Judy Shepard's statement on Prop. 8 verdict

A sweeping federal court verdict invalidating California’s ban on same-sex marriages “moves America closer to its ideals of respecting individual freedom and treating all citizens equally under the law,” Matthew Shepard Foundation board president Judy Shepard said Wednesday.

Shepard, the mother of 1998 Wyoming anti-gay hate crime victim Matthew Shepard, serves on the advisory board of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which filed the legal challenge to the ban in May on behalf of citizens denied marriages by the 2008 law narrowly approved by voters.

“These plaintiffs are law-abiding, family-oriented, tax-paying citizens whose privacy was invaded, and whose dignity was affronted, by a misguided and unconstitutional law,” Shepard continued.

“Their victory at trial shows that our courts still play a vital role in safeguarding the rights of minorities from majorities who misunderstand them. But more importantly, it proves the power of personal stories. Equal marriage rights are ultimately about people’s families, and during the trial, their personal need for legal recognition of their relationships came through loud and clear,” she added.

“After Matt came out to me, he once asked me if I thought gay couples would ever be allowed to get married,” Shepard recalled. “I told him I didn’t think it would happen in my lifetime, but it probably would in his. It’s so sad, and ironic, that it turned out the other way. But this case warms my heart, to think that his dream is still coming true.”

Prop. 8 unconstitutional!

The verdict is in and Prop. 8 has been found unconstitutional.

There will be a rally in support of the decision today at 6 pm on the Capitol steps.

Here's  what HRC has to say about the decision:

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. 

 Read more about this historic decision at the following links:
https://secure.couragecampaign.org/page/contribute/DefendTheDecision
www.towleroad.com/2010/08/judge-declares-proposition-8-unconstitutional.html
www.freedomtomarry.org/blog/entry/prop-8-day-of-decision-rallies
www.advocate.com/Politics/Prop__8/Breaking_Prop_8_Overturned

How Proposition 8 supporters won

Research shows that a barrage of last-minute advertising aimed at parents with school-age children may have convinced more than half a million people to vote "yes" on Proposition 8, the California ballot initiative that ended marriage equality in the state, according to David Fleischer, who leads the LGBT Mentoring Project.

Fleischer said his analysis also found that confusion over the meaning of a "no" vote probably means marriage equality supporters have closer to a million-vote deficit to make up before the issue comes up on another statewide ballot.

"This analysis makes absolutely clear that supporters of same-sex marriage have a lot of work to do before we return to the ballot," Fleischer writes.

What if Proposition 8 is overturned?

Could marriage equality re-emerge as a political hot potato this fall if a California judge reverses the state's ban on marriages for same-sex couples? Pollsters, activists and elected officials weigh in on what comes next in the battle over marriage equality and how the Proposition 8 case will affect national politics. Some note that overturning the measure in California will be a great victory -- while others worry that the decision could galvanize public opinion against marriage equality.

The Advocate live streams from CA's Federal Prop. 8 closing arguments

On this historic day, The Advocate, the world’s leading gay new source, is providing the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute coverage of the closing arguments for the federal trial challenging California’s Proposition 8. Advocate.com is hosting real-time news updates, Advocate Sr. Editor Andrew Harmon Tweeting from the courthouse, and a live stream of the post-trial news conference with lead plaintiffs' attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies, as well as attorneys defending the ballot measure.

Olson, who co-leads the legal team representing two Calif. gay couples who sued after they were denied marriage licenses, will have 30 minutes to make his case before U.S. district judge Vaughn R. Walker starting at 10 a.m. Pacific time.

Closing arguments set to begin in federal Proposition 8 trial

A federal trial to determine the constitutionality of Proposition 8, which was passed by California voters in 2008 and ended legal marriage equality in the state, is scheduled to begin its final phase Wednesday, as both sides present their closing arguments.

Judge Vaughn Walker asked that those arguments explore the issue of choice and sexual orientation, as well as the intersection of law and personal morality, among other topics. Whatever the outcome, the judge's decision is likely to be appealed, perhaps all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, experts note.

Proposition 8 case nears final arguments

California's Proposition 8 trial wrapped up with filings from both sides, though final oral arguments are yet to be scheduled.

The plaintiffs, two same-sex couples in California, claim that the constitutional marriage ban "communicates the official view that same-sex couples' committed relationships are of a lesser stature than the comparable relationships of opposite-sex couples," according to their brief.

Courage Campaign wins infringement suit

Rick Jacobs, Chair of the Courage Campaign Institute writes:

Last week Protect Marriage, the same people defending Prop 8 at the federal trial, sent us a cease-and-desist letter threatening a lawsuit in U.S. District Court. They said the logo we used on our Prop 8 Trial Tracker web site -- an obvious parody of the Yes on 8 logo -- was somehow an infringement on their trademark.

Our lawyers rejected their ridiculous claims. They not only pointed out that parody is protected by the law and precedent, but noted the irony in Protect Marriage's attempt to silence us:

"While our client does appreciate the irony of the suggestion in your letter that a logo of a family made up of a man, a woman, and two children is "substantially indistinguishable" from a logo of a family made up of two women and two children, your assertion is incorrect."

On Tuesday, ProtectMarriage then filed suit against Courage, asking a federal court to issue a temporary restraining order forcing us to take down our logo. Again we refused.

And we won. On Wednesday afternoon, Judge Lawrence Karlton ruled in our favor, rejecting the restraining order and Protect Marriage's claims.

Cindy and Meghan say 'yes' but John still says 'no'

Cindy and Meghan McCain, the wife and daughter of 2008 Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain, have lent their faces and efforts to the NOH8 campaign, which was formed to protest passage of Proposition 8, California’s discriminatory anti-marriage law.

“Cindy and Meghan McCain’s outspoken, public support of full marriage equality for loving and committed same-sex couples further underscores that equality is not a liberal issue or a conservative issue,” said Joe Solmonese, President of the Human Rights Campaign. “We are deeply grateful to Mrs. McCain for proactively reaching out and offering her support of our community’s equality. In households throughout the country, families are talking about equality and minds are changing. The McCains are a prominent example, but they are not alone. Little by little, family member by family member, there is no doubt that our country is headed in the direction of full equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, and Cindy and Meghan McCain’s courageous decision to publicly stand up will certainly be a beacon for others to follow.”

Unfortunately, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) quickly released an official statement from his Senate office reiterating his anti-marriage equality position and touting his past support for discriminatory measures. The statement reads, “Senator McCain respects the views of members of his family. The Senator chaired the effort to successfully pass Arizona Proposition 102, the Marriage Protection Amendment, and his opposition to gay marriage remains the same. Senator McCain believes the sanctity of marriage is only defined as between one man and one woman.”

Prop. 8 Trial Tracker: Day 6

One week ago today, the historic federal trial challenging Prop 8 started in San Francisco.

And the Courage Campaign Institute was there, launching the "Prop 8 Trial Tracker" web site to get the truth out as the trial happened.

Rick Jacobs, Courage's Chair and founder, began live-blogging the trial Monday morning, providing a first draft of history to the world. Within hours the site went viral, as tens of thousands of people shared the link across the internet, from blogs to Facebook and Twitter.

When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Judge Vaughn Walker's ruling allowing video recordings, traffic spiked on the site, prompting the Courage Campaign to boost coverage and ask for your support. And, in just four days, more than 2,000 people donated to help expand the Prop 8 Trial Tracker.

Day 6 of the trial just started. To read remarkable comment threads, Rick's first week of live-blogging posts, and analysis of the trial by writers Julia Rosen, Robert Cruickshank, Paul Hogarth and Brian Leubitz, check out the Prop. 8 Trial Tracker here.

An open letter from the Courage Campaign Institute regarding the upcoming Prop. 8 court case

The following is an open letter from Rick Jacobs of the Courage Campaign Institute:

In just three days, an astounding 140,671 Americans signed our letter asking Judge Vaughn Walker to "televise the trial" -- and we hand-delivered 138,248 of your signatures to the court Friday morning.

The good news: Judge Walker just announced the amazing final results on public comments: 138,542 in favor, 32 opposed. Congrats to the Courage Campaign and CREDO Action communities!

The bad news: Opponents of marriage equality filed an emergency appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court on Saturday, begging to hide the trial from the American public. And a few hours ago, the Supreme Court delayed their decision until Wednesday.

Prop 8 supporters and anti-equality organizations like the National Organization for Marriage have spent tens of millions of dollars on 30-second ads scaring the American people into thinking that same-sex marriage will destroy our country. And now, when federal judges want to open the courtrooms to America, Prop 8 supporters want to unplug the TV.

What are they hiding? And what are organizations like NOM and Focus on the Family willing to do and say to keep the American people from finding out the truth?

The Prop 8 trial starts today. That's why the Courage Campaign Institute is launching the "Prop 8 Trial Tracker" -- a web site that will hold right-wing organizations accountable for what they say every day of the Prop 8 trial. We need your support immediately. Will you contribute $25, $50, $100 or more right now to help us get the truth out ASAP?

On the defensive, Prop 8 supporters are scared they will lose. Maggie Gallagher, President of NOM, has made Judge Vaughn Walker the immediate target of NOM's misinformation strategy, launching a baseless attack on the judge a few days ago:

"The case will be a show trial in a kangaroo court. I don't say that lightly of any federal judge, but Judge Walker's extraordinary bias has already been flagrantly on display."

As the trial unfolds, we can expect NOM and their allies to continue to try and convince the public the court is biased. And our Prop 8 Trial Tracker will continue to monitor these misleading right-wing claims, in and outside the courtroom, and report the truth.

We're launching the Prop 8 Trial Tracker as a public service to get the truth out. But we can't do it without your support. Please contribute $25, $50, $100 or more right now to support our work during the Prop 8 trial to hold the right-wing accountable:

Thank you for helping us get the truth out ASAP.

Rick Jacobs
Chair, Courage Campaign Institute

Public comments needed for Prop. 8 case

Supporters of Prop 8 - which took away the right of same-sex couples to marry in California - are fighting to keep televisions out of the courtroom when the law is challenged in federal court.

The court just announced that it is seeking public comment on the proposal to televise the trial - and that all comments must be submitted to the court by this Friday morning.

Timing is urgent: the federal court challenge to Prop 8 starts this Monday, January 11.

Sign this petition today to submit your public comment.

Gay marriage fight returns to California

The marriage-equality spotlight soon is expected to shift once again to California, where a trial in a federal lawsuit challenging the state's Proposition 8 constitutional marriage ban is scheduled to begin on Jan. 11.

NOH8 Campaign: Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho recently participated in the NO H8 Campaign, the photo project and silent protest by photographer Adam Bouska in response to the passage of Proposition 8 in CA.

There's only a few days left to get your gifts in time for Christmas, and the NOH8 Campaign Online Store has just added some brand new items that are priced to fit any holiday budget.

Doug Manchester donated $125,000 to fight gay marriage, files for divorce from wife of 43 years

I love the feeling of schadenfreude in the morning.

I guess it's hard to put the proper effort and care into your own marriage when you're sooooo busy fighting against gay marriage.

Be sure to boycott this jerk's hotels.

Will infighting hurt the lawsuit to overturn Prop. 8?

The American Foundation for Equal Rights has declined offers of support from Lambda Legal, the National Center for Lesbian Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union in a federal lawsuit that seeks to overturn California's Proposition 8 constitutional marriage ban. AFER alleges the three groups tried to "undermine" the lawsuit prior to its filing, and it says it will "vigorously oppose" their efforts to participate in the case. But Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, said the groups are seeking to join the litigation "for one reason and one reason only -- we want to increase the likelihood of success."

You can sign this online petition to join the fight to overturn Prop. 8.

* T-shirt available at Zazzle.com.

Making a Federal case out of Prop. 8

Lambda Legal, the National Center for Lesbian Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union have filed briefs in support of a federal lawsuit that seeks to overturn California's Proposition 8 constitutional marriage ban. The suit, whose plaintiffs are represented by attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies, will have its first day in court on Thursday, when U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker will hear arguments on whether to issue an injunction against the enforcement of the voter-approved ban.

If nothing else, the fight against Prop. 8 has galvanized the LGBT community in a way that I don't think I've seen since the early days of the fight against HIV/AIDS. Below check out my footage from Denver's Anti-Prop. 8 rally. I'd say it was the biggest turnout I've seen in Denver for a non-PrideFest related LGBT event.

Looking at California's Prop. 8 decision from different perspectives

Newsy.com analyzes the news of the day and presents the issues from a number of different perspectives. In the video above, they take on the subject of the California Supreme Court's recent decision to uphold the anti-gay marriage Proposition 8 and have included views from a number of different sources including the Colorado Springs Gazette.

Courage Campaign: 1 Million for Marriage Equality

The Courage Campaign pledges to repeal Prop 8 and restore marriage equality to California. You can join more than 700,000 Courage Campaign members ready to restore marriage equality to California in 2010. Help the Courage Campaign reach 1 Million for Marriage Equality by clicking here and adding your name.

Kate Burns explains the Denver Prop. 8 protest

Kate Burns was arrested in 2007 along with her partner Sheila Schroeder when they applied for a marriage license and sat in protest when they were refused.

Hurray for people like Kate and Sheila and all of yesterday's protesters, they are true heroes of the GLBT rights movement.