The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and supporters of marriage equality everywhere celebrated a tremendous turning point last week when Judge Vaughn Walker made a historic decision overturning California's Proposition 8. Judge Walker stated that California's ban on marriage equality violates the 14th Amendment's rights to equal protection and due process of law.
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| Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis in San Francisco leaving city hall after they first married in 2004. GLAAD has helped this couple share their story throughout the highs and lows of California’s Prop 8 ordeal. |
The case was brought by two gay couples who spoke out against Proposition 8 eliminating marriage equality for loving and committed couples. The judge dismissed the idea that discrimination is permissible if a majority of voters approve it – the referendum’s outcome was "irrelevant," he said, quoting a 1943 case, because "fundamental rights may not be submitted to a vote."
This landmark decision came after same-sex couples shared their personal stories with Judge Walker and the public, helping to show that we all should have the same opportunity to take care of and be responsible for each other. It's these stories that are building the public support for our full equality. Americans are changing quickly – you can bet that the gay and lesbian stories showcased in the media over the next several weeks and months will have an impact on the outcome.
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| Rev. North presents Angelisa Young & Sinjoyla Townsend - the first couple to get married in D.C. - their signed marriage license. GLAAD helped this couple share their story with local and national media. |
That’s where GLAAD goes to work. GLAAD is committed to working in overdrive to bring stories of diverse couples and families to Californians and Americans across the nation. We will work tirelessly over the next several months with entertainment executives and news producers to ensure that the characters and coverage they produce will showcase the common ground we all share and build the public support for our full equality. We know that what people see in the media greatly affects their opinion on the LGBT community and that we will need to amplify our voices louder than ever if we are to achieve full equality.
Your membership gift of $40 or more will help ensure that GLAAD remains a strong resource as we advance quickly on the road to marriage equality. Remember that your gift to GLAAD is tax-deductible and will be put to use right away helping GLAAD be the community's watchdog, storyteller and advocate. Thank you for your support, and congratulations on this week's victory!
