PRESS RELEASES BELOW THE FOLD. ~Louise (& Autumn!)

CNN reports that Prop 8 has been overturned! Joe Jervis was quick on the draw and here is the ruling on Scribd:

The germane reference, h/t G-A-Y:

REMEDIES

Plaintiffs have demonstrated by overwhelming evidence that Proposition 8 violates their due process and equal protection rights and that they will continue to suffer these constitutional violations until state officials cease enforcement of Proposition 8. California is able to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, as it has already issued 18,000 marriage licenses to same-sex couples and has not suffered any demonstrated harm as a result,see FF 64-66; moreover, California officials have chosen not to defend Proposition 8 in these proceedings.

Because Proposition 8 is unconstitutional under both the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses, the court orders entry of judgment permanently enjoining its enforcement; prohibiting the official defendants from applying or enforcing Proposition 8 and directing the official defendants that all persons under their control or supervision shall not apply or enforce Proposition 8. The clerk is DIRECTED to enter judgment without bond in favor of plaintiffs and plaintiff-intervenors and against defendants and defendant-intervenors pursuant to FRCP 58.

IT IS SO ORDERED.”

From GLAD and Mary Bonauto:

GLAD’s Mary Bonauto Comments on Perry v. Schwarzenegger Decision

GLAD congratulates the couples and the City of San Francisco, and their legal teams, for successfully challenging California’s Prop 8.  The decision reminds us that the freedom to marry is a long-established right belonging to all Americans, including gay and lesbian Americans.  Gay people, like all others, want the choice to join in marriage because we believe in the values of love, commitment, responsibility and caring for our families.  While the case goes on, we hope people will come to see it is really about ensuring that all committed couples can take care of each other through the important bonds of marriage.

GLAD is litigating a different federal court case, which challenges the federal government’s discrimination against couples who are already married under their state laws through Section 3 of the so-called federal “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA).

“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.”  For information about local contacts, visit the Equality Federation website.

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders is New England’s leading legal organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status, and gender identity and expression.

# # #

From Family Equality Council:

Prop. 8 Judge Issues Pro-Family Ruling in Landmark Case

Opinion favors gay families, strong family values

Chrisler to LGBT parents: celebrate today, get to work tomorrow

Boston, MA-A U.S. District Court judge ruled the state of California was in violation of the U.S. Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause when in 2008 it eliminated marriage rights for same-sex couples with the passage of Proposition 8. Judge Vaughn Walker found that marriage is a fundamental right for all. The judge’s decision is widely expected to be appealed all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Today, we celebrate the court’s decision that upheld the rights of liberty and equality enshrined in our Constitution,” said Family Equality Council’s Executive Director, Jennifer Chrisler. “Judge Walker reaffirmed that marriage equality would do nothing but benefit our children.  Congratulations are in order to the plaintiffs in this care, including Kristin Perry and Sandra Stier, who can now be married like any other parent.”  

It is the first time a federal court has heard, first hand, from live witnesses about the harm that the denial of marriage equality causes same-sex couples and their families every day.

“We celebrate today but our work is far from over,” said Chrisler. “There is a long legal road ahead of us, and LGBT parents must get to work. At the end of the day, this is about our children.  As parents, we are in the best position to speak to straight parents about what it means to us and our kids to marry.”

Family Equality Council also applauds the many pro-family statements that David Blakenhorn, the star witness for supporters of Proposition 8, ironically made throughout the course of the trial.

“Gay marriage would extend a wide range of the natural and practical benefits of marriage to many lesbian and gay couples and their children,” said Blankenhorn on January 27, 2010.  On the same day he admitted, “By increasing the number of married couples who might be interested in adoption and foster care, same-sex marriage might well lead to fewer children growing up in state institutions and more growing up in loving adoptive and foster families.”

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The Family Equality Council works at all levels of government to advance full social and legal equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender families, one million of whom are raising two million children in the U.S.

From Freedom To Marry:

New York, NY – Statement from Evan Wolfson on today’s District Court historic ruling in Perry v. Schwarzenegger striking down the discriminatory “Proposition 8″:

“Today’s federal ruling strikes down a cruel and unfair constitutional amendment that should never have become law and affirms that the freedom to marry belongs to every American.  As the first court to strike down race restrictions on marriage said in 1948, “the essence of the right to marry is freedom to join in marriage with the person of one’s choice.”  There is no gay exception in the Constitution to personal choice and the right to marry, and there is no good reason to continue excluding same-sex couples from marriage.  

 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, and the unjustified and unfair denial of marriage to same-sex couples violates the United States Constitution.  The judge’s ruling reflects the growing consensus in courtrooms and legislatures across the country, and around the world, that there is simply no good reason to exclude same-sex couples from marriage.

               As today’s trial court ruling is appealed and defended, there is much left to accomplish across the country.  44 states continue to deny same-sex couples the freedom to marry, and federal marriage discrimination persists.  Today’s win provides increased momentum to the national movement to end exclusion from marriage.  But the courts don’t operate in a vacuum, and we must work to maximize our chances of winning down the road.  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, in order to build on today’s momentum and encourage other decision-makers to do the right thing and end exclusion from marriage.”

–

Freedom to Marry is the leading campaign working to win marriage nationwide.  We partner with organizations and supporters across the country to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from the responsibilities, protections, and commitment of marriage.

From MassEquality:

MassEquality Statement on Proposition 8 Decision

BOSTON, AUGUST 4, 2010 – Statement by MassEquality Interim Executive Director Paula Herrington on U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker’s ruling today in Perry v. Schwarzenegger

“This is a tremendous victory in the movement for justice and equality. When the claims of those who oppose our right to marry are examined judiciously, they quickly fall apart. This case featured the collaboration of two legal superstars from opposite ends our cultural divide: Democrat David Boies who represented Al Gore before the Supreme Court after the 2000 presidential election, and Republican Ted Olsen who represented George Bush. In this case, they shared one thing in common: a willingness to look beyond bumper sticker slogans to show what really happens when families are denied legal connection and protection.

“We hope that the  moral clarity of Judge Walker’s ruling provides comfort to the millions of Californians – and other Americans who have suffered as a result of meanspirited and divisive ballot campaigns that have denied them access to the basic right of marriage.”

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MassEquality works to achieve full equality for the LGBT Community. We’re protecting marriage equality and promoting a full Equality Agenda in Massachusetts and supporting other states in winning marriage equality.

From HRC:

Federal Court Declares California’s Proposition 8 Unconstitutional

Trial Judge Rules that Ban on Marriage Equality Violates Guarantees of Equal Protection, Due Process

WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization – today praised the historic decision of Chief Judge Vaughn Walker of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in Perry v. Schwarzenegger, which declared that the amendment to the California Constitution barring marriage for same-sex couples, adopted in November 2008 as Proposition 8, violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection and due process.

“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.”      

In response to a 2008 decision by the California Supreme Court ending marriage discrimination in the state, anti-equality forces succeeded in placing a constitutional amendment on the November ballot. Despite over 18,000 same-sex couples having married, California voters adopted the amendment, known as Proposition 8. After the California Supreme Court determined in 2009 that the adoption of Prop 8 did not itself violate the California Constitution, two plaintiff couples — Kris Perry and Sandy Stier and Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo – filed suit against the State of California in federal court, represented by attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies and supported by the American Foundation for Equal Rights. The proponents of Prop 8 intervened in the case to defend the constitutionality of the amendment. Judge Walker held a historic trial in January, in which the plaintiffs presented substantial testimony and evidence to show that Prop 8′s only purpose is to discriminate against same-sex couples. Both sides have previously indicated that they would appeal Judge Walker’s decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the case may ultimately be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

# # #

From The Task Force:

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force responds to ruling

in Prop. 8 case

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 – The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force responded to today’s ruling in California’s Proposition 8 case.

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

“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.”

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s work in California

Since the passage of Prop. 8 in November 2008, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has continued to work on the ground in California with state and local partners to restore the freedom to marry. Its priority remains bolstering local organizing designed to persuade voters to support the freedom to marry. Through partnerships with Equality California and the Vote for Equality project of the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center, volunteers are being trained to talk face to face, door to door with former Yes on 8 voters about marriage for same-sex couples.

These conversations are yielding important insight into voters’ barriers for supporting the freedom to marry and are showing success at changing attitudes towards marriage. Additionally, Task Force organizers are providing ongoing skills training to a wide range of local leaders to support long-term community change that includes, but is not exclusive to, marriage equality. In early June, the Task Force organized the California LGBT Power Summit, which brought together more than 130 leaders for an intensive skills training in volunteer recruitment, fundraising, door-to-door canvassing, and working across lines of racial difference.  

To learn more about the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, visit www.theTaskForce.org

and follow us on Twitter: @TheTaskForce.

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From PFAW:

PFAW Statement: Federal Judge Overturns Proposition 8

A federal judge in California today overturned Proposition 8, the state’s law that prohibited gay people from marrying. Proposition 8, Judge Vaughn Walker wrote, “is unconstitutional under both the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses.”

Michael B. Keegan, President of People For the American Way, issued the following statement:

“This is a historic day for California, and for our country. Proposition 8 took away the freedom of committed couples to make what is one of the most important decisions in any person’s life-to make a lifelong promise of caring, responsibility, love, and protection for another individual. Now, like the thousands of other California couples who have been barred from marrying who they choose, Kris Perry and Sandy Stier can have security of knowing they can receive legal protections for their family, visit each other’s hospital rooms when they are ill, and provide for each other in old age.  They now have the freedom to make that lifelong commitment to each other.

“This decision is an important step in the right direction, but there’s a lot of work left to do. We will continue to work toward making America a place where all couples can enjoy the freedom and security of marriage.”

National Stonewall Dems:

National Stonewall Democrats Applaud Perry v. Schwarzenegger Decision

“Religion-based bigotry should never outweigh constitutionally-based guarantees of equal protection.”

WASHINGTON, DC – Proposition 8, which banned marriage equality in California, was overturned today by the US District Court of Northern California. National Stonewall Democrats applauds the decision by Judge Walker which stated that “…(A)nimus towards gays and lesbians or simply a belief that a relationship between a man and a woman is inherently better than a relationship between two men or two women… is not a proper basis on which to legislate.”  The ruling also went on to say that ” rather than being different, same-sex and opposite-sex unions are, for all purposes relevant to California law, exactly the same.”  

“Religion-based bigotry should never outweigh constitutionally-based guarantees of equal protection, especially when thousands of California families are at risk,” said National Stonewall Democrats Executive Director Michael Mitchell.  ”Judge Walker unequivocally affirmed that the freedom to marry is a fundamental right protected under the Constitution and that it includes lesbian and gay couples. It’s a great day for same-sex couples, and it’s a great day for all Americans who value equality under the law.”

“As the case inevitably finds its way to the US Supreme Court, I am reminded of the 2000 campaign when it was commonly held that the two candidates, Al Gore and George W. Bush, were virtually indistinguishable. Imagine what a different world we’d be living in if this case were going to ultimately land in the laps of a Court that was headed by a Gore appointee instead of Chief Justice John Roberts. Elections matter, whether it’s the razor thin elections that resulted in two terms for George W. Bush, the election that gave us the spiteful Prop. 8, or the one this November that could hand over Congress to Republican control.  Republicans will certainly turn back every gain that LGBT Americans have seen under the Obama Administration”

ACLU:

California Marriage Ban Struck Down

ACLU Hails Historic Decision And Urges Efforts In Other States To Ensure Success On Appeal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 4, 2010

CONTACT: Robyn Shepherd, (212) 519-7829 or 549-2666; media@aclu.org

SAN FRANCISCO – In a landmark decision today, a federal judge ruled that Proposition 8, the California ballot initiative that excluded same-sex couples from marriage in the state, violates the United States Constitution. The American Civil Liberties Union, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and Lambda Legal filed two friend-of-the-court briefs in the case supporting the argument that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional.

“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.”

Center for American Progress:

STATEMENT: John Podesta Applauds Prop 8 Overturn

The Center for American Progress applauds U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker’s decision in Perry v. Schwarzenegger today to overturn California’s Proposition 8. In May 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled 4 to 3 that gays and lesbians were entitled to marry under the state Constitution. Six months later, voters passed Proposition 8, which amended the state’s Constitution to ban marriage for gay couples.

John Podesta, President and CEO of the Center for American Progress, said, “Judge Walker’s decision reaffirms the Constitution’s command that all Americans must receive ‘equal protection of the laws.’ Prop 8 is incompatible with our Constitution and a long line of precedent rejecting laws that single out a certain class of Americans for disfavored legal status. Today’s decision does nothing more than restore the Constitution’s promise to millions of American couples. Because Constitutional precedent so clearly rejects Prop 8, I have every confidence that this decision will be upheld on appeal.”

Jeff Krehely, Director of LGBT Research and Communications at CAP said, “Today’s ruling is a huge step forward in the movement to achieve full equality for LGBT Americans. The public increasingly supports fairness and equal rights for all, including allowing gay couples to marry. Although this ruling does not end the larger marriage debate, it is a clear indication that opponents to LGBT equality are fighting a losing war.”

Charlene Strong, a Washington State Human Rights Commissioner

Today’s Prop 8 Ruling Reaches Beyond California’s Borders

Seattle LGBT Advocate Charlene Strong Sees First Step to Overturning DOMA

Human Rights are Not Special Rights

SEATTLE – August 4, 2010 – Today a federal court ruled that California’s Proposition 8, the voter-approved initiative which banned same-sex marriage in the state last November, unconstitutional under both the due process and equal protection clauses.  This decision is critical as its ramifications could reach beyond California’s borders to challenge the federal ban on same-sex marriage known as the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).  Charlene Strong, a Washington State Human Rights Commissioner whose personal story of courage in the face of inequality helped to pass landmark domestic partnership legislation, is working hard to see that DOMA is overturned.  She sees today’s ruling as an important first step in that process.

Laws barring full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people are the last examples of state sponsored discrimination in the United States.  Without full equality at the federal level, LGBT people will continue to be second class citizens, unable to fully participate in all of the rights, responsibilities and benefits of United States citizenship.  

“Today’s ruling is very good news.  LGBT rights are not special rights.  These are human rights,” Charlene Strong says. “Anyone who says otherwise, that all citizens are not entitled full equality in our country is speaking from their own personal bias and nothing more.  This has nothing to do with sexuality and everything to do with who you love.”  

There is a patchwork quilt of same-sex marriage protections in the states.  But whether protections are termed “marriage,” “domestic partnerships” or “civil unions,” all of these rights stop at the state border.  ”There are no protections for LGBT people at the federal level.  That is over 1,138 rights we don’t have that are available to opposite sex couples,” Charlene reiterates.  These rights include social security survivor benefits, tax incentives for married couples, the ability to transfer property and more.  

“I look forward to working with Equal Rights Washington to empower people across the state to talk to their friends and family about the importance of marriage equality and the lives of gay and lesbian families,” Strong relates.

“I am an American and I am proud of that.  I am not fighting for my rights alone — I am standing up and fighting for every gay and lesbian couple who pay their taxes, contribute to society and who want the same protections every other American is afforded if and when they choose to marry.”

Note from Lurleen:

Help elect fair and impartial justices to Washington’s state Supreme Court!

If this decision shows us anything, it’s the importance of election fair and impartial justices to the bench.  This election we have to opportunity to replace two confirmed homophobes on the Washington state Supreme Court with fair-minded justices Stan Rumbaugh and Charlie Wiggins.  Time is ticking because Rumbaugh’s race will be decided in the Aug 17th primary.

Donate to the Equal Rights Washington PAC this week and your contribution will be matched by a generous donor!  ERW PAC is dedicated to electing fair and impartial judges and pro-equality legislators.

~~~~~

Adds from Autumn:

From San Diego Supervisor Candidate Stephen Whitburn:

STEPHEN WHITBURN STATEMENT ON PROP 8 RULING

Contact: Barry Klein

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

917-239-5493

San Diego, CA, August 4, 2010 – Stephen Whitburn, candidate for San Diego County Board of Supervisors, has issued the following statement regarding today’s ruling by Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker to overturn Proposition 8.  

“Today is a great day in America,” said Stephen Whitburn.  ”The Courts decision restored equal justice under the law and made it clear once again that separate is not equal.  We all know discrimination is ugly and we must be vigilant to fight it wherever it arises.”

Stephen Whitburn is an award-winning journalist, community advocate, and spokesperson for the American Red Cross.  As a member of the North Park Planning Committee, Stephen has worked hard to address the problem of increasing crime, boost the supply of affordable housing, and promote neighborhood businesses.  Stephen has been outspoken in his belief that we need our County government to provide greater resources for job creation and fire protection, and has been appalled by the inaction of our Do-Nothing Board of Supervisors.  He has helped pass the city’s living wage ordinance, and fought to defeat statewide ballot initiatives that would have endangered a woman’s right to choose.  Fluent in Spanish, Stephen has been a liaison to the Latino community on public education for the American Red Cross.

GLBT Community Center of Colorado:

GLBT Community Center of Colorado applauds decision deeming Proposition 8 in California unconstitutional

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

August 4, 2010

CONTACT:

Heather Draper

Communications and Marketing Manager

The GLBT Community Center of Colorado

303.733.7743 x101

303.847.7152 (cell)

NOTE: Carlos Martinez is available for interviews until 6 p.m.

DENVER — The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado (The Center) applauds the ruling today by Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker that Proposition 8 in California is unconstitutional and should be repealed.

Walker ruled that California’s ban on same-sex marriage violates the Constitution’s equal protection and due process rights clauses.

“Although the battle for equality is far from over, this ruling shows it’s unconstitutional to deny the LGBT community equal protection under the law,” said Center Executive Director Carlos Martinez. “This should lead to a national standard instead of the patchwork of state laws we have now.”

Martinez and his husband, Phil Danielson, were married in California in 2008, but that marriage is not legally recognized in Colorado.

Marriages between people of the same sex are not recognized in Colorado because of the state’s constitutional amendment passed in 2006 defining marriage in this state to be between one man and one woman.  Several laws passed in recent years do, however, provide some protections to LGBT Coloradans.

Jason Cobb and Jason Prussman were also married in California during the brief time such marriages could legally be entered into. Their son, Jacobb, was the ring bearer during their ceremony.  

“This ruling is a huge step showing that separate is not equal and that marriage is a fundamental right in this country, not just for some, but for all people,” said Jason Cobb.  Both Cobb and Prussman are attorneys in the metro-Denver area and have followed the litigation in California closely.

Walker’s decision is expected to be appealed to the Ninth Circuit and eventually the U.S. Supreme Court, but the legal challenges could take some time.  ”The litigation battle to overturn Amendment 2, the anti-gay ballot initiative that would have precluded protections at any level to protect LGBT Coloradans, took many years before ending with the correct result,” Martinez said.

The opinion in that case, written by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Kennedy, famously stated:

“A State cannot so deem a class of persons a stranger to its laws.”

Walker’s decision is expected to be appealed to the Ninth Circuit and eventually the U.S. Supreme Court.

In May 2008, California’s Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have the equal right to marry under the state constitution.  That decision was effectively overruled when Proposition 8 was approved by voters on Nov. 4, 2008 by a 52.3 percent to 47.7 percent margin. About 18,000 same-sex couples were married in California between June 17 and Nov. 4, 2008.

The day after the vote, three lawsuits challenging Proposition 8 were filed in the California Supreme Court.

The GLBT Community Center of Colorado is the only statewide, nonprofit community center dedicated to empowering and advancing Colorado’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender population. It serves as a catalyst for community organizing, support services, social activities and cultural events. To learn more about The Center, click here.

-end-

Equality California:

Federal Court Decision Overturns Prop. 8

August 4, 2010

Federal court deems marriage ban unconstitutional

San Francisco — Today the U.S. federal district court overturned Proposition 8 on the grounds that the ban prohibiting same-sex couples from marrying is unconstitutional. The case now moves to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

In response to the ruling, Geoff Kors, executive director for Equality California, which filed an amicus brief supporting the Prop. 8 federal challenge, issued the following statement:

“We are thrilled with today’s ruling, which affirms that the protections enshrined in our U.S. Constitution apply to all Americans and that our dream of equality and freedom deserves protection. Judge Walker has preserved our democracy by ruling that a majority cannot deny a minority group of fundamental freedoms. This is as much a victory for the soul of our nation as it is for the thousands of same-sex couples and their families who will be directly impacted.

“We are truly indebted to Ted Olson and David Boies and to the American Foundation for Equal Rights. We owe Governor Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown a great deal of gratitude for their unprecedented decision not to defend this discriminatory measure. While this is a great success, we also know that the road to restore the freedom to marry could be a long one and that we must do everything in our power to protect this incredible victory. Equality California will do its part by working to elect a governor and attorney general this fall who refuse to spend tax-payer dollars to overturn this decision. We are also ready to battle the National Organization for Marriage this fall to keep their toxic agenda out of our state.

“Finally, together with thousands of volunteers we will keep sharing our stories in communities throughout California so that we continue building public support for the freedom to marry, which is essential to permanently restoring marriage equality in California.”