Todays Best Repost:

Charter for Compassion

The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there, and to honour the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.

It is also necessary in both public and private life to refrain consistently and empathically from inflicting pain. To act or speak violently out of spite, chauvinism, or self-interest, to impoverish, exploit or deny basic rights to anybody, and to incite hatred by denigrating others—even our enemies—is a denial of our common humanity. We acknowledge that we have failed to live compassionately and that some have even increased the sum of human misery in the name of religion.

We therefore call upon all men and women ~ to restore compassion to the centre of morality and religion ~ to return to the ancient principle that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred or disdain is illegitimate ~ to ensure that youth are given accurate and respectful information about other traditions, religions and cultures ~ to encourage a positive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity ~ to cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings—even those regarded as enemies.

We urgently need to make compassion a clear, luminous and dynamic force in our polarized world. Rooted in a principled determination to transcend selfishness, compassion can break down political, dogmatic, ideological and religious boundaries. Born of our deep interdependence, compassion is essential to human relationships and to a fulfilled humanity. It is the path to enlightenment, and indispensible to the creation of a just economy and a peaceful global community.

The best idea humanity has ever had…

Quote of the Day

"Freedom from discrimination based upon sexual orientation is surely a Fundamental Human Right in any great democracy, as much as racial, freedom from religious, gender, or ethnic discrimination."   -- Coretta Scott King

Randy Rainbow is dating Mel Gibson

Gay Games Bodybuilder - Age 62!

PRESS ADVISORY - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAME SEX COUPLES MAKE WEDDING PREPARATIONS IN HOPE OF JUDGE LIFTING STAY OF PROP. 8 RULING

Media Contacts:       
Molly McKay, Media Director (510) 332-0872, media@marriageequality.org 

Pamela Brown, Policy Director (510) 384-3655, policy@marriageequality.org

Oakland, California:   Same-sex couples are making preparations this weekend to tie the knot on Monday if Judge Vaughn Walker lifts the stay of his historic ruling finding Proposition 8 unconstitutional.  Couples are busy picking out wedding rings, planning ceremonies and celebrations, and filling out marriage license applications.

Eric Ross, who hopes to marry his fiance, said, "We are shopping for wedding rings this weekend that will symbolize our love and commitment to each other.  We are very hopeful that the Judge will lift the stay." 

Vanessa Judicpa, will exchange vows with her partner Maria Ydil in a long-planned wedding ceremony with friends and family on Sunday evening.  She and Maria had hoped to marry immediately after Judge Walker's decision was issued and received an application prior to the Stay being issued.  She hopes to be able to marry Maria legally on Monday.  "Our dearest family and friends will join us Sunday to celebrate our lives together.  Maria and I could imagine no better wedding gift than to marry legally in California on Monday."

Teresa Rowe, and Kristen Orbin, from Solano County will receive a blessing of hope that they can marry soon from MCC Church in San Francisco where they are regular attendees.  MCC Church is located at 150 Eureka St in San Francisco and services are at 11am. "We will head straight to City Hall the second the stay is lifted but it is really important to us to also have a ceremony at our church afterwards.  We thought for a second the stay might be lifted this weekend and my entire retail store where I work was ready to shut down and go with us."

Thom Watson, who hopes to legally marry his life partner Jeff Tabaco next week, stated, "Last year we had what otherwise would have been a perfect wedding celebration at the historic Cliff House, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, but we couldn't marry legally because of Proposition 8.  This weekend we are filling out our marriage license application so if the stay is lifted we can have a fully legal marriage just as everyone else can." 

There are several more couples available to share their lives and speak to press as well.

"My wife, Davina and I have enjoyed wedded bliss for the last two years of our 14 years together- it was awful when Proposition 8 slammed the door behind us.  We are so happy that all couples who are ready to make the commitment of marriage will be able to legally marry again in California and don't have to fly to Iowa or Argentina to be married.  We are so grateful to our Governor and our Attorney General for encouraging Judge Walker to lift the stay of his ruling quickly so that all loving, committed couples in California can live out their dream of legally marrying the one they love," said Molly McKay, MEUSA Media Director, "It's great being just an old married couple."

"Marriage is a fundamental right and while everyone is free to express their personal opinion, no one should ever be able to vote to take that fundamental right away," said Pamela Brown, MEUSA Policy Director. "Eighteen thousand same-sex couples married and the defense presented no credible evidence to show the State suffered any harm as a result, because only good comes from allowing loving couples the right to marry.  As we wind through the lengthy legal process, same-sex couples should not have to continue to suffer the denial of this fundamental right.  Let freedom ring and let marriage equality return."

Founded in 1998, Marriage Equality USA is a national grassroots organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation.  For more information go to www.marriageequality.org

50 pts to Mrs Boxer!

Dear Friend,

On Wednesday, in a long-awaited and historic decision, Judge Vaughn Walker struck down Proposition 8, ruling that the Constitution protected the fundamental right of marriage for all couples in California.

When Judge Walker's ruling was announced, Barbara Boxer declared:

"This historic decision is a step forward in the march toward equal rights and reflects a growing legal consensus that marriage equality is protected by the U.S. Constitution."

But we know that there is so much more work to do to ensure equality.

Click here to let Barbara know where you stand in this important fight. Join me and sign her petition in favor of equality.

Thank you for standing with me and supporting marriage equality in California.

"Prop 8 - The Musical" starring Jack Black, John C. Reilly, and many more...

"Prop 8 - The Musical" starring Jack Black, John C. Reilly, and many more... from Jack Black

Via Belirico: The War on Intellectualism

It seems there is a new threat to our country- an insidious danger that is seeping into our homes and everyday lives that must be stopped at any cost. That threat is intellectualism.

We have heard some of the buzzwords of this political season- Folksy, Joe Six-pack, Elitist, and Arugula Eating. It seems the new "culture war" or wedge issue is intelligence. The Vice-Presidential debate only solidified the lines in this war. On one side, you had Palin- full of "folksy charm" and "you betcha" language. Then you had Biden, who had a command of the issues, but was called "boring" and (gasp!) "professorial" by the pundits.

 make the jump here to read the full article

Via Mother Jones:

What's Next for Same-Sex Marriage Rights?

A top civil rights lawyer looks at the year ahead.

— Mac McClelland

Sesame Street: Grover discusses What Is Marriage?

Via Belirico: Will Judge Walker's Decision Hold Up In the Supreme Court?

As has been reiterated by every single commentator on this case, ad nauseam, Judge Walker's decision is the first step on a long road that will culminate in the United State Supreme Court.
But no one is taking much of a position on the real question: Will Judge Walker's decision hold up in the Supreme Court?
That's a question that requires a crystal ball, but there are some indicators that we can use to try to begin to get a handle around this question.
I distrust any analysis that is based solely on the perceived political preferences of the Justices.
While the politics of a judge is one factor to be considered, legal analysis is much, much more than that.

Continue reading "Will Judge Walker's Decision Hold Up In the Supreme Court?" »

via JMG: Target Gets 240,000 Boycott Petitions

From this clip's description:

Irate activists visited Target HQ to extend the boycott of Target Stores for the $150,000 contribution the corporation made to a group supporting Republican Tom Emmer. Emmer is seen as an enemy of LGBT people, immigrants and other groups. Randi Reitan, the woman seen on YouTube last week cutting up her Target charge card to protest Target's action was joined by her husband Phillip and Son Jacob to deliver signatures of 240,000 people across the nation to the Target CEO. Target security blocked the public skyway entrance leading to the 2nd floor lobby forcing the group to deliver their petitions to the foot of the frozen escalator. Later, a Minneapolis police Lt said that Target was very happy to have you here.

Labels: 2010 elections, boycotts, Minnesota, Target

reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Right Wing Attacks Judge Walker & Gay Rights

Posted on Comments in Sac Bee:

Via SacBee: Schwarzenegger urges judge to let gay marriages resume at once

By Kevin Yamamura and Susan Ferriss

In a surprising court filing, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger asked Friday that gay marriages be allowed to resume immediately in California after a federal ruling that the state's voter-approved ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional. - Read More

U GO CA!

A Message from Marriage Equality USA

Dear Love Warriors -

Woo hoo - what a WEEK!  Now we march gaily forward as the sun comes out from behind the clouds and Prop 8 is declared unconstitutional!
As Karen Carpenter sang "We've Only Just Begun"

SAVE THE DATE  SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2010 FOR  TWO MARRIAGE EQUALITY USA EVENTS

1. Marriage Equality USA Wedding March Across the Golden Gate Bridge - Sunday September 26, 2010, 9am - Noon

2. Marriage Equality USA VIP reception with Margaret Cho and Cho Dependent Show at Uptown Theater in Napa -  Sunday September 26, 2010,  6:30pm -10pm 
 

Wedding March across Golden Gate Bridge - SF

Please join us for our annual SF Wedding March across the Golden Gate Bridge on Sunday, September 26, 2010 - this is a fun, upbeat, social event for the whole family (including parents, kids and brave doggies)  that raises awareness and funds for the cause.    We meet at the Western End of Crissy Field and walk together across the bridge.   We ask for a $25 contribution that gets you a Marriage Equality USA t-shirt to walk in - and/or invite you to make this a walk-a-thon event to raise funds for our critical grassroots work.  Go to www.firstgiving.com/meusa and create your online fundraising page for the Wedding March at the Bridge - feel free to cut, paste and modify the text  from  www.firstgiving.com/mollyanddavinaanniversary and send it out to your friends and encourage them to do the same. But if you only have the time and not the money -come anyway and we are happy to have you with us.  

Margaret Cho VIP Reception and Show - Napa   

That evening, we have 48 tickets left for the Cho VIP event and Cho Dependent Show on Sunday, September 26, 2010 in Napa.  The  VIP tickets are $115 each and include excellent seats to the show and a small VIP gathering with Margaret Cho.  The regular ticket price for the show is $72  - so  for an additional $38 tax deductible donation to MEUSA you meet Margaret in a small gathering and get great seats for the show - what a deal!  The VIP Cho tickets can be purchased on-line at  www.marriageequality.org.  Many of us are going to the Wedding March  in the morning then caravaning to Napa for some lunch/wine tasting before the reception so join us for one or both if you can!

Viva Maria Shriver!

Shriver against a ban on gay marriage

source: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/10/25/state/n184827D63.DTL&tsp=1

California's first lady says she is voting against a ballot initiative that would prohibit same-sex couples from getting married in California.

Maria Shriver said in an interview with KNBC-TV in Los Angeles that she is voting no on Proposition 8.

Shriver said, "I believe in people's right to choose a partner that they love, and that's a decision that I have come to, and I have felt that way for a long time."

an OMG via JMG!

BREAKING: Schwarzenegger Files Motion To Immediately Resume Gay Marriages

WOW. The governator has totally done the unexpected.

In an extraordinary court filing, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger asked Friday that gay marriages be allowed to resume immediately in California after a federal ruling that the state's voter-approved ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional. The Republican governor filed his brief with U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn R. Walker before a Friday deadline to submit arguments on whether to continue a stay of Walker's decision against Proposition 8. "The Administration believes the public interest is best served by permitting the Court's judgment to go into effect, thereby restoring the right of same-sex couples to marry in California," wrote Kenneth C. Mennemeier, an attorney representing Schwarzenegger, in the brief. "Doing so is consistent with California's long history of treating all people and their relationships with equal dignity and respect."

UPDATE: Attorney General Jerry Brown has filed a motion opposing an extension of Judge Walker's stay.
2010.08.06 AG. Opp to Def Mtn for Stay

UPDATE II: Shannon Minter of the National Center for Lesbian Rights has posted the below explanation of what might happen next.

Minter notes that several California counties have indicated their readiness to begin issuing marriage licenses and performing civil ceremonies at once.

Labels: Arnold Schwarzenegger, California, marriage equality, Proposition 8

reposted from Joe

via sacbee:

Let gays begin marrying, Schwarzenegger urges - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News

www.sacbee.com

Read Sacramento news, including local and breaking Sacramento news at The Sacramento Bee

Via EQCA:

August 6, 2010

Dear Daniel, Moments ago, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown filed motions opposing a stay of Judge Walker’s decision to overturn Prop. 8. This is the kind of extraordinary leadership we need from the next governor and attorney general—the kind Jerry Brown and Kamala Harris will deliver. Thank you to everyone who has signed our petition to Meg Whitman and Steve Cooley, urging them not to defend Prop. 8 in Court. If you haven’t yet, please sign our petition. Demand they refuse to defend Prop. 8 in court. And urge everyone you know to do the same. www.eqca.org/dontdefend8 Having a governor and attorney general on our side is critical to restoring the right to marry for same-sex couples—either in court or at the ballot box. In solidarity, Geoff Kors Executive Director Equality California

Via colbert report: armagaydon!

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
How to Ruin Same-Sex Marriages
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes 2010 Election Fox News

Via JMG: 2 Gay Tea Partiers Discuss Gay Marriage And Bigotry

Labels: assholery, Quislings, Tea Party, teabaggers

reposted from Joe

VIA HRC:

Dear Daniel,  Our community is the target of many hateful laws and policies, but one law has come to symbolize the anti-gay cause at its most crass, ruthless and dishonest: Proposition 8. That showdown in California in 2008 pitted a right-wing lie machine against ordinary couples who just wanted to stay married. The lies won out that day. In fact, months later polls would show that many voters still believed them. Proposition 8 was built on lies. This week, United States District Judge Vaughn Walker issued a ruling concluding that California has no legitimate basis for denying marriage to same-sex couples. The court concluded that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. This ruling followed a trial during which every false justification for Prop 8 came under scrutiny. The opinion ticks through each false premise-same-sex couples are not good parents; marriage equality threatens opposite-sex couples-and rejects them all. In the end, all that is left is truth: "plaintiffs ask California to recognize their relationships for what they are: marriages." We are all grateful to the brave couples, their acclaimed counsel and the American Foundation for Equal Rights for standing up for equality.  Of course, our opponents at the National Organization for Marriage were screaming injustice before the ink on the decision had dried. The group, which is already on a 20-city tour to argue against our equal rights and to prove that they are persecuted (really), has a new message: this court has threatened the voting rights of every American. That’s right-if the gays can get married, then you are disenfranchised. It makes sense if your idea of "right to vote" is "right to discriminate." Good luck with that, NOM.   Our opponents do have one thing right: our right to vote is important. Legislators enact the laws that protect us or those that restrict our rights. Some have the power to set public workplace policies and others are responsible for appointing and confirming judges. That’s why HRC works in state and federal elections. It is also why we spoke out again this week against Target and Best Buy-100% CEI companies-who donated an astonishing $250,000 to a political committee that supports a rabidly anti-equality candidate for Minnesota governor. Over 100,000 of you responded to our call to action, asking the companies to make it right. Target's CEO has issued an apology, but has not yet indicated how the company will rectify the situation or prevent future donations to anti-LGBT candidates.   When anti-LGBT lawmakers take office and our opponents get laws like Proposition 8 on the books, the federal courts can bring justice and prevent the majority from trampling minority rights. HRC has long been involved in promoting a fair-minded judiciary. Most recently, we endorsed Solicitor General Elena Kagan's nomination to be the 112th justice of the United States Supreme Court. On Thursday, the Senate confirmed her by a vote of 63-37. In the judicial nominations process, you always hear the refrain "elections have consequences." This thoughtful proponent of equal rights is a welcome consequence indeed.   Joe Solmonese President, Human Rights Campaign

Via JMG: Who At Target Donated To Yes On 8?

Abe Sauer writes at The Awl:

The truth is not that Target and its leadership have suddenly turned on their commitment to gay rights. It's more that it never really existed to begin with. Further research shows that Target has funneled significant funding to the most socially conservative of Republicans and that it boasts a frightening culture of anti-gay candidate support from Target's own stable of top executives. We have already noted that CEO Gregg Steinhafel and his wife both maxed out their personal contributions this year to Michele Bachmann and Tom Emmer. But Steinhafel is just the captain of the crew. Target's current group of top corporate officers have supported a murderers row of anti-gay politicians. Even more confusing, some of those anti-gay candidates supported by Target's PAC and its executives don't even represent Minnesota.

Read Abe Sauer's complete expose.

Labels: boycotts, Minnesota, Proposition 8, Protect Marriage, retail, Target

 

reposted from Joe

Via JMG: One Step Forward

(Via - Andrew Sullivan)

Labels: gay weddings, marriage equality, Proposition 8

reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Will The GOP Turn Prop 8 Into A Midterm Election Wedge Issue?

Probably not, at least according to some GOP flacks speaking to the New York Times.

Republicans said that dwelling on the issue could become a distraction in the effort to win back the House or Senate from Democrats this fall. At a meeting of the Republican National Committee in Kansas City, Mo., several party leaders and strategists said it would be a mistake for the midterm election campaign to suddenly become focused on gay marriage, immigration or other hot-button issues. The only path to winning control of Congress, they said, rested on making an economic argument. “This election needs to revolve around five issues: taxes, spending, the economy, jobs and debt,” said Ron Nehring, chairman of the California Republican Party. “That doesn’t mean that other issues aren’t important — they are important — but the first issue on the minds of people is the economy.”

Likewise, Murray Clark, chairman of the Indiana Republican Party, said Republicans were acting at their own peril if they suddenly starting focusing on the ruling. A protracted discussion about social issues, he said, could play into Democratic hands. “Can we declare a truce on some of the other issues unrelated to the economy?” Mr. Clark said in an interview in Kansas City, Mo.

Also quoted in the above-linked article is NOM's Brian Brown, who vows to make Prop 8 an election issue whether the GOP likes it or not. "I definitely think it’s going to have an effect on the 2010 elections. You’re going to see ads, you’re going to see folks standing up on this issue, and the people that support Walker’s decision are going to pay a price."

Labels: 2010 elections, Brian Brown, GOP, LGBT rights, marriage equality, NOM, Proposition 8

 

reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Four Times Married Drug Addict Objects To Overturn Of Proposition 8

 

Labels: asshattery, drug addicts, fuckweasels, pigs, Proposition 8, Rush Limbaugh, scumbagginess

reposted from Joe

Via SacBee: Irate Prop. 8 backers say gay judge not impartial

Irate Prop. 8 backers say gay judge not impartial 

 

By Peter Hecht - Updated: 8:54 am

After Vaughn Walker was nominated for the federal court in 1987, gay activists took issue with his role as a lawyer for the U.S. Olympic Committee who successfully sued to bar a San Francisco sports festival from calling itself the "Gay Olympics."

• Proposition 8 photo gallery
• Proposition 8 is putting voters' views on trial
• Candidates unlikely to push Proposition 8 as election issue
• More Prop. 8 coverage

Via California Ripple Effect:

Our Constitution Is a Living, Breathing Document

By Marc Solomon, EQCA Marriage Director, Crossposted from the Bilerico Project

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.

When I think about today's ruling, I think about Tom and Ron in Indio, CA who met when they were 19 and 23, who served their country in the military, and who have been together through thick and thin now for 57 years and are facing, together, the challenges of growing old. I think about Jill in Riverside, who married her partner of 23 years last year, only to lose her to breast cancer this past April, and who is now raising three kids on her own. And I think of the Moyas from Marino Valley, a hard-working Latino couple who have just adopted their third child. All of these people have been speaking up, in their communities, in the press, and with their families about their lives together, their commitment to one another and to their family. They and so many like them are the ones who have made marriage real for their neighbors, community, and ultimately for judges and voters.

One final thought about today's ruling. This story is far from written--and it's a story we get to write. Just as our community's hard work led to today's victory, if we are to see full marriage equality in California and throughout the country, we must stay at it. The writing of this human rights journey does not stop with any individual court ruling, powerful though it may be. Wins can be just as ephemeral as losses, and so that means that we must continue to make our case, tell our stories, share our lives.

We've all seen the power of a loss, and the powerful, complicated, and often inspired energy that results from it. My greatest hope from today's win is that--at a time when our community has seen too many disappointments both in Washington and in California--we use this win to catalyze, rejuvenate, and redouble our work. Let's use today's win to remember that it's working--our stories are working--and that there's still much more work to do.

Let's start simple--pick out a line or two from today's opinion that inspires you, and share it along with why marriage equality matters to you, with friends and family members. Then join us in going door to door and telling our stories.

The path to victory is winding and in some ways complicated, but in other, more fundamental ways, it's simple--telling our stories, sharing our lives, demonstrating our humanity.

Learn more information about Prop. 8 on trial >

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKiUj7Okx6SRJ2Gs_hOfBCSAxlQQR9Jc4IK-6W4Kh8YPt7IgCqHJ59DajWNYoA6j4h60g3Yr7edQvIm-4UxceqJmsNVo80wMatauQKgb5kpMsxGTQMoxarvws0d9-ukemPvAF5dhn1Zfp/s1600/marc+at+rally+again.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 163px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 125px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501681846069684066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKiUj7Okx6SRJ2Gs_hOfBCSAxlQQR9Jc4IK-6W4Kh8YPt7IgCqHJ59DajWNYoA6j4h60g3Yr7edQvIm-4UxceqJmsNVo80wMatauQKgb5kpMsxGTQMoxarvws0d9-ukemPvAF5dhn1Zfp/s320/marc+at+rally+again.jpg" /></a><em>By Marc Solomon, EQCA Marriage Director, Crossposted from the <a href="http://www.bilerico.com/2010/08/our_constitution_is_a_living_breathing_document.php">Bilerico Project</a></em><br /><br />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.<span class="fullpost"> <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />When I think about today's ruling, I think about Tom and Ron in Indio, CA who met when they were 19 and 23, who served their country in the military, and who have been together through thick and thin now for 57 years and are facing, together, the challenges of growing old. I think about Jill in Riverside, who married her partner of 23 years last year, only to lose her to breast cancer this past April, and who is now raising three kids on her own. And I think of the Moyas from Marino Valley, a hard-working Latino couple who have just adopted their third child. All of these people have been speaking up, in their communities, in the press, and with their families about their lives together, their commitment to one another and to their family. They and so many like them are the ones who have made marriage real for their neighbors, community, and ultimately for judges and voters.<br /><br />One final thought about today's ruling. This story is far from written--and it's a story we get to write. Just as our community's hard work led to today's victory, if we are to see full marriage equality in California and throughout the country, we must stay at it. The writing of this human rights journey does not stop with any individual court ruling, powerful though it may be. Wins can be just as ephemeral as losses, and so that means that we must continue to make our case, tell our stories, share our lives.<br /><br />We've all seen the power of a loss, and the powerful, complicated, and often inspired energy that results from it. My greatest hope from today's win is that--at a time when our community has seen too many disappointments both in Washington and in California--we use this win to catalyze, rejuvenate, and redouble our work. Let's use today's win to remember that it's working--our stories are working--and that there's still much more work to do.<br /><br />Let's start simple--pick out a line or two from today's opinion that inspires you, and share it along with why marriage equality matters to you, with friends and family members. Then join us in going door to door and telling our stories.<br /><br />The path to victory is winding and in some ways complicated, but in other, more fundamental ways, it's simple--telling our stories, sharing our lives, demonstrating our humanity.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.eqca.org/prop8ontrial">Learn more information about Prop. 8 on trial ></a><br /><br /></span> Read more....

From Facebook:

Via Poltico: California ruling puts Obama on spot

AP – Stuart Gaffney, center, holds up a sign while celebrating the decision in the United States District …

Josh Gerstein Josh Gerstein – Thu Aug 5, 5:29 am ET

The culture war is back.

A federal judge’s ruling Wednesday striking down California’s ban on same-sex marriage is a historic and possibly pivotal legal victory for gay rights advocates, but the decision also poses a formidable threat to President Barack Obama’s strategy of relegating divisive social issues to the back burner.

U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker’s decision is just the latest in a series of rulings and high-profile legal challenges drawing public attention to gay rights issues in a sustained way since San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom grabbed headlines in 2004 by OK'ing same-sex marriages in that city.

As gay and lesbian activists celebrate what they hope is the leading edge of a wave of momentous court rulings and legislative successes, they remain uneasy with Obama’s nuanced position on gay marriage.
During the 2008 campaign, Obama took what many on both sides of the gay marriage debate viewed as a straddle. He publicly announced his opposition to same-sex marriage, but he also said that he opposed the California ballot measure seeking to ban it, Proposition 8 — the same ban Walker ruled unconstitutional Wednesday.

Obama explained the seeming contradiction at the time by saying that he opposes any measure singling out a group for adverse treatment by amending the U.S. Constitution or a state constitution, as Prop 8. did, even though legal experts said that was the only viable way to block gay marriage in California.

Gay activists lauded Obama's stance but remain disappointed and a tad puzzled by his unwillingness to simply endorse gay marriage.

Click image to see reaction to the Proposition 8 ruling

Via PFAW:

Dear Daniel,

Yesterday, a Federal Judge in California ruled that Proposition 8 violated the fundamental right of gay and lesbian Americans to marry the person they love. The decision was an important milestone on the road to full equality, and it thoroughly dismantled every defense Proposition 8's proponents put forth in their attempts to justify discrimination.
And just last month, a Federal Judge in Massachusetts ruled that the federal government couldn't discriminate against legally married gay couples.
It's becoming clear that the walls preventing LGBT Americans from equality under the law are coming tumbling down-and I couldn't be happier. For far too long, anti-gay activists have claimed that LGBT people should be excluded from the promises of our Constitution. And while in too much of the country, discrimination and intolerance are still enshrined in the law, it's clear that momentum is on our side.
But this is no time to rest on our laurels and we can't just leave this up to the courts. On our RightWingWatch.org blog, we're chronicling the howls of protest from the Religious Right. They know that they've been dealt a serious blow, but they're not giving up. Neither will we.
That's why I hope you'll join me in calling on Congress to Dump DOMA.
The Judges who ruled in favor of equality have done their jobs. Congress and the President need to do theirs. We need to make it clear through every branch of government-the courts, the Congress and the White House-that anti-gay discrimination isn't the American Way.
Tell Congress to repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act.
In the months and years to come, I look forward to standing with you as we fight for equal rights for all people. With your energy, your commitment, and your passion, it's a fight I know we can win.
Sincerely,

Michael B. Keegan, President

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Via Adam & Andy:

http://www.adamandandy.com/

via gayagenda: Orthodox Rabbis Sign Declaration of Acceptance

A group of approximately 150 Orthodox rabbis have signed and issued a statement which list 12 reasons why gay men and lesbians should be accepted within the Orthodox community.
The statement reads:

“Embarrassing, harassing or demeaning someone with a homosexual orientation or same-sex attraction is a violation of Torah prohibitions that embody the deepest values of Judaism.”

and..

“Jews with homosexual orientations or same sex-attractions should be welcomed as full members of the synagogue and school community.”

This is a huge step forward for a both the Orthodox Jewish and gay communities.

Read more by CLICKING HERE!

Via Independent Gay Forum:

Judge Walker: A Reagan Appointee, Opposed by Progressives and Gays

by Stephen H. Miller

Posted on August 4, 2010

The Cato Institute's David Boaz blogs that Judge Vaughn Walker, who just struck down the California ban on same-sex marriage, is no "San Francisco liberal" (as some marriage equality opponents are claiming). In fact, "progressives" and gay activists fought his appointment. As Boaz writes:

Judge Walker was first appointed to the federal bench by President Ronald Reagan in 1987, at the recommendation of Attorney General Edwin Meese III. ... Democratic opposition led by Sen. Alan Cranston (D-CA) prevented the nomination from coming to a vote during Reagan’s term. Walker was renominated by President George H. W. Bush in February 1989. Again the Democratic Senate refused to act on the nomination. Finally Bush renominated Walker in August, and the Senate confirmed him in December. ...

[C]oalitions including such groups as the NAACP, the National Organization for Women, the Human Rights Campaign, the Lambda Legal Defense Fund, and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force worked to block the nomination.

In other words, this "liberal San Francisco judge" was recommended by Ed Meese, appointed by Ronald Reagan, and opposed by Alan Cranston, Nancy Pelosi, Edward Kennedy, and the leading gay activist groups. It's a good thing for advocates of marriage equality that those forces were only able to block Walker twice.

It almost makes you doubt whether progressives really are smarter and more insightful than the rest of us.
More. James Taranto of the Wall Street Journal predicts that Justice Kennedy, based on the consistency of his pro-gay equality rulings, will vote to uphold Judge Walker's decision:

Yet while Kennedy cannot be pigeonholed in terms of "ideology," on this specific topic, he has been consistent in taking a very broad view of the rights of homosexuals. He not only voted with the majority but wrote the majority opinions in two crucial cases: Romer v. Evans (1996) and Lawrence v. Texas (2003). ... Those who see Justice Kennedy's position in Perry as difficult to predict in effect entertain "the belief that principle and logic have nothing to do" with his decisions on the court.

Kennedy, too, was a Reagan appointee opposed by liberal advocacy groups.
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