Thursday, August 5, 2010

Sam Harris

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

Via JMG: Lady Gaga Reacts




posted by Joe

Rachel via JMG

Via JMG: Speaker Pelosi Reacts



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

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Via Sacbee: Judge rules Proposition 8 unconstitutional

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.

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 good_riddance.jpegguarantees 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:



Arch


SacCenter Logo


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:
 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.
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Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center

1927 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
 P(916) 442-0185 F (916) 325-1840




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Via Advocate: The White House Reacts


White House Statement on Proposition 8



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:


Because Freedom Can't Protect Itself
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.
James Esseks
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.


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Via JMG: Hate Groups React


NOM:
“Big surprise! We expected nothing different from Judge Vaughn Walker, after the biased way he conducted this trial,” said Brian Brown, President of NOM. "With a stroke of his pen, Judge Walker has overruled the votes and values of 7 million Californians who voted for marriage as one man and one woman. This ruling, if allowed to stand, threatens not only Prop 8 in California but the laws in 45 other states that define marriage as one man and one woman.” "Never in the history of America has a federal judge ruled that there is a federal constitutional right to same sex marriage. The reason for this is simple – there isn’t!” added Brown. “The ‘trial’ in San Francisco in the Perry v. Schwarzenegger case is a unique, and disturbing, episode in American jurisprudence. Here we have an openly gay (according to the San Francisco Chronicle) federal judge substituting his views for those of the American people and of our Founding Fathers who I promise you would be shocked by courts that imagine they have the right to put gay marriage in our Constitution. We call on the Supreme Court and Congress to protect the people’s right to vote for marriage,” stated Maggie Gallagher, Chairman of the Board of NOM.
Family Research Council:
"This lawsuit, should it be upheld on appeal and in the Supreme Court, would become the 'Roe v. Wade' of same-sex 'marriage,' overturning the marriage laws of 45 states. As with abortion, the Supreme Court's involvement would only make the issue more volatile. It's time for the far Left to stop insisting that judges redefine our most fundamental social institution and using liberal courts to obtain a political goal they cannot obtain at the ballot box. "Marriage is recognized as a public institution, rather than a purely private one, because of its role in bringing together men and women for the reproduction of the human race and keeping them together to raise the children produced by their union. The fact that homosexuals prefer not to enter into marriages as historically defined does not give them a right to change the definition of what a 'marriage' is.
Focus On The Family:
“Judge Walker’s ruling raises a shocking notion that a single federal judge can nullify the votes of more than 7 million California voters, binding Supreme Court precedent, and several millennia-worth of evidence that children need both a mom and a dad. “During these legal proceedings, the millions of California residents who supported Prop 8 have been wrongfully accused of being bigots and haters. Nothing could be further from the truth. Rather, they are concerned citizens, moms and dads who simply wanted to restore to California the long-standing understanding that marriage is between one woman and one man – a common-sense position that was taken away by the actions of another out-of-control state court in May 2008. “Fortunately for them, who make up the majority of Californians, this disturbing decision is not the last word."
Concerned Women For America:
“Judge Walker’s decision goes far beyond homosexual ‘marriage’ to strike at the heart of our representative democracy. Judge Walker has declared, in effect, that his opinion is supreme and ‘We the People’ are no longer free to govern ourselves. The ruling should be appealed and overturned immediately. “Marriage is not a political toy. It is too important to treat as a means for already powerful people to gain preferred status or acceptance. Marriage between one man and one woman undergirds a stable society and cannot be replaced by any other living arrangement. “Citizens of California voted to uphold marriage because they understood the sacred nature of marriage and that homosexual activists use same-sex ‘marriage’ as a political juggernaut to indoctrinate young children in schools to reject their parent’s values and to harass, sue and punish people who disagree. “CWA stands in prayer for our nation as we continue to defend marriage as the holy union God created between one man and one woman.”
Liberty Counsel (Hilariously Blames Another Hate Group!!!):
Although Liberty Counsel has defended the marriage laws in California since the battle began in 2004, the Alliance Defense Fund, representing the Prop 8 LCinitiative, opposed Liberty Counsel’s attempt to intervene on behalf of Campaign for California Families. The California Attorney General did not oppose Liberty Counsel’s intervention, but ADF did. Liberty Counsel sought to provide additional defense to Prop 8 because of concern that the case was not being adequately defended. After ADF actively opposed Liberty Counsel, ADF presented only two witnesses at trial, following the 15 witnesses presented by those who challenged the amendment. Even Judge Walker commented that he was concerned by the lack of evidence presented by ADF on behalf of Prop 8. Liberty Counsel will file an amicus brief at the court of appeals in defense of Prop 8.
(All quotes via Jeremy Hooper at Good As You)
reposted from Joe

Via JMG: the christinist wacko right will not go lightly...

A Freeper's Solution To Prop 8 Ruling


The level of hatred and violence being expressed on Free Republic at the this moment in unrivaled, even for them. Screen grab tipped by JMG reader Ralph.
reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Schwarzenegger Reacts


"Judge Walker had the great responsibility of deciding whether Proposition 8 violates the Constitution of the United States. He heard in-depth arguments from both sides on fundamental questions of due process, equal protection and freedom from discrimination. There are strong feelings on both sides of this issue, and I am glad that all viewpoints were respected throughout the proceedings. We should also recognize that there will continue to be different points of view in the wake of this decision.

"For the hundreds of thousands of Californians in gay and lesbian households who are managing their day-to-day lives, this decision affirms the full legal protections and safeguards I believe everyone deserves. At the same time, it provides an opportunity for all Californians to consider our history of leading the way to the future, and our growing reputation of treating all people and their relationships with equal respect and dignity. Today's decision is by no means California's first milestone, nor our last, on America's road to equality and freedom for all people."

(Via - Rex Wockner)
reposted from Joe

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.
reposted from Joe