more sacrifice and more grueling hard work. It will take more people like you standing up for what you believe – and more heroes like the plaintiffs in this case refusing to accept second-class status. Please send a quick note thanking these couples. Then spread the word. Thanks for your continued support on this defining issue. Sincerely, Joe Solmonese President This link is specific to you, so please take action on this campaign before you forward to your friends. Having trouble clicking on the links above? Simply copy and paste this URL into your browser's address bar to fill out and share the survey: https://secure3.convio.net/hrc/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=900

© 2010 The Human Rights Campaign. All rights reserved. Human Rights Campaign | http://www.hrc.org/ 1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-3278 Phone: 202/628-4160 TTY: 202/216-1572 Fax: 202/347-5323

Do not reply to this email. This inbox is not monitored on a regular basis. Replies to this email will not be read or responded to. If you would like to unsubscribe from a specific Human Rights Campaign list, or update your account settings, you can visit your Subscription Management Page.

Via NCLR:

Forward to a Friend | View in Browser | Sent to orey@csus.edu (change / unsubscribe) Victory in the Federal Challenge to Prop 8! 08.04.10 Today, in Perry v. Schwarzenegger, the federal lawsuit challenging Prop 8, Judge Vaughn R. Walker of the U.S. District Court in San Francisco ruled that Prop 8 is unconstitutional and violates the United States Constitution’s guarantees of due process and equal protection of the laws. Today’s groundbreaking decision affirms that the law cannot treat people differently based on their sexual orientation and that a majority cannot strip a minority group of its fundamental freedoms at the ballot box. Judge Walker ruled that there truly is no substance to the arguments of those who would deny marriage equality to same-sex couples. This is a victory for same-sex couples and our families, who simply want the dignity and security of having the same freedom to marry as others, as well as for all Americans who believe in our nation’s bedrock principle of fairness. Today is a day for the history books. Yours truly, Kate Kendell Executive Director, NCLR P.S. You can read my statement on this historic ruling here. Are you not Friend of NCLR? Click here to update your information. You are receiving this e-mail because you are subscribed to our Breaking News list. To update your information or to unsubscribe, click on the link below. Unsubscribe The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. NCLR’s life- and law-changing work depends on the support of individuals like you. Donate now using our secure website.   NCLR National Office  415.392.6257  |  Complete Contact Information  |  Feedback  | Copyright © 1999-2009 NCLR  |  Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy  |  http://www.nclrights.org/

Via EQCA:

August 4, 2010
Dear Daniel, Victory! After compelling testimony from California couples who are denied the freedom to marry, Federal District Judge Vaughn Walker ruled today that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. The case will now move to the Court of Appeals. We owe Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown a great deal of gratitude for their unprecedented decision not to defend this discriminatory measure, leaving only Andrew Pugno’s anti-LGBT extremist group to defend the case. Celebrate this incredible victory by defending it. Will you give just $1 a day to help California’s largest LGBT Political Action Committee elect a governor and attorney general who will refuse to appeal this ruling? The state refused to defend its own law, keeping its skilled lawyers and legal resources out of this case. No doubt, this was a factor in today’s victory. Ensuring that the state continues to refuse to stand for bigotry will become even more vital as the case moves up to the Ninth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) has already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to help candidates who support changing the state’s position in the case and who oppose marriage equality. We’ve come too far to let them succeed. Stand up to NOM and help Equality California defeat anti-equality candidates including Meg Whitman and Yes on 8’s lead attorney Andrew Pugno! The legal team brought together by the American Foundation for Equal Rights and the City and County of San Francisco did an excellent job of making the case for equality. Now it is up to us to ensure that the State of California doesn’t oppose them on appeal. We can be the margin of victory this November. Please make as generous of a donation as you can. Just $1 a day will make a very real difference. In solidarity, Geoff Kors Executive Director Equality California	Defend Today's Decision No doubt: the state’s refusal to defend Prop. 8 was a factor in today’s victory. Maintaining this position is even more vital as the case moves up to the Ninth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. What does today’s decision mean? Join EQCA’s Marriage Director, Mark Solomon, tomorrow evening at 5 p.m. for a special online town hall meeting. Click here to get instructions on how to join us. Online townhall details> Celebrate! Join the LGBT community at a rally to celebrate today's decision and recommit ourselves to restoring marriage equality. Events are happening across the state. Find an event >

Via Freedom to Marry:

Daniel, We are one step closer to winning the freedom to marry nationwide. Just moments ago, a federal court struck down the discriminatory Proposition 8 constitutional amendment in California and affirmed the constitutional right of same-sex couples to marry. The case, Perry v. Schwarzenegger, was filed on behalf of two same-sex couples -- Kris Perry and Sandy Stier and Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo -- who wish to marry but cannot because of Proposition 8. This important ruling wouldn't have been possible without the active support of people like you. To build on this win and to show the world what's possible when we stand together against discrimination, add your name to the growing list of people committed to equality and making a difference -- "I'm helping defeat Prop 8": http://freedomtomarry.org/HelpDefeatProp8 Judge Walker's decision will be appealed and litigation will continue, but what we witnessed in the clear light of his courtroom cannot be erased. The witnesses, evidence, and arguments all demonstrated what we've long known: exclusion from marriage harms committed same-sex couples and their families, while helping no one. As today's trial court ruling is appealed and defended, there is much left to accomplish across the country. A staggering 45 states continue to deny same-sex couples the freedom to marry, and federal marriage discrimination persists. After today's ruling, the crucial work of changing hearts and minds, securing the freedom to marry in more states, and ending federal marriage discrimination is more urgent than ever. Judicial wins like this one are only one part of Freedom to Marry's Roadmap to Victory. Courts don't operate in a vacuum, and to maximize the chances of winning on appeal, it's now up to us to move the opinions of people in our own communities, and to encourage decision-makers (including appellate judges) to do the right thing and end exclusion from marriage. That starts by showing the world that you support the freedom to marry for all committed couples: http://freedomtomarry.org/HelpDefeatProp8 Thank you so much for making today possible. Let's celebrate now, and then get back to work. Evan Wolfson Executive Director, Freedom to Marry

via AFER:

Dear Daniel, Watch and discuss the team's reactions to the decision LIVE. Go Now Today’s biggest story will be the court’s decision to rule in favor of equality over discrimination and truth over fear. The media is eager to hear the reactions of our legal team and plaintiffs to this historic decision. We would like to invite you to be part of this important press conference as our team talks about our plan to continue fighting after the opposition's inevitable appeal - a process that will ultimately go to the Supreme Court. We are broadcasting it LIVE on our website. The press conference is beginning right now. Watch and discuss LIVE with supporters across the country. Events like these are a unique opportunity to get the news unfiltered. You can hear for yourself what the ruling means for people today and tomorrow, what the top legal minds anticipate in the case during the weeks and months ahead, and its impact on our four plaintiffs - Sandy, Kris, Paul and Jeff. See you online. Sincerely, Adam Umhoefer Senior Project Director American Foundation for Equal Rights PS: While there is much to celebrate, remember that the opposition is appealing the decision. We will need your continued support to defend marriage equality. Please donate.

Via JMG: The Gay Roe V. Wade

"Many expect this case ultimately to be decided by the United States Supreme Court. In less than two years — before the 2012 elections — we could be facing a Roe v. Wade-like ruling on marriage from the Supreme Court, striking down the marriage laws of 45 states, forcing same-sex marriage on the entire nation.

"I can’t put it more starkly: This case will decide the future of marriage in the United States. Losing is simply not an option. We need your help today. If each of us do what we can – whether it’s $10 or $10,000 – we will help ensure that marriage receives the strongest possible defense at every stage of this journey. Please visit www.Prop8Case.com to make your most generous gift to the NOM Legal Defense Fund right now. All gifts are tax-deductible. Thank you. Standing together, we will be victorious." - NOM president Brian Brown, anticipating losing today.

Labels: bigotry, Brian Brown, NOM, Proposition 8, religion

reposted from Joe

Message to Target & Best Buy: Make It Right!

TODAY: Proposition 8 Day Of Decision Rallies Planned Nationwide

45 Cities and Growing!

Veteran reporter Rex Wockner has compiled a growing list of rallies (and hopefully, celebrations) to take place around the nation today shortly after the release of the Prop 8 decision. A sampling:

LOS ANGELES: 6 p.m. | West Hollywood Park | 647 N. San Vicente
SAN DIEGO: March: 6 p.m. @ 6th & University | Rally: 7 p.m. @ LGBT Community Center | 3909 Centre St
SAN FRANCISCO: 5 p.m. | Castro & Market
LONG BEACH: 6 p.m. | Bixby Park | Junipero & Cherry @ Broadway
SACRAMENTO: 6 p.m. | Party | K & 21st | In the unlikely event Judge Walker rules against teh gay, there will be a march to the Capitol
SAN JOSE: 6 p.m. | Billy DeFrank Center | 983 the Alameda

New York City's event will take place in downtown Manhattan at the New York Supreme Court, 60 Centre Street, at 7pm. I hope to see all of you there! Hit Wockner's link for an event in your hometown. And below is a great advance video about today's rallies from JMG reader Sean Chapin.

Labels: activism, California, LGBT rights, marriage equality, Perry v Schwarzenengger, Proposition 8

reposted from Joe

Bristol Palin's Homecoming

From the Courage Campaign:

Dear Daniel --

Judge Vaughn Walker has just announced that he will release his federal court decision on Proposition 8 on Wednesday (August 4)!

While the decision will very likely be immediately appealed -- eventually winding up in the U.S. Supreme Court -- this will be a moment that you and your friends will remember for the rest of your lives. 

You can be the first to know Judge Walker's ruling by following Testimony: Equality On Trial on Facebook and sharing the news with your friends. We will be providing live updates, including Judge Walker's ruling, actions you can take, and how to plug in to local Day of Decision rallies in your community.

Just click here to get the decision first on Facebook. All you have to do is "like" the Testimony: Equality on Trial fanpage to show your support for marriage equality. Then click on "Suggest to Friends" and ask your friends to stand with us in this historic moment:

http://www.facebook.com/EqualityOnTrial

No matter how Judge Walker rules, we must be ready as a community to show our continuing support for equality. If you know people who want to hear about Judge Walker's decision the moment it breaks, please forward this message to your friends right now and ask them to join you.

Thank you for standing up for equality on this historic day.

Andy Kelley
New Media Organizer, Courage Campaign

P.S. You can also find in-depth coverage and live discussions before and after Judge Walker's ruling at our Prop 8 Trial Tracker web site, which now has garnered more than 2.5 million views and 44,016 comments:

http://prop8trialtracker.com  

Courage Campaign Institute is a part of the Courage Campaign's multi-issue online organizing network that empowers more than 700,000 grassroots and netroots supporters to push for progressive change and full equality in California and across the country. To get involved in the Courage Campaign Institute, visit "Testimony: Equality on Trial" -- our year-long campaign to bring the Prop 8 trial into the lives of Americans.

To power our campaign for equality, please chip in what you can today: