via sacbee:

Gay couples in Sacramento area rejoice over Prop. 8 ruling but have to wait to wed
By Cynthia Hubert

Within an hour after a federal judge declared that gay people in California have the right to marry, Wendy Rae Hill gathered her partner, two children and mother and headed to the Sacramento County clerk's office. - Read More

Via o Globo: Juiz derruba proposição que impede casamento gay na Califórnia

Para juiz federal, proposição 8 viola a Constituição norte-americana.
Aprovada há 2 anos por californianos, proposta vetava união homossexual.

Do G1, com agências internacionais *

imprimir

A Corte Federal de São Francisco, na Califórnia, derrubou nesta quarta-feira (4) a proposição 8, que havia impedido os casamentos entre pessoas do mesmo sexo no estado norte-americano.

Na decisão, o juiz federal Vaughn Walker afirma que a proposição, aprovada por referendo em 2008, é "inconstitucional", já que viola o 14º artigo da Constituição americana, que prevê proteção igual a todos os cidadãos.

Spencer Jones (esq) beija o marido Tyler Barrick após ouvirem decisão em frente à Corte Federal em São Francisco, na Califórnia (Foto: Jeff Chiu / AP)

A decisão foi uma resposta à ação impetrada por um casal de lésbicas que questionava a proposta 8, cuja aprovação em novembro de 2008 por 52% dos californianos anulou a decisão da Suprema Corte de Justiça do estado que autorizava os casamentos gays.
Nem os adversários nem os partidários do casamento homossexual acreditam que esta seja a decisão final sobre o caso. Ambos os lados disseram que a decisão deve ser objeto de recurso e, eventualmente, deve acabar na Suprema Corte dos EUA.

Schwarzenegger comemora
Pelo Twitter, o governador da Califórnia, Arnold Schwazenegger, comemorou a decisão do juiz. "Esta decisão confirma as completas proteções legais e as garantias que acredito que todos merecem", postou.
Na declaração completa, publicada no site do governo, o governador diz que o juiz "ouviu em profundidade todos os argumentos de ambos os lados sobre as questões fundamentais do devido processo legal, da igual proteção e da liberdade da discriminação".

Ao mesmo tempo, afirma Schwazenegger, a decisão "fornece uma oportunidade para todos os californianos para considerar a nossa história de liderar o caminho para o futuro, e nossa crescente reputação de tratar todas as pessoas e suas relações com igual respeito e dignidade."
*(Com informações da Reuters, France Presse e EFE)

via tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com

Prop 8 Ruled Unconstitutional

A federal judge in California has ruled that Prop 8 -- the voter initiative that banned gay marriage -- is unconstitutional, CNN and NYT are reporting. Supporters of Prop 8 (that is, opponents of gay marriage) have already promised to...

Via MSN

• California Gay Marriage Ban Overturned
  A federal judge's decision to overturn voter-approved Proposition 8 is likely to be appealed.
• Mormon church regrets ruling
• Video: Ruling likely not last word on Proposition 8

Sam Harris

Judge Strikes Down Proposition 8! Equal rights for all in 2010!

Via JMG: Lady Gaga Reacts

Labels: gay icons, Lady Gaga, Proposition 8

posted by Joe

Rachel via JMG

Via JMG: Speaker Pelosi Reacts

Labels: California, Nancy Pelosi, Proposition 8

reposted from Joe

This from a great former student in Fairbanks:

Btw: woopie here in California! We are still married!

Well - honestly folks will always be married.

End of story there. Enough folks will keep standing

up for what is simply right. Not special, not different, just right.

I believe with every fiber of my being that the force of good is

much more powerful than the force of evil.

The cretins will never 'get it'.

But it is cause for the happy dance that it is still legal - HOORAY and CONGRATS

for sadly - another teeny tiny step in the right direction.

 Dang, I cannot even imagine as to how frustrating and - gadzooks - even ANGERING

- that is.   It just shouldn't be.

Just as no human being can be illegal.

Love cannot be legislated.

It is just stupid.

Ah, but I am prolly just 'preaching to the choir'.

hugs

cbs

At the Celebration in Midtown Sacramento

Via Sacbee: Judge rules Proposition 8 unconstitutional

Judge rules Proposition 8 unconstitutional

By Susan Ferriss and Cynthia Hubert - Updated: 4:34 pm

Federal Judge Vaughn R. Walker issued a landmark decision today by overturning Proposition 8, finding that California's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage violates the federal constitutional rights of gay people.

• Proposition 8 photo gallery
• Mormon church 'regrets' gay marriage ruling
• Forum: Is Prop. 8 unconstitutional?
• Read the decision overturning Proposition 8

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/prop8/#ixzz0vgZpQkFL

Via Belirco: Our Constitution Is a Living, Breathing Document

Reading the words of Judge Walker moves me deeply. Once again, our constitution is a living, breathing document, and today it protects our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, just as it should protect all people and peoples when the government treats them unequally because of who they are.

Our community should take great pride in this ruling--all of us. For while the ruling is the direct result of a wise judge and a skilled legal team, the conditions that enabled this ruling are the result of the brave, courageous, and hard work of so, so many, in California and elsewhere. Equal protection and due process are abstract legal concepts until we, individually and collectively, bring them to life. Only nine years ago, in 2001, when I first got involved in the fight for marriage equality in Massachusetts, there were many--including a large number in our own community--who argued that asserting the right to marry would hurt our cause dramatically, even leading to the reversal of the most basic civil rights laws protecting our community.

But those fears did not prevail because same-sex couples and LGBT individuals--and those who love and care about them--knew what was right, and stood up and made strong, brave and compelling cases for their own love and dignity. It's not that they weren't afraid--many who I knew, in Massachusetts, California and elsewhere--were frightened about speaking out authentically about their lives. But they did it anyway, because they knew of its fundamental importance. And not one person that I know regretted afterwards having done so
Continue reading "Our Constitution Is a Living, Breathing Document" »

Via Belirico: Good Riddance Prop 8

Well, it's official: Proposition 8 is history - hopefully, for good. Today, U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn R. Walker ruled that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional and violates the United States Constitution's guarantees of due process and equal protection of the laws. The ruling is a tour de force--a grand slam on every count.
The court held that Prop 8 violates the fundamental right to marry and discriminates on the basis of both sex and sexual orientation in violation of the equal protection clause. The court held that laws that discriminate based on sexual orientation must be subject to the highest level of constitutional review, but that Prop 8 would fail even the lowest test, because it is based solely on moral disapproval of gay people. The court made detailed findings of fact about all of the evidence presented and the credibility of the witnesses.
This is without a doubt a game-changing ruling. Today's decision is the most comprehensive, detailed decision addressing the constitutional rights of same-sex couples to affirmative recognition and support ever to be issued by a federal court. There are many "money quotes" in the decision but among them:
Continue reading "Good Riddance Prop 8" »

infoMania 8.5.2010 Sneak Peek: Sissy Commercials: That's Gay

Via the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center:

VICTORY! (08-04) 13:54 PDT from:  SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE  US District Judge Vaughn Walker today struck down Proposition 8, the voter-passed November 2008 initiative that defined marriage as the union of a man and a woman.  The Judge found that the ban on same-sex marriage violated the constitutional due process and equal protection rights of a pair of couples - one lesbian and one gay - who sued.  "California is able to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples," Walker wrote, "as it has already issued 18,000 marriage licenses to same-sex couples and has not suffered any demonstrated harm as a result." Read more: San Francisco Chronicle  A press conference is scheduled on the steps of the Gay & Lesbian Center, 1927 L Street, at 4:00 today.  A party is planned for tonight at 6:00 at K Street and 21st in Midtown, in the parking lot behind McMartin's Realty.  Come join in the Celebration!  Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Sacramento's Equality Action Now, a grassroots civil rights organization said. "Today, we will dance in the streets to celebrate our equality with our fellow Californians and thank all of our allies. While this is a huge step towards equal rights for same-sex marriages, it is well understood that the positive ruling in this case will serve as the bases for an appeal from the Yes on Prop 8 side. Opponents of same-sex marriages will continue their fight by using every available means legally, as well as in the public arena to deny full and equal rights to LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex) individuals. So tomorrow we will continue to build bridges to other communities by coming out and telling our personal stories".     Wendy Rae Hill, Executive Director of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center pointed out, "as witnessed in the this trial, what the proponents of same-sex marriage have on their side is the Constitution and evidence that no one can dispute the fact that same-sex marriages will do no harm to the institution of marriage. On the other hand there is an abundance of evidence that same-sex marriages will actually serve to strengthen our society and family structure as in the case of my own family".     Organizations throughout the state and here in Sacramento are urging the community "to continue to amplify the themes underscored by Olson/Boies which focused on the inclusion and integration of LGBT people within the legal protections enjoyed by all Americans and framed this current controversy within the larger historical context of past discriminatory laws that have been eliminated. In this way, marriage discrimination against the LGBT community is seen as one more instance of unfounded bias and prejudice that is eliminated and is consistent with the enduring American principle of extending Constitutional protections and fairness to all people". "Today our response to Judge Walker's ruling includes reaching out in fellowship and compassion to those who voted for Proposition 8 in 2008 out of fear and lack of information. Just like the evolution of Governor Schwarzenegger, U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein and San Diego Mayor and Prop 8 trial witness Jerry Sanders, we need to ensure we celebrate with a grace that allows people to evolve in their position towards marriage equality with dignity and join us as we move forward. We need to ensure we do not view this win as a zero sum game against our adversaries - but rather the unfolding of a more inclusive, kind, loving country for everyone". Equality Action Now: www.equalityactionnow.org - tina@equalityactionnow.org - 916.446.1082 Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center: www.saccenter.org - 916.442.0185 To volunteer contact: Rachel Hogue: rhsacramento@gmail.com To contribute to this event: http://equalityactionnow.org/support.php To be placed on EAN's Text Network: Hilary Hodge - sacnowfeminist@yahoo.com For National Prop 8 Trial Tracker text "EQUAL" to 69866. Gay & Lesbian Center Membership The Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center raises funds from many sources, but many people don't know this is a membership organization!  You can become a member and help support the Center with a pledge for a monthly donation.  Brochures and information are available at the Center, at Center activities, and on the "donate" link on the Center website, www.saccenter.org.   Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center 1927 L Street Sacramento, CA 95811  P(916) 442-0185 F (916) 325-1840 www.SacCenter.org  www.SacramentoPride.org

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Via Advocate: The White House Reacts

White House Statement on Proposition 8

By Kerry Eleveld

A White House spokesperson sent the following statement to The Advocate regarding Wednesday's ruling declaring Proposition 8 unconstitutional:

“The President has spoken out in opposition to Proposition 8 because it is divisive and discriminatory. He will continue to promote equality for LGBT Americans.”

Vai JMG: Ted Olson Comments on Prop 8 Being Ruled Unconstitutional

Via ACLU:

Dear ACLU Supporter, Sign the ACLU pledge to keep working until same-sex couples are allowed to marry everywhere in America. It's a great day for fairness! In a decision that dramatically alters the landscape on marriage fairness, a federal judge has struck down California's Proposition 8—the ballot initiative that excluded same-sex couples from marriage in the state. Today's ruling makes clear that Prop 8 is unconstitutional and strikes at the heart of the extremist-driven campaign to deny same-sex couples the freedom to marry. And it's a huge turning point in the decades-long struggle for equality. Prop 8 proponents have already announced that they will appeal this first-ever federal court decision striking down a gay marriage ban. And it is likely that this case will eventually end up in the Supreme Court. You can help pave the way for victory there. Sign the ACLU pledge to keep working until same-sex couples are allowed to marry everywhere in America. Today's ruling shows that we can stop extremist forces who want to impose their own narrow view of morality on the rest of us. But we must do more than that. We must demonstrate that there is a national consensus in support of marriage and other relationship protections for same-sex couples in states across the country. Every step forward will make it harder for the Supreme Court to rule that Prop 8 and similar exclusions from marriage are consistent with the Constitution. That's why it's so essential to win more victories as critical same-sex marriage bills and relationships lawsuits are decided in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Maryland, Montana and elsewhere. The ACLU is centrally involved in each of these efforts—and we need you to stand with us. The more victories we win, the harder it will be for extremists intent on blocking our progress to succeed. Commit to working until same-sex couples are allowed to marry all across America. Sign the ACLU Pledge. You can count on the ACLU to defend LGBT rights in courtrooms, classrooms, and legislative hearings all across the nation. But we can't do it without you. Thanks for standing with us. Sincerely, James Esseks Director, ACLU LGBT Project P.S. This can be a dramatic turning point, but only if we commit to building on today's landmark decision. Please sign the ACLU Pledge to keep working until victory is achieved. And please, pass this message on so that we can add more voices to our call for equality. © ACLU, 125 Broad Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10004

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