Sacramento LGBT Community Reacts to Federal Prop 8 Decision

by Kati Garner | August 4, 2010 at 04:47 pm

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Sacramento, CA – Today, Judge Vaughn Walker released his decision in the Perry v. Schwarzenegger Federal Prop 8 Trial. The leadership of Equality Action NOW and the staff of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center (1927 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95811), are elated with the ruling and are calling a Press Conference at 3:45 PM at the Center and are planning a party beginning at 6:00 pm on K Street at 21st in Midtown Sacramento, in the parking lot behind McMartin's Real Estate.

Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Sacramento’s Equality Action Now, a grassroots civil rights organization said. “Today, we will dance in the streets to celebrate our equality with our fellow Californians and thank all of our allies. While this is a huge step towards equal rights for same-sex marriages, it is well understood that the positive ruling in this case will serve as the bases for an appeal from the Yes on Prop 8 side. Opponents of same-sex marriages will continue their fight by using every available means legally, as well as in the public arena to deny full and equal rights to LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex) individuals. So tomorrow we will continue to build bridges to other communities by coming out and telling our personal stories”.

Wendy Rae Hill, Executive Director of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center pointed out, “as witnessed in the this trial, what the proponents of same-sex marriage have on their side is the Constitution and evidence that no one can dispute the fact that same-sex marriages will do no harm to the institution of marriage. On the other hand there is an abundance of evidence that same-sex marriages will actually serve to strengthen our society and family structure as in the case of my own family”.

Organizations throughout the state and here in Sacramento are urging the community “to continue to amplify the themes underscored by Olson/Boies which focused on the inclusion and integration of LGBT people within the legal protections enjoyed by all Americans and framed this current controversy within the larger historical context of past discriminatory laws that have been eliminated. In this way, marriage discrimination against the LGBT community is seen as one more instance of unfounded bias and prejudice that is eliminated and is consistent with the enduring American principle of extending Constitutional protections and fairness to all people”.

”Today our response to Judge Walker's ruling includes reaching out in fellowship and compassion to those who voted for Proposition 8 in 2008 out of fear and lack of information. Just like the evolution of Governor Schwarzenegger, U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein and San Diego Mayor and Prop 8 trial witness Jerry Sanders, we need to ensure we celebrate with a grace that allows people to evolve in their position towards marriage equality with dignity and join us as we move forward. We need to ensure we do not view this win as a zero sum game against our adversaries - but rather the unfolding of a more inclusive, kind, loving country for everyone”.

Press Release | Ken Pierce

Photos | Kati Garner