California Supreme Court Hears Legal Challenge to Invalidate Prop 8
Attorneys for same-sex couples, civil rights organizations and the state Attorney General’s office appeared before the California Supreme Court today to urge the court to strike down Proposition 8. At issue in the case is whether the initiative process can be used to take away a fundamental right only for one group of Californians based on a trait – in this case sexual orientation – that has no relevance to the group’s ability to participate in or contribute to society. Because the case has serious implications for the constitutional rights of all Californians, it has generated unprecedented support from many national and state civil rights groups as well as California legislators, local governments, bar associations, business interests, labor unions, and religious groups.
I do. I do believe in equality for all and I do want to make a difference.
When Prop 8 passed, I was heartbroken. As a black lesbian, I already knew there was a lot of ignorance and misunderstanding out there (trust me), but Prop 8 still stung me deeper than I ever thought it would.
Senate, Assembly Resolutions Support Invalidation of Proposition 8
SACRAMENTO – On the second day of the new 2009-10 legislative session, lawmakers in both the Senate and Assembly introduced resolutions that support the overturning of Proposition 8. Senator Mark Leno, D-San Francisco and Assemblymember Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco, today introduced measures to put the Legislature on record opposing Prop 8 and declaring that the initiative is an improper revision to the Constitution.
EQCA is bringing two leaders on board to expand efforts to achieve full equality for LGBT people, including the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. Marc Solomon will lead EQCA's efforts to restore and keep the right to marry and increase public support and acceptance of LGBT families as its marriage director. Andrea Shorter will serve as coalition coordinator to strengthen and expand statewide coalition building efforts and to help bring resources and support to LGBT organizations, especially those who concentrate on issues impacting communities of color and faith.
EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors on Prop 8 Legal Challenge
Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors released the following statement regarding today’s oral arguments asking the California Supreme Court to invalidate Proposition 8:
“Last November, a simple majority of California voters passed Proposition 8 and took away a fundamental right from a minority group. If allowed to stand, Prop. 8 will prove to be a great deal more insidious than most voters ever realized.
Because we all deserve the freedom to marry and because no minority's rights should be put up for a vote, we, the undersigned, believe Prop 8 should be overturned.