prop 8

...now browsing by tag

 
 

CA: Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa to Ninth Circuit: Lift Stay on Marriage Equality

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

Prop 8 RulingIn a boisterous City Hall rally Tuesday celebrating a federal appeals court decision to overturn California’s ban on same-sex marriage, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called on the court to also lift its stay on the marriages and said he can’t wait until he can again perform weddings for same-sex couples.

“I want to feel the love in their hearts and to see the joy on their faces,” he told a crowd of activists and city workers gathered in City Hall’s ornate rotunda.

Four years ago, Villaraigosa and other officials presided over dozens of same-sex unions. Councilman Eric Garcetti, who performed a marriage that year between two of his former staff members on the steps of City Hall, said Tuesday that he wasn’t old enough to remember the 1960s, and that for him, “2008 was my summer of love.”

Full Story from The Los Angeles Times

Click here for gay wedding resources in California.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook. We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

Prop 8 Ruling: The Advocate Analysis

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

Prop 8 RulingExpert analyses of the Ninth Circuit’s Prop. 8 ruling Tuesday have been legion throughout the day, though one from Williams Institute legal director Jennifer Pizer stood out as particularly thoughtful. The former Lambda Legal marriage project director wrote earlier today:

The decision breaks new ground because it’s the first federal appeals court to strike down a state’s exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage. But it doesn’t break new ground legally.

Instead, the ruling’s close application of Justice Kennedy’s 1996 equal protection analysis (in the Romer v. Evans, Colorado Amendment 2 case) both makes it less likely that the Supreme Court will grant review, and more likely that that plaintiffs would win if the case does go up. Justice Kennedy is generally seen as the key vote, and today’s decision – looking at another state ballot measure – uses his 1996 analysis as a roadmap.

Full Story from The Advocate

Click here for gay wedding resources in California.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook. We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

Prop 8 Ruling Analysis From Ari Ezra Waldman

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

Prop 8 RulingMore than any single vote, more than any single veto, more than any single legislative majority, the Ninth Circuit’s decision in Perry v. Brown is the most significant advancement in the fight for marriage equality in American history to date. Consider this: Never before has a federal appellate court affirmed any of the conclusions that the Ninth Circuit did today:

  • that denying committed gay couples their right to marry cannot encourage opposite sex marriages
  • that when a state denies the right to marry while allowing gay couples all the rights and privilges of marriage, it cannot base the marriage ban on any rationale that denigrates gay parents
  • that domestic partnerships are unequal to marriage
  • that, as a matter of law, marriage rights do not hinge on natural procreative ability
  • and, of course, that a ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional.

Today’s opinion was both broad and narrow, with wide implications and constrained effects. In 76 pages, Judge Reinhardt and Judge Hawkins affirmed the district court’s opinion that Proposition 8 was unconstitutional, but its decision hinged on the fact that Prop 8 effectuated a taking away of rights previously existing in California per In re Marriage Cases.

Full Story from Towleroad.com

Click here for gay wedding resources in California.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook. We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

Read the Ninth Circuit’s Full Ruling on Prop 8

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

Prop 8 RulingFrom the San Diego Gay and Lesbian News: The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals just released the complete opinion on affirming District Judge Vaughn Walker’s historical decision to overturn Proposition 8, the California law that overturned marriage equality.

Full Story from SDGLN

Click here for gay wedding resources.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook. We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

Prop 8: Narrow Ruling Limits Effects to California

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

Prop 8 RulingThe most interesting thing about today’s decision striking down California’s unconstitutional Proposition 8 isn’t the fact that supporters of marriage equality won — that result was easy to predict from the judges’ comments during oral arguments more than a year ago.

Rather, the most interesting thing about today’s decision is how narrow it is. The court crafted a rationale that applies to Prop 8 and probably only applies to Prop 8. While the opinion is firmly rooted in precedent, it expressly declines to consider the sweeping rationale employed by District Judge Vaughn Walker that is also grounded in precedent and the Constitution.

In 1996, the Supreme Court struck down an anti-gay Colorado constitutional amendment that stripped many gay men and lesbians of their existing legal rights in a case called Romer v. Evans. Today’s opinion relies heavily on Romer, honing in on the fact that Prop 8 stripped gay couples of a right they already enjoyed prior to its enactment — the right to marry a person of their choosing.

Full Story from Think Progress

Click here for gay wedding resources in California.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook. We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

Ninth Circuit Upholds Prop 8 Decision

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

Same-sex marriage continued its march to the Supreme Court on Tuesday as a federal appeals court in San Francisco struck down California’s gay marriage ban as a violation of the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection.

By a 2-1 vote, a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit found that California voters were motivated by disapproval of gays and lesbians when they voted in favor of Proposition 8, a 2008 ballot measure that stripped same-sex couples of the right to marry. And not approving of a group of people is not, constitutionally speaking, a good enough reason to pass a law against them.

“It will not do to say that Proposition 8 was intended only to disapprove of same-sex marriage, rather than to pass judgment on same-sex couples as people,” wrote Judge Stephen Reinhardt on behalf of himself and Judge Michael Daly Hawkins, both Democratic appointees to the federal bench. “[T]he elimination of the right to use the official designation of ‘marriage’ for the relationships of committed same-sex couples,” continued Reinhardt, “send[s] a message that gays and lesbians are of lesser worth as a class — that they enjoy lesser societal status.”

Full Story From the Huffington Post

Marriage Equality Events Today/Tomorrow: Prop 8 Day of Decision Edition

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

Gay Marriage EventsIf you know of any other events – rallies, meetings, phonebanking, etc – please use the link below to add your event to our list!

We’ll start with the Prop 8 Day of Decision events in California today:

  • USA, Nationwide: Feb 7, AFER Media Conference Call on Ninth Circuit Prop 8 Decision, 11:45 AM. elissa@afer.org
  • USA, CA, Concord: Feb 7, Gathering on Ninth Circuit Day of Decision, Rainbow Community Ctr, 6-7 PM. newsletter@marriageequality.org
  • USA, CA, Fresno: Feb 7, Gathering on Ninth Circuit Day of Decision, Cnr N. Blackstone & E. Shaw, 5-7 PM. newsletter@marriageequality.org
  • USA, CA, Los Angeles: Feb 7, Gathering on Ninth Circuit Day of Decision, W. Hollywood Park, 6 PM. newsletter@marriageequality.org
  • USA, CA, Los Angeles: Feb 7, AFER Press Conference on Ninth Circuit Prop 8 Decision, Vibiana, 10:30 AM. press@afer.org
  • USA, CA, Los Angeles: Feb 7, AFER Press Conference on Ninth Circuit Prop 8 Decision, Merchants Exchange, 5 PM. press@afer.org
  • USA, CA, Mountain View: Feb 7, Gathering on Ninth Circuit Day of Decision, City Hall, 6-7 PM. newsletter@marriageequality.org
  • USA, CA, Rancho Cucamonga: Feb 7, Day of Decision Rally: Prop 8 on Trial, Corner of Foothill and Day Creek, 6 PM – 9 PM. http://on.fb.me/yr7gVR
  • USA, CA, Sacramento: Feb 7, Gathering on Ninth Circuit Day of Decision, Cornerstone at Headhunters, 9:30 AM. newsletter@marriageequality.org
  • USA, CA, Sacramento: Feb 7, Gathering on Ninth Circuit Day of Decision, Gay & Lesbian Center, Evening. newsletter@marriageequality.org
  • USA, CA, San Diego: Feb 7, Gathering on Ninth Circuit Day of Decision, 6th Ave & University Ave, 9:30 AM. newsletter@marriageequality.org
  • USA, CA, San Francisco: Feb 7, Day of Decision: Rally After Ninth Circuit Prop 8 Decision, Market & 17th (at Castro), 5 PM. http://bit.ly/wiXhrC
  • USA, CA, San Francisco: Feb 7, Day of Decision: Gather for Ninth Circuit Decision on Prop 8, 9th Circuit Courthiouse, 95 7th St., 9:45 AM. http://bit.ly/wiXhrC
  • USA, CA, Santa Ana: Feb 7, OC Day of Decision Rally, Harvey Milk Plaza (French & 4th), 6:30-9:30 PM. http://on.fb.me/w3TA84
  • USA, CA, Santa Barbara: Feb 7, Marriage Equality DAY OF DECISION Rally, The Unitarian Society, 6:30 PM. http://bit.ly/wyOOtA
  • USA, CA, West Hollywood: Feb 7, Gathering on Ninth Circuit Day of Decision, Rally, W. Hollywood Park, 6 PM, newsletter@marriageequality.org

And here are the other events going on around the country today and tomorrow:

  • USA, CA, Los Angeles: Feb 8, LA Black LGBT Network Meeting, Jewel’s Catch One, 7-9 PM. http://bit.ly/bU7RLC
  • USA, MD, Adelphi: Feb 7, Phonebanking for Marriage Equality, Paint Branch UU Congr, 6-8:30 PM. http://bit.ly/vmtc4H
  • USA, MD, Annapolis: Feb 7, Phonebanking for Marriage Equality, Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis, 5:30-8:30 PM. http://bit.ly/vmtc4H
  • USA, MD, Baltimore: Feb 7, Phonebanking for Marriage Equality, Equality Maryland, 6-8:30 PM. http://bit.ly/vmtc4H
  • USA, MD, Columbia: Feb 8, Phonebanking for Marriage Equality, Howard County Library-Central Branch, 6-8:30 PM. http://bit.ly/vmtc4H
  • USA, MN, St. Paul: Feb 7, Phone Bank with Minnesotans United For All Families, 1821 University Ave West, 6:30-9:30 PM. http://bit.ly/vCRR1M
  • USA, MN, St. Paul: Feb 8, Phone Bank with Minnesotans United For All Families, 1821 University Ave West, 6:30-9:30 PM. http://bit.ly/vCRR1M
  • USA, NC, Shelby: Feb 8, Race to the Ballot, Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 7 PM. http://on.fb.me/zty8Ve
  • USA, NH, Durham: Feb 7, “8″ The Play Reading w/Gene Robinson, MUB Theatre, 7 PM. http://bit.ly/y5wcK2
  • USA, NJ, Lawrence: Feb 8, Marriage Equality Strategy Session, Private Home, 7 PM. http://bit.ly/zoFNon
  • USA, NJ, Montclair: Feb 8, Phonebanking for Marriage Equality With Garden State Equality, GSE HQ, 6-9 PM. http://bit.ly/Aj1RVS
  • USA, NY, New York: Feb 7, MENY Phonebank for NH Marriage Equality, SEIU 1199, W. 42nd St., 6 PM. http://bit.ly/iAw9SC
  • USA, NY, New York: Feb 8, MENY Phonebank for NH Marriage Equality, SEIU 1199, W. 42nd St., 6 PM. http://bit.ly/iAw9SC
  • USA, WA, Seattle: Feb 7, Phonebanking for Marriage Equality with Equal Rights Washington, Equal Rights WA Office, 5:30 PM. http://bit.ly/t6TxA5
  • USA, WA, Seattle: Feb 8, Phonebanking for Marriage Equality with Equal Rights Washington, Equal Rights WA Office, 5:30 PM. http://bit.ly/t6TxA5

Full Events List/Add Your Own Event: http://www.purpleunions.com/mn/gay-marriage-events-list.html

Prop 8 Ruling by Ninth Circuit Has Far-Reaching Implications

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

Prop 8 RulingMore than three years after California voters approved a ban on same-sex marriage, an appeals court on Tuesday is set to decide whether Proposition 8 violates the federal Constitution.

During oral arguments more than a year ago, the three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals appeared to be leaning toward ruling against Proposition 8 but expressed concern about procedural matters.

Rallies are planned across California after the judges hand down their decision.

Full Story from The Los Angeles Times

Click here for gay wedding resources in California.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook. We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

What to Expect From the Ninth Circuit’s Prop 8 Ruling

Monday, February 6th, 2012

Prop 8 RulingThe Ninth Circuit will issue a much-anticipated opinion in the Prop 8 case, Perry v. Brown, tomorrow. Avid readers of Towleroad will remember that we have followed this case closely every step of the way (including here, here, here, here, here, and here). For a quick refresher, MetroWeekly’s Chris Geidner has a helpful summary of where we’ve been to date. Today, I would like to preview the decision, answer some questions, and prepare us for the momentous events of tomorrow.

What is at issue? What is not at issue?

Having dispensed with the motion to release the videotapes of the trial last week, the Ninth Circuit now seems prepared to issue a comprehensive decision on at least two (but mostly likely three) questions.

Full Story from Towleroad.com

Click here for gay wedding resources in California.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook. We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

Day of Decision Events for Tomorrow’s Prop 8 Decision

Monday, February 6th, 2012

Ninth Circuit Prop 8 Ruling RalliesThe Ninth Circuit is set to release its decision on the Prop 8 case at 10 AM Pacific Time tomorrow. Here’s a list of rallies and gatherings across California for the event:

  • USA, CA, Concord: Feb 7, Gathering on Ninth Circuit Day of Decision, Rainbow Community Ctr, 6-7 PM. mailto:newsletter@marriageequality.org
  • USA, CA, Fresno: Feb 7, Gathering on Ninth Circuit Day of Decision, Cnr N. Blackstone & E. Shaw, 5-7 PM. mailto:newsletter@marriageequality.org
  • USA, CA, Los Angeles: Feb 7, Gathering on Ninth Circuit Day of Decision, W. Hollywood Park, 6 PM. mailto:newsletter@marriageequality.org
  • USA, CA, Los Angeles: Feb 7, AFER Press Conference on Ninth Circuit Prop 8 Decision, Vibiana, 10:30 AM. press@afer.org
  • USA, CA, Los Angeles: Feb 7, AFER Press Conference on Ninth Circuit Prop 8 Decision, Merchants Exchange, 5 PM. press@afer.org
  • USA, Nationwide: Feb 7, AFER Media Conference Call on ionth Circuit Prop 8 Decision, 11:45 AM. elissa@afer.org
  • USA, CA, Mountain View: Feb 7, Gathering on Ninth Circuit Day of Decision, City Hall, 6-7 PM. mailto:newsletter@marriageequality.org
  • USA, CA, Rancho Cucamonga: Feb 7, Day of Decision Rally: Prop 8 on Trial, Corner of Foothill and Day Creek, 6 PM – 9 PM. http://on.fb.me/yr7gVR
  • USA, CA, Sacramento: Feb 7, Gathering on Ninth Circuit Day of Decision, Cornerstone at Headhunters, 9:30 AM. mailto:newsletter@marriageequality.org
  • USA, CA, San Diego: Feb 7, Gathering on Ninth Circuit Day of Decision, 6th Ave & University Ave, 9:30 AM. mailto:newsletter@marriageequality.org
  • USA, CA, San Francisco: Feb 7, Day of Decision: Rally After Ninth Circuit Prop 8 Decision, Market & 17th (at Castro), 5 PM. http://bit.ly/wiXhrC
  • USA, CA, San Francisco: Feb 7, Day of Decision: Gather for Ninth Circuit Decision on Prop 8, 9th Circuit Courthiouse, 95 7th St., 9:45 AM. http://bit.ly/wiXhrC
  • USA, CA, Santa Ana: Feb 7, Marriage Equality DAY OF DECISION Rally, Harvey Milk Plaza (French & 4th), 6:30-9:30 PM PM. http://on.fb.me/w3TA84
  • USA, CA, Santa Barbara: Feb 7, Marriage Equality DAY OF DECISION Rally, The Unitarian Society, 6:30 PM. http://bit.ly/wyOOtA
  • USA, CA, West Hollywood: Feb 7, Gathering on Ninth Circuit Day of Decision, Rally, W. Hollywood Park, 6 PM, newsletter@marriageequality.org

If you know of any more events that are not yet listed here, please add them to our events list here:

http://www.purpleunions.com/mn/gay-marriage-events-list-form.html