Vancouver's still a prime gay tourist destination, industry says: Ruling to allow same-sex marriage in California won't make city less appealing
VANCOUVER - A California court decision to allow same-sex marriage could cut down on the number of gay U.S. travelers heading to B.C. to get married but the impact won't be huge, Vancouver tourism officials said Friday. The California Supreme Court struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage this week in a decision that invalidates virtually any law that discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation. The 4-3 ruling declared the state constitution protects a fundamental "right to marry" that extends equally to same-sex couples. It tossed a highly emotional issue into the election year while opening the way for tens of thousands of gay people to wed in California, starting as early as mid-June. Tourism Vancouver representative Dayna Miller said Vancouver is considered a very attractive destination for gay travelers for many reasons, not just because Canada has allowed same-sex marriages since 2003. "This decision could have an impact but it won't be huge," she said in an interview. "Gay travelers have a lot of compelling reasons to come to Vancouver - first and foremost because it's an attractive destination. Marriage is certainly a key selling feature but it's not the only reason to come." Gayvan.com Travel Marketing president Angus Praught, who specializes in marketing Vancouver to gay travelers, agrees the California court decision won't have a dramatic impact on the city's appeal to the international gay community. See Vancouver's still a prime gay tourist destination, industry says
Vancouver Sun, Canada
Apple: Most Gay-Friendly Tech Brand?
According to a recent survey conducted by Clark, Martire & Bartolomeo on behalf of ad agency Prime Access and PlanetOut, Apple joins such companies as Bravo, Showtime, HBO , Absolut, and Levi's as the most "gay-friendly" brands. On the other end of the spectrum, Korean manufacturer Samsung joins Wal-Mart, Cracker Barrel, and Exxon Mobil as the most "unfriendly" companies. Apple: Most Gay-Friendly Tech Brand?
PC Magazine -
Court strikes same-sex marriage ban in gay baby boom
In a flash of marketing genius, Details has a story about gay families running at the same time the California Supreme Court strikes down a ban on gay marriage. "Using adoption or surrogacy, more homosexual men than ever before are becoming fathers. It's not a novelty - it's a movement. Look for it at a playground near you."
...
"More and more gay men seem to be having babies," says Charlotte J. Patterson, a University of Virginia psychologist who studies gay families."
...
"And as with many trends, the increase in gay fathers has afforded its own terminology: the gayby boom." ---Details, May, 2008 Wait a minute, I thought Details was for all those 20-something dudes trying to figure out what scotch they're supposed to drink and how to wear an ascot as a joke? Court strikes same-sex marriage ban in gay baby boom
Seattle Post Intelligencer
Gay marriage back as a campaign issue
Yesterday's California Supreme Court decision striking down a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage reintroduces a hot-button social issue into the presidential campaign. Republicans used same-sex marriage to great political effect in 2004, putting proposed bans on the ballot in Ohio and other states to get conservatives to the polls. But now it will have to compete for attention with the economy, the Iraq war, and other issues. And impact of the gay marriage issue could be muted, not just because neither the Democratic front-runner, Barack Obama, nor the presumptive Republican nominee, John McCain, support gay marriage, but because McCain's opposition to a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage - on federalist grounds - makes it more difficult for the right to get a lot of traction out of it. Obama's campaign said in a statement yesterday, "Barack Obama has always believed that same-sex couples should enjoy equal rights under the law, and he will continue to fight for civil unions as president. He respects the decision of the California Supreme Court, and continues to believe that states should make their own decisions when it comes to the issue of marriage." Gay marriage back as a campaign issue
Boston Globe, United States -
Gay officers out of closet thanks to him
When Larry McKeon died this week, shortly after a violent stroke, he was memorialized as Illinois' first openly gay legislator. I remember him for something else.
The night I met McKeon is hard to imagine now. It was a Wednesday in 1992. Men and women, black and white, middle-aged and young, filed into an upstairs banquet room of an Ann Sather restaurant on Belmont Avenue. Twenty were expected. Eighty turned out.
A TV camera crew came too, eager to film. The group said no way.
"I could lose my job," said a man in a business suit. Chicago had never held a meeting like this, for gays and lesbians interested in becoming cops, and for an hour and a half, bleached by ceiling lights, they asked questions. Two officers, among the few on the force willing to say they were gay, answered.
Was the department planning to form a special gay unit? No. Did the department intend to set gay quotas? No. Was there a space on the application for sexual orientation? No.
Leaning against a wall, watching, was the man who'd organized the meeting, Larry McKeon. Gay officers out of closet thanks to him
Chicago Tribune, United States -
Gandalf actor supports gay bishop
Sir Ian McKellen, who played the wizard Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, is to come out publicly in backing for the openly gay bishop at the centre of the Anglican Church’s split over homosexuality. The actor will join Bishop Gene Robinson at a high-profile event to mark the launch of a new film about homosexuality and the Church on the eve of the Lambeth Conference in July. A celebrity cast-list of 900 liberal clergy, actors and celebrities from the film world in Britain and the US are expected at the premiere of For the Bible Tells Me So at the South Bank in July. “This evening will be a celebration of the lives and ministries of gay and lesbian people, on the eve of the Lambeth Conference of bishops in Canterbury,” Bishop Robinson said. Some of the proceeds will go toward Aids work in Africa. The event, just two days before the three-week Lambeth Conference begins at Kent University in Canterbury, will further derail the hopes of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, of keeping debate over gays low-profile. Of more than 800 bishops invited from around the world, about a quarter have decided not to attend the conference. These are mainly from Global South provinces such as Nigeria. Nearly 300 bishops are instead going to the alternative Global Anglican Future Conference in Jordan and Israel in June, although some will be attending both. Bishop Robinson has not been invited to the Lambeth Conference but will be in Canterbury anyway, attending and speaking at fringe events. Gandalf actor supports gay bishop
Times Online, UK
Former Fascit, now mayor of rome calls Pride a "sexual exhibition"
A former fascist elected to lead one of Europe's biggest cities has spoken out against the gay community. Gianni Alemanno defeated his opponents to take control of Rome on April 28th. He is the first right-wing Mayor of the city in 15 years. Last week he set his sights on Pride, but claimed he was acting in the interests of public decency and not in opposition to gay people. "I respect homosexuals, I know some," he said. "But I fear that the Gay Pride or anything else, an act of sexual exhibition, and I am opposed to any form of exhibition, homosexual or heterosexual." Fabrizio Marrazzo, head of Italy's gay rights group Arcigay, said: "Pride is not an exhibition of sexual orientation, but a moment of reflection for gays, lesbians, and the transgendered." More
Vindication For Newsom
 Mayor Newsom's Statement Regarding California State Supreme Court Ruling on Same Sex Marriage Read the statement... San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom had barely been on the job a month back in 2004 when he ordered the city to issue marriages licenses to gay and lesbian couples. Thousands of same-sex partners flocked to City Hall to exchange vows. For four weeks, a steady stream of ceremonies stretched into the night, and lines of eager couples wrapped around the block. And as quickly as the couples could say, "I do," the scene of women marrying women and men marrying men sparked a nationwide uproar. Proponents called the move bold. Opponents called it defiant and blatantly illegal. People on both sides said Newsom had single-handedly cost Democrats the White House. But after more than 4,000 same-sex marriage licenses (which ultimately were ruled invalid) and four years, the Republican majority on California's Supreme Court handed Newsom his vindication. "As California goes," Newsom told hundreds of cheering supporters, "so goes the nation." For a time, even he was convinced he'd be on the losing end. The mayor's sources who claimed to have early knowledge of the ruling assured him Thursday morning that the judicial decision he had waited years for would go against same-sex marriage. "I had absolute confirmation that listed the names of the judges that were for and against it," Newsom said. City Attorney Dennis Herrera, whose office led the courtroom charge to legalize same-sex marriage after Newsom's decision to grant the marriage licenses, had a defeat speech written and ready to give. "Everybody likes to read tea leaves ... I was just hearing this volume of stuff from people saying you're not going to win," Herrera said. But when jubilant cheers erupted from the state Supreme Court building across the street from City Hall, Newsom's victory was confirmed. Hundreds of same-sex couples gathered under the dome in San Francisco City Hall to celebrate. Some carried their children on their shoulders. Others marched straight to the county clerk's office and made wedding ceremony appointments. There were so many cheering supporters inside City Hall that people were standing in far reaches near the rafters. "My God," Newsom said as he looked around at the crowd. "This is now bigger than San Francisco," he told them. It has been a long fight for both politicians. Vindication For Newsom
Opponents of gay marriage see hope in ballot measure
Opponents of same-sex marriage in California expressed dismay after the state's Supreme Court ruled in favor of the unions today, but said the decision likely would galvanize supporters of a November ballot measure that would bar such marriages.
"This is yet another example of why the people need to go to the polls in November to defend the historic and natural definition of marriage," said Ron Prentice, executive director of the Sacramento- and Riverside-based California Family Council, which opposes same-sex marriage. Opponents of gay marriage see hope in ballot measure
Los Angeles Times
Michigan court ruling puts gays in a quandary
A Michigan Supreme Court ruling last week denying same-sex partner health benefits for state employees is prompting at least one state university professor to flee Michigan as gay advocacy groups elsewhere point to the decision as an indicator of the kinds of problems caused by same-sex marriage bans. Michael Falk, a professor at University of Michigan’s College of Engineering, intends to move away from Michigan next week with his partner, Matthew Scott, a naturalist for the university’s arboretum, to seek opportunities in Maryland. Even though Michigan’s Supreme Court justices are known to be conservative, Falk said “it was still shocking to hear” that the Supreme Court’s decision was “the final word” on the subject. “And that’s really the state of things in Michigan,” he said. “There’s really no ultimate protection for civil rights for gay and lesbian people in the state.” Falk, one of the 21 plaintiffs who brought the case to the Supreme Court, said he planned the move after the Michigan Court of Appeals made a previous ruling in 2007 barring benefits to same-sex couples. The fact that he is leaving so soon after the high court’s decision is coincidental. The Court of Appeals ruling really made Falk and his partner “reevaluate whether we felt that Michigan was the state we wanted to settle down in long term.” On May 7, Michigan’s high court ruled 5-2 that state employers, including government offices and schools, cannot extend health insurance benefits to the partners of employees in same-sex relationships. Justices decided that a same-sex marriage ban in the state constitution, approved by Michigan voters in 2004, prohibits state employers from offering the benefits. The court ruled that the language in the amendment prohibits not only same-sex marriage but also a “similar union for any purpose” and that state employers providing health benefits would be too similar to marriage. See Michigan court ruling puts gays in a quandary
'Happiest Day Of Our Lives'
The state Supreme Court ruled that gays and lesbians have a constitutional right to marry, bringing tears of joy to Lee Moulton in S.F. City Hall Plaza. See full coverage.
Gay Couples Rejoice at Ruling, opponents might seek a stay of the decision until after Noiveber election
SAN FRANCISCO — Gay and lesbian couples in San Francisco rejoiced Thursday over a state Supreme Court decision affirming their right to marry even as political leaders on both sides of the issue prepared for an extended fight over the ruling in the courts and at the ballot box. Hundreds of people showed up at San Francisco City Hall, including some women in wedding dresses and at least one carrying an open bottle of Champagne. “It’s just amazing to feel like I am a full citizen — I am not a second-class citizen,” said Christmas Leubrie, a nurse, who was with her partner, Alice Heimsoth, across the street from City Hall on the steps of the Supreme Court building. Gay rights organizations said the decision was a watershed moment for their movement, which has seen greater societal acceptance in recent decades but continued opposition in some quarters toward same-sex marriage. “Today will go down as a true turning point,” said Geoff Kors, the executive director of Equality California, a gay rights advocacy group. “It really is a very powerful message that love trumps hate and hope trumps fear.” But the battle in California is not over. Opponents of same-sex marriage said they had gathered more than one million signatures to place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would define marriage as between a man and woman, and effectively undo Thursday’s decision. Those signatures are still being inspected by county officials under the direction of the Secretary of State. Robert Tyler, a lawyer with Advocates for Faith and Freedom, which argued against same-sex marriage before the California court, said opponents might seek a stay of the decision until voters can take up the issue in November. Gay Couples Rejoice at Ruling New York Times
Epsicopal Bishop of California "welcomes, affirms and rejoices" in today's Gay marriage ruling by the California State Supreme Court
The Episcopal Bishop of California “welcomes, affirms and rejoices” in today’s Gay marriage ruling by the California State Supreme Court. “I welcome the ruling of the California Supreme Court affirming the fundamental right of all people to marry and establish a family,” said The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus late today. He serves as the Episcopal Bishop of California, which covers the San Francisco bay area. “All children of God should be afforded the same rights under the law, and this decision recognizes that all Californians, regardless of sexual orientation, have equal access to one of our fundamental human institutions,” he said. This decision gives our church another opportunity to partner with our state to ensure that all families have the support they need to build relationships that strengthen our communities, state and country. “Jesus tried to free his disciples from a narrow definition of what it means to be his follower. In Matthew 10:42, Jesus says ‘whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.’ God affirms the good in the world outside the boundaries of religious creeds and dogmas. In this spirit, we also affirm and rejoice in this decision by the California Supreme Court precisely because we are Christians,” Andrus said. “Clearly, this momentous decision will have ecclesial implications for the Episcopal Diocese of California. I intend to be in prayerful consultation with the people of our diocese to see how we can use this decision to strengthen our support of our lesbian and gay sisters and brothers, and our witness to God’s inclusive love,” the bishop said. “The Diocese of California will issue an appropriate statement in due course.” During a 2007 convention, clergy and lay leaders of the Diocese approved three rites endorsed by the Commission on Marriage and Blessing for use in blessing same gender couples. Prior to today’s court action, civil marriage was limited to heterosexual couples. Episcopal priests in the Diocese of California could bless same gender couples but that did not confer the responsibilities and rights of civil marriage. Under state law, ministers and priests will soon have the option of conducting both a civil marriage and religious service for either heterosexual or homosexual couples. How Episcopal church will respond to this opportunity will be made clear soon. The California State Supreme Court decision is slated to take effect in 30-days, a date that falls just before San Francisco’s annual Pride Festival..
West Hollywood to Celebrate as California Court Rules for Same-Sex Marriage
L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center CEO Lorri L. Jean speaks about the state Supreme Court's historic ruling on same-sex marriage on Thursday. The ruling is in - today the California Supreme Court had the integrity and the courage to do its job and say that ALL Californians are entitled to equal protection of the law! We all know that love knows no boundary. Today, in the great state of California, neither does fairness and opportunity.
This is a day that will go down in history as a victory for all Californians who cherish family and fairness, freedom and opportunity. Please join us for wedding cake at 7 p.m. this evening, at the corner of Santa Monica Blvd. and San Vicente in West Hollywood, as we celebrate this historic ruling. WHEN: 7:00 pm tonight WHERE: West Hollywood: intersection of San Vicente and Santa Monica Boulevards
California Ends Gay Couples' Exclusion From Marriage
California Supreme Court Leads the Way Yet Again in Historic Ruling Upholding the Freedom to Marry WASHINGTON, DC - May 15 - Earlier today, the California Supreme Court handed down a historic decision upholding the freedom to marry in In Re: Marriage Cases. The second state high court to rule in favor of ending the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage said, “in view of the substance and significance of the fundamental constitutional right to form a family relationship, the California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right [marriage] to all Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as to opposite-sex couples.” “This righteous decision of this most respected state high court will give Americans the chance to experience what they've begun to see for the last few years in Massachusetts, South Africa, Canada, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands – the lived reality that ending exclusion from marriage helps families and harms no one,” said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry and author of Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality and Gay People's Right to Marry. “California's sun will illuminate the nation.” The milestone California ruling comes as the country marks the 60th anniversary of another historic ruling, Perez v. Sharp. In Perez, the California Supreme Court became the first court in the country to strike down race restrictions on marriage, also by a vote of 4-3, at a time when polls showed 90% opposing interracial marriage. Wolfson noted, “Today, the justices of the California Supreme Court again lived up to their oath to uphold the Constitution for all, and as with their courageous past stands against discrimination in marriage, we will all be the better and history will vindicate them.” Noting that opponents of equality have submitted signatures that may trigger a November vote on an anti-gay measure aimed at amending the state constitution to bar committed same-sex couples from the equal freedom to marry, Wolfson said, “Thanks to the Court's just decision, voters will get to make an informed decision, having the chance to see actual married couples and realize it is wrong to put obstacles in their path.” Freedom to Marry salutes the leadership of National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union, Heller Ehrman LLP and the Law Office of David C. Codell, and the City of San Francisco, who represented fifteen same-sex couples, Equality California, and Our Family Coalition in this case. Read Online: http://www.freedomtomarry.org/press_center/california_decision.php
the National Stonewall Democrats expressed the organization's support for a ruling today by the California Supreme Court which recognized the freedom of all California couples to marry.
Washington, DC - Today, the National Stonewall Democrats expressed the organization's support for a ruling today by the California Supreme Court which recognized the freedom of all California couples to marry. "Stonewall Democrats welcomes the ruling of the California Supreme Court to legally recognize the freedom to marry. California voters have twice supported this position through their elected officials," said Jon Hoadley, Executive Director. "In 2005 and 2007, Democratic control ensured that marriage legislation was successfully approved and passed to the Governor's desk. Thanks to the tireless work of Stonewall Democrats chapters and other advocates across the state, the California Democrats strongly support the freedom of all California couples to marry. We must now turn our attention to protecting this landmark victory." In a ruling today, the California Supreme Court recognized that all California couples, including same-sex couples, are entitled to the legal recognition of marriage. "Throughout California, Stonewall Democrats have strategically worked to build support for pro-equality positions among Democratic candidates, party officials and elected leaders," said Laurie McBride (Sacramento, CA), Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of National Stonewall Democrats. "This ruling reflects the values of our Party and the will of California voters as already expressed twice by the state legislature. Democrats are working to support this court ruling and to defeat any proposed anti-marriage initiative." The efforts of Stonewall Democrats chapters across California ensured that the California Democratic Party first voiced its support for legislation recognizing the freedom to marry in 2005, with the party permanently ratified that position in its platform earlier this year. Their work created a political climate which included more pro-equality legislators, stronger advocates and diverse partnership opportunities for the crucial work of statewide groups. In 2005 and 2007, the California legislature successfully passed the "Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act" which would have recognized the freedom of all California couples to enter into civil marriage. Stonewall Democrats throughout California worked through their chapters to build support for the legislation among local Democratic bodies and the state party. Their efforts supported the work of partners like Equality California who successfully built a majority of support for the legislation in both the California Assembly and Senate. Although the "Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act" was twice vetoed by the Republican Governor, chapters of the Stonewall Democrats continued to build Democratic support for the freedom of all Californians to marry. ------ National Stonewall Democrats is the only national organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Democrats, with more than 90 local chapters across the nation. NSD is committed to working through the Democratic Party to advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. - # #
Same-Sex Marriage Ruled Constitutional in California
The state Supreme Court today ruled in a historic, 4-3 decision that gays and lesbians have a constitutional right to marry in California. At left, Ellen Pontac (left) and Shelly Bailes celebrate outside City Hall.  Photos
PFLAG: "California Has Embraced Our Children & Affirmed Our Families"
SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) today applauded a California State Supreme Court ruling in favor of full marriage equality for same-sex couples. The 4-3 decision, issued earlier today, follows lawsuits by fifteen couples who challenged the constitutionality of the state's marriage ban. The couples, along with Equality California and the Our Family Coalition, were represented by lead counsel from the National Center for Lesbian Rights along with counsel from Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union, Heller Ehrman LLP and the Law Office of David C. Codell. The majority opinion, authored by Chief Justice Ron George, concluded "that in view of the substance and significance of the fundamental constitutional right to form a family relationship, the California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as to opposite sex couples." "California has embraced our children and affirmed our families," said Molleen Matsumura, co-chair of PFLAG's Oakland, California chapter. Matsumura's lesbian daughter was married in San Francisco, in 2004, when Mayor Gavin Newsome began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. In August of that year, the court declared those marriages void, ruling that the city had overstepped its authority. "My husband and I are proud to now live in a state where our daughter's union will be equal to our own," Matsumura continued. "Marriage equality is an essential part of full equality for our children. There is nothing more pro-family than extending full citizenship to our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender loved ones. And there is nothing more worthy of celebration than the loving unions of couples who are, at last, free to fully participate in every aspect of family life." California follows Massachusetts as only the second state to officially recognize marriage rights for same-sex couples. Today's decision overturns a July 2006 ruling, from the First District Court of Appeal, upholding the state's marriage ban. The decision also follows two votes by the State Legislature legalizing such marriages. "Today's ruling marks an historic turning point for families in California and across our nation," said Jody M. Huckaby, executive director of PFLAG. "The California Supreme Court has taken an unmistakable stand in favor of 'liberty and justice for all,' and struck down any notion that some families are less worthy of full legal recognition than others. PFLAG congratulates our allies on the ground in California, and salutes our member and our families in the state, who have worked so hard for this day. We are more motivated than ever to see full equality extended to every member of our family, in California, Massachusetts and every community in-between. We will not rest until every American enjoys every right, responsibility and privilege afforded by our constitution." A November 2008 ballot initiative is expected to be approved in the state, placing the issue of marriage before voters once more. PFLAG has committed to working with organizations within California to defeat the measure, which would roll-back marriage gains realized by today's ruling. "The people of California, through their elected representatives, and the justices of the state Supreme Court, through today's ruling, have left no question that Californians have a strong commitment to protecting the rights of every citizen," said Huckaby. "We have come too far, and our GLBT loved ones are too important, to allow the forces of prejudice and discrimination to move us backward in our struggle for equality. Today, we celebrate history and tomorrow, we continue our fight for our families." PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. For more information, visit www.pflag.org.
Equality California's Geoff Kors: Today is a day I will never forget.
Today is a day I will never forget.
It is with unimaginable joy that I write to tell you that the California Supreme Court just ruled in our favor, declaring that each of us has the freedom to marry the person we love.
This is a landmark victory for our community. It’s a victory for fairness and justice. And it’s an incredible victory for California—a land of opportunity. For 10 years, Equality California has worked tirelessly to bring us to this moment. Today, for the first time in history, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Californians are truly equal. It is an amazing feeling.
I wish we could simply celebrate and enjoy this incredible victory.
But the truth is, this is just the beginning of the fight of our lives. Anti-LGBT hate organizations are already hard at work trying to pass a constitutional amendment this November in an attempt to take away our freedom to marry. And they have already raised millions of dollars to fund their discriminatory effort.
We can’t let that happen. We won’t let that happen.
It will take all of us to keep this victory. Make a contribution today to help preserve the freedom to marry from this vicious attack. Every dollar you donate will be used to fight this initiative.
Equality California Issues PAC is with a coalition of organizations working to defeat this initiative. Your donation today will help us buy media time and hire more field organizers across the state to mobilize the thousands of volunteers who have already gathered more than 76,000 signatures opposing the initiative.
Today’s victory proves that by working together we can achieve equality.
Our win today would not have been possible without the generous commitment and steadfast support of our thousands of volunteers and donors. And I cannot say enough about the brilliant legal team representing EQCA as a plaintiff in the case: National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal, ACLU, Heller Ehrman and the Law Office of David C. Codell.
Help us keep marriage in California by making a donation today to fight the ballot initiative.
As a united force, we will forever have equality in our state.
Once again, thank you for supporting EQCA in the fight for equality. I have never been more proud to be a part of this community. I have never been more proud to be a Californian. Warmly, 
Geoff Kors
Executive Director
Equality California
HRC's : Our right-wing opponents are using this moment to build a $10 million war chest for an amendment this November to ban same-sex marriage in Cal
Same-sex couples win the right to marry in California! Today, California's highest court ruled that denying same-sex couples the right to marry is unconstitutional, granting loving, committed gay and lesbian couples the dignity and support their relationships have so long been denied. Two words sum up how I feel at this moment: proud and determined. I'm proud of Shannon Minter of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, who argued this case, and all the advocates who worked tirelessly to make this day possible. More than anything, I am proud of you and all of HRC's supporters who, rather than backing down in response to bigotry and hate, have continued this fight. And I'm determined to make this win stick. Our right-wing opponents are using this moment to build a $10 million war chest for an amendment this November to ban same-sex marriage in California. That's why we've set up a special fund to direct 100% of your gift today to this fight in California. Don't let them use our victory to get the upper hand. Donate today and send your dollars straight to California to protect this victory for equality! I would love to tell you to take a day to sit back and enjoy this momentous victory. While this win is certainly a reason to celebrate, this is not a day to rest easy. In fact, sitting back is exactly the reaction the right-wing is hoping for. We can't afford to let them turn our success into their win. Focus on the Family, the National Organization for Marriage and their anti-gay friends want to write discrimination into the constitution of the most populous state in our country and undo what we've achieved today. The National Organization for Marriage's own web site is calling on their supporters to give $10 million so they can blanket the state with anti-gay messages in the coming months. They think you'll be too busy celebrating to notice as they amass their millions. I think they're wrong. HRC is a member of Equality for All, the coalition of groups working together to defeat the marriage ban in California. Funds raised today will go to support Equality for All's efforts. Click here to make a gift that will go straight to California to keep discrimination out of the constitution!
 Same-sex couples win the right to marry in California! Today, California's highest court ruled that denying same-sex couples the right to marry is unconstitutional, granting loving, committed gay and lesbian couples the dignity and support their relationships have so long been denied. Two words sum up how I feel at this moment: proud and determined. I'm proud of Shannon Minter of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, who argued this case, and all the advocates who worked tirelessly to make this day possible. More than anything, I am proud of you and all of HRC's supporters who, rather than backing down in response to bigotry and hate, have continued this fight. And I'm determined to make this win stick. Our right-wing opponents are using this moment to build a $10 million war chest for an amendment this November to ban same-sex marriage in California. That's why we've set up a special fund to direct 100% of your gift today to this fight in California. Don't let them use our victory to get the upper hand. Donate today and send your dollars straight to California to protect this victory for equality! I would love to tell you to take a day to sit back and enjoy this momentous victory. While this win is certainly a reason to celebrate, this is not a day to rest easy. In fact, sitting back is exactly the reaction the right-wing is hoping for. We can't afford to let them turn our success into their win. Focus on the Family, the National Organization for Marriage and their anti-gay friends want to write discrimination into the constitution of the most populous state in our country and undo what we've achieved today. The National Organization for Marriage's own web site is calling on their supporters to give $10 million so they can blanket the state with anti-gay messages in the coming months. They think you'll be too busy celebrating to notice as they amass their millions. I think they're wrong. HRC is a member of Equality for All, the coalition of groups working together to defeat the marriage ban in California. Funds raised today will go to support Equality for All's efforts. Click here to make a gift that will go straight to California to keep discrimination out of the constitution!
This is a momentous day. Let's make sure it doesn't become a piece of history this November. Thanks for your generous support, 
Joe Solmonese, President
California Supreme Court Issues Historic Ruling: Lesbian and Gay Couples Win Freedom to Marry in California
SAN FRANCISCO — The California Supreme Court ruled today that the state can no longer exclude same-sex couples from civil marriage. In a 4 -3 decision, drafted by Chief Justice Ronald George, the court ruled: “In light of the fundamental nature of the substantive rights embodied in the right to marry — and their central importance to an individual’s opportunity to live a happy, meaningful, and satisfying life as a full member of society — the California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all individuals and couples, without regard to their sexual orientation.” The court also noted: “Furthermore, in contrast to earlier times, our state now recognizes that an individual’s capacity to establish a loving and long-term committed relationship with another person and responsibly to care for and raise children does not depend upon the individual’s sexual orientation, and, more generally, that an individual’s sexual orientation — like a person’s race or gender — does not constitute a legitimate basis upon which to deny or withhold legal rights. We therefore conclude that in view of the substance and significance of the fundamental constitutional right to form a family relationship, the California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as to opposite-sex couples.” “This is a historic and landmark day for those who value fairness and opportunity,” said Shannon Price Minter, Legal Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, who argued the case on behalf of 14 same-sex couples and two organizations, Equality California and Our Family Coalition. “The court’s decision today upheld the highest ideals of equality that are embodied in the California Constitution.” “There is no more important and deeply personal decision than whether to take on the commitment of marriage,” he added. “With today’s ruling, the California Supreme Court declared that lesbians and gay men have an equal right to make that cherished commitment.” “We have waited more than 50 years for the opportunity to marry,” said Phyllis Lyon, on behalf of herself and Del Martin, who are plaintiffs in the case. Lyon, 83, and Martin, 87, have been together 56 years. “We are thrilled that this day has finally come.” Lawsuits challenging the marriage ban were filed in March, 2004. Along with the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the couples are represented by Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union, Heller Ehrman LLP, and the Law Office of David C. Codell. The City and County of San Francisco likewise filed its own challenge to the marriage laws, represented by the office of City Attorney Dennis Herrera. The cases, along with four others, were consolidated into one appeal, In re Marriage Cases. The court ruled that lesbian and gay couples are entitled to the same fundamental right to marry as heterosexual couples as protected by the California constitution. The decision explicitly strikes down Proposition 22, a voter passed initiative that passed in 2000 that sought to limit marriage to only between a man and woman. Under California rules of procedure, the decision can not go into effect for at least 30 days. “We’re tremendously gratified that the Court today has fulfilled its traditional duty,” said Jennifer Pizer, Senior Counsel for Lambda Legal. “Like the 1948 decision recognizing the right of interracial couples to marry, this ruling keeps a promise that every Californian should hold dear — the California Constitution embraces everyone equally. Each of us depends on the Supreme Court to enforce our basic rights to be free and equal under law — no more and no less than our neighbors and friends. Enforcement was essential for mixed-race families in the 1940s and for women in the 1970s, and it’s essential for gay men and lesbians now. California’s Constitution safeguards all of us.” “All Californians should be incredibly proud of our state for leading the nation in ending the unnecessary pain that is caused when lesbian and gay couples are barred from the legal protections and dignity that come through marriage,” said Maya Harris, Executive Director of the ACLU of Northern California. “Today marks a defining moment in our state’s already rich history of establishing fairness for all.” Currently, lesbian and gay couples may legally marry in Massachusetts, Canada, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, and South Africa. In 2007, an Iowa trial court held that Iowa’s marriage ban violates the Iowa Constitution. That case is now before the Iowa Supreme Court. A lawsuit challenging the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage in Connecticut is also pending before the Connecticut Supreme Court. In anticipation of today’s ruling, right-wing organizations are attempting to amend the California Constitution to openly discriminate against lesbian and gay couples. Groups funded by out-of-state organizations have submitted signatures to place an initiative on the November ballot that would ask voters to alter the constitution by denying gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry, which the court upheld today. The California Secretary of State has not yet determined if the discriminatory initiative has qualified for the November ballot. “The California Constitution was written to protect the freedoms and equality of all people, creating a place where every person can realize his or her hopes and dreams,” said Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors. “That is the California we choose to live in — a state that ensures dignity and respect for its diverse communities and families. We are confident that Californians will respect the court’s ruling for fairness and opportunity and affirm that lesbian and gay Californians deserve full equality under the law.” In an interview on April 11, Governor Schwarzenegger stated that an initiative to amend the California Constitution to ban gay and lesbian couples from marriage was “a waste of time,” adding “I will always be there to fight against that. It will never happen.” Kors added, “I truly believe that Californians are ready to move past the type of politics that seeks to divide us by our differences. Most Californians work hard to treat others fairly, and they believe their neighbors should have the same opportunity to realize their hopes and dreams.” The case is among the most heavily briefed cases in the history of the California Supreme Court. More than 20 counties and municipalities filed a friend-of-the court brief in support of marriage for same-sex couples, including the most populous cities in California: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Long Beach, Sacramento and Oakland. In addition, more than 250 religious and civil rights leaders and organizations, including the California NAACP, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, California Council of Churches, Asian Pacific American Legal Center and National Black Justice Coalition, filed briefs supporting same-sex couples seeking the right to marry. Numerous legal and bar associations, including the Los Angeles County Bar Association, also registered their support, as well as many of the state’s leading constitutional law scholars and family law professors. To read the court’s decision, visit here. For more information about In re Marriage Cases, visit here.
Gay marriage legal in California, court declares
SAN FRANCISCO - A deeply divided California Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in an opinion issued Thursday morning. Wild cheers echoed throughout City Hall and other spots where proponents had gathered Thursday morning awaiting the opinion, which came on a 4-3 vote. The case stems from challenges to state law by gay couples who were married in ceremonies at San Francisco City Hall in 2004, when Mayor Gavin Newsom began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Legal challenges to those marriages eventually led to the high court invalidating them six months later. California voters already had approved by a wide margin a measure in 2000 that declared marriage to be only between a man and a woman. But San Francisco officials and about 20 of the couples granted licenses four years ago challenged the court decisions that invalidated their marriages, and in March the seven justices heard three hours of arguments over whether the state's ban on gay marriage denies gays and lesbians their constitutional rights. Thursday's opinion has been eagerly anticipated by both sides in the argument, with many saying a decision in California would be felt nationwide. Only Massachusetts allows gay marriage. Opponents of same-sex marriage already have readied a new ballot measure that would amend the state constitution to ban such unions. By midmorning Thursday, same-sex couples hoping for a favorable ruling began to line up outside the San Francisco city clerk's office. Standing at the head of the line, San Francisco couple Bruce Ivie and David Bowers said they were waiting for history. "I just feel it," said Ivie, 51 wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with a pink triangle and "Proud Forever" on it. "California has always been a trendsetter. It's now about time." Ivie and Bowers, together for 28 years, were among the thousands of gay couples who rushed to City Hall to be married in 2004. They said they were horrified and heartbroken when their marriage was later voided, and spent the next four years following the gay marriage case as it made its way through the courts. "We'll have each other forever, but we deserve the same rights as everybody else," Bowers said. "How can it hurt anyone else?" A line slowly began to snake around the vinyl ropes outside the clerk's office. Outside the court building Thursday, gay and lesbian proponents gathered, with many saying they were extremely anxious as they awaited the opinion. Among the group were two Davis women, Shelly Bailes and Ellen Pontac, who said they have been together for 34 years and were the 45th couple married at City Hall in 2004. Pontac carried a sign that said "Life feels different when you are married." "We are full of hope," Bailes said. "This is extremely important. We have been fighting this fight for a really long time." The women, who will speak tonight at a Sacramento gathering in midtown, drove to San Francisco to be at the courthouse for the decision. "Shelly said this morning that she wouldn't be this nervous when we get married," Pontac said. "We've been together for 34 years. It has been a long-enough engagement." Gay marriage legal in California, court declares
Sacramento Bee, USA
FLASH: California Supreme Court Overturns Gay Marriage Ban
California Supreme Court Overturns Gay Marriage Ban
The decision paves the way for California to become the second state where gay and lesbian residents can marry. Full decision as a PDF File. "In holding today that the right to marry guaranteed by the state Constitution may not be withheld from anyone on the ground of sexual orientation, this court discharges its gravest and most important responsibility under our constitutional form of government. There is a reason why the words “Equal Justice Under Law” are inscribed above the entrance to the courthouse of the United States Supreme Court. Both the federal and the state Constitutions guarantee to all the “equal protection of the laws” (U.S. Const., 14th Amend.; Cal. Const., art. I, § 7), and it is the particular responsibility of the judiciary to enforce those guarantees. The architects of our federal and state Constitutions understood that widespread and deeply rooted prejudices may lead majoritarian institutions to deny fundamental freedoms to unpopular minority groups, and that the most effective remedy for this form of oppression is an independent judiciary charged with the solemn responsibility to interpret and enforce the constitutional provisions guaranteeing
fundamental freedoms and equal protection." - Chief Justice.J.KENNARD writing in the majority Plaintiffs are entitled to the issuance of a writ of mandate directing the appropriate state officials to take all actions necessary to effectuate our ruling in this case so as to ensure that county clerks and other local officials throughout the state, in performing their duty to enforce the marriage
statutes in their jurisdictions, apply those provisions in a manner consistent with the decision of this court. Further, as the prevailing parties, plaintiffs are entitled to their costs.
The judgment of the Court of Appeal is reversed, and the matter is remanded to that court for further action consistent with this opinion,
Gay Marriage Ruling Today
More than four years after San Francisco defied state marriage laws by allowing nearly 4,000 same-sex couples to wed at City Hall, the state Supreme Court is set to decide today whether gays and lesbians have a constitutional right to marry in California. But the decision, due at 10 a.m., may not be the last word. Conservative religious organizations have submitted more than 1.1 million signatures for an initiative that would amend the state Constitution to outlaw same-sex marriage. If at least 694,354 signatures are found to be valid, a tally that is due by mid-June, the measure would go on the November ballot and, if approved by voters, would override any court ruling in favor of same-sex marriage. Californians have already voted once, in 2000, to reaffirm the 1977 state law that defines marriage as the union of a man and a woman. The 2000 initiative, Proposition 22, was not a constitutional amendment. The marriage case is the most prominent and politically explosive dispute to come before the court in decades. The justices have largely managed to stay out of the public spotlight since 1986, when voters removed Chief Justice Rose Bird and two liberal colleagues who had joined her in overturning nearly all death sentences to come before the court. The current court, with a 6-1 majority of Republican appointees, has a centrist record on social issues and has ruled in favor of gay-rights advocates in a number of cases, including three decisions in 2005 requiring equal treatment for same-sex parents in disputes over child support and custody. The justices seemed sharply divided at their hearing in the marriage case March 4. Win or lose, supporters of same-sex marriage have scheduled a "celebration of love and family" at the San Francisco LGBT Center, 1800 Market St., at 5 p.m. today, with similar observances planned in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo and Palm Springs. "Express your joy - or frustration - with dignity and resoluteness," the advocacy group Equality California advised participants in an e-mail message. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, whose order authorizing the City Hall weddings started the chain of events leading to today's ruling, said the case represents progress, regardless of the result. "Even if we are not successful, we will have pushed the ball forward," said Newsom, who was testifying to a congressional committee Wednesday in Washington and scrapped a planned trip to Chicago to return to San Francisco today. The case began in February 2004, when Newsom told the city clerk to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, saying he doubted the constitutionality of the marriage law. The state's high court halted the weddings a month later, then nullified the marriages in August 2004 and ruled that Newsom lacked the authority to override California law. The court did not rule on the validity of the law, however, and instead referred the issue to lower courts. Constitutional challenges were immediately filed by 23 couples - including some whose marriages had just been annulled - and by the city of San Francisco. A Superior Court judge in San Francisco declared the ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional in March 2005. Judge Richard Kramer said the law violated the right to marry the partner of one's choice - a right first established by California's high court in a 1948 ruling allowing interracial marriages - and also constituted sex discrimination. But a state appeals court upheld the law in October 2006. In a 2-1 ruling, the court said California is entitled to preserve the historic definition of marriage while protecting gays and lesbians from discrimination by granting marital rights to domestic partners, most of whom are same-sex couples. That is the argument advanced by state Attorney General Jerry Brown's office, which is defending the marriage law in court. Two conservative organizations, the Campaign for California Families and the Prop. 22 Legal Defense and Education Fund, have entered the case and argued that broadening the marriage law to same-sex couples would weaken traditional matrimony. Massachusetts is the only state whose high court has ruled that the state's Constitution gives same-sex couples the right to marry. See Gay Marriage Ruling Today
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom Rushes Back to SF As State Supremes Set To Rule On Gay Marriage
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who was in Washington, D.C., today to testify before Congress on green building standards, is on a plane home this evening in anticipation of the California Supreme Court’s Thursday morning decision on the legality of same-sex marriage, a mayoral spokesman tells PolitickerCA.com. The court’s decision, which comes four years after Newsom allowed 4,000 couples to wed in City Hall, is almost certain to dominate California political headlines tomorrow. Same Sex Marriage In The Golden State
CBS News California high court set to rule on gay marriage
San Jose Mercury News - CA, Same Sex Marriage In The Golden State
CBS News - New York,NY,USA California Supreme Court to decide on gay marriage ban
AFP -
Gay Pride Allowed at Ponce de Leon High
School went on as usual today at Ponce De Leon High. Except for the visiting news reporters, there was little evidence the school and one of its students had just ended a federa |
