AMERICAblog: CA Supreme Court upheld Prop. 8. 18,000 marriages still valid
dula
· 6 months ago
Now that it is legal in California for your neighbors to decide what your Rights should be I say we put a few of our own Props on the next ballot. I'll start you off with one: 1. Religious Institutions are no longer tax exempt.
mtiffany
· 6 months ago
I'll go you one better. Let's make public displays of religious faith a capital crime.
mamazboy
· 6 months ago
Ex-fucking-actly! Maybe we can use this terrible ruling as the start of getting the church out of secular business entirely. That would benefit the heterosexual community as well as us.
gizmo
· 6 months ago
Very weird decision. The 18,000 marriages that took place before the Prop. 8 are still valid? Seems to me that violates the Equal Protection clause of the Constitution.
lilybart
· 6 months ago
My Sotomayor glow is gone.
FunMe
· 6 months ago
Isn't it funny, we get a new President ... but then bad news with Prop H8.
Then we get a woman latina nominee ... but then bad news with Prop H8.
Once again.
:-(
RitornaVincitor
· 6 months ago
It was quite a feeling to turn on the television news for the second time in our lives to see if our marriage remained valid. My husband and I were heartened that our marriage and that of 18,000 others were upheld today by a unanimous vote of the Court. But how unfortunate for all those gay couples who seek to marry but are denied by a narrow majority of voters. Clearly the Court today did not decide the issue of whether or not a majority has the right to take away fundamental rights from a minority. Instead the focused on the narrow issue of whether or not Prop 8 was a constitutional amendment or constitutional revision.
Now we have a legal anomaly in California. Gay marriage is forbidden, yet 36,000 gay people are legally married in California. The ruling creates two classes of gay people in California. It will be interesting to say the least to see how this plays out in the future. Sigatures were already being gathered last year for a new ballot initiative to repeal Prop 8. And since the Court today upheld the right of the voters to vote on such issues, we will definitely see a measure on the ballot next year. Things have shifted considerably in California since the narrow passage of Prop 8. And next year the demographic of voters going to the polls will likely be substantially different than it was last November. I'm predicting the repeal of Prop 8 next year. And then California can join Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Iowa, and very likely New York and New Jersey, as states that respect basic human rights.
offspring
· 6 months ago
i hope so but the church needs to be heavily and i mean heavily monitored in their actions the next time and compliants file imediately upon violations
RitornaVincitor
· 6 months ago
Agreed. It will be interesting to see how much more flack the Mormons want to expose themselves to, and how many campaign donors want to see their names published as contributors to a hateful cause now that they realize such contributions are public record.
marblex
· 6 months ago
Won't make a damned bit of difference. The IRS will never enforce laws against their involvement by repealing their tax free status.
Perhaps gay rights groups should organize themselves as religions and get themselves tax exemption
offspring
· 6 months ago
um i actually like that idea
cantyoureadthesigns
· 6 months ago
You mean like the Metropolitan Community Church?
Already been done.
MEDIA STATEMENT From Rev. Troy D. Perry Founder, Metropolitan Community Churches
RESPONSE TO CALIFORNIA MARRIAGE RULING
26 May 2009
STATEMENT:
Today, I am adding my voice to the voices of people of goodwill everywhere who are deeply disappointed that the California Supreme Court has failed to uphold marriage equality for California's citizens.
It is ironic that the same court that ruled in favor of marriage equality last year has now denied that same right in today's ruling.
My forty years of work on behalf of human rights and social justice offer hope that today's ruling, while a setback for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender couples, is only a temporary setback in the quest for full equality under the law for all of our citizens.
The silver lining in the court's ruling is that the 18,000 same-sex couples who were legally married before the adoption of Proposition 8 will continue to have full marriage equality under the law.
I am joining hands with civic, political and faith leaders to redouble our efforts to guarantee marriage equality for all of our state's citizens and to pursue every possible option to achieve that goal at the earliest possible date.
# END #
For Additional Information or Media Interviews, Contact:
Jim Birkitt Communications Director Metropolitan Community Churches P.O. Box 691728 West Hollywood, California 90069 Tel. (310) 625-4177 E-mail: info@MCCchurch.net
It's time to tell the truth about the Mormon Church and it's belief in plural marriage. It's founder, Joseph Smith, reveled to his members that Plural Marriage was THE MOST IMPORTANT REVELATION he had received from God. Other Mormon leaders reiterated this belief. In 1890, the church said it no longer supported plural marriage in order to join the Union at the State of Utah. However, if a Mormon denies the belief in plural marriage he is denying his entire belief system. He would be stating that Mormonism is a Sham Religion! So, though most don't practice plural marriage, they must believe that it is the most holy of all experience as their founder and Prophet so said.
The country needs to know that this is what Mormonism is all about.
coltergeist
· 6 months ago
I don't get how the right to marry is not considered an inalienable right. So you can procreate, but you can be prevented from marrying? Not very family friendly.
Maybe before trying to pass a repeal of that amendment, gay rights advocates should try to pass an initiative that bans religious institutions from contributing money to voter initiatives. Choke off the Mormon money.
KarenMrsLloydRichards
· 6 months ago
The tyrannical majority are confusing a civil right with a religious sacrament.
Marriage, in their minds, is something people do in churches. Only in churches.
judybrowni
· 6 months ago
Upholding H8 would be a bad legal precedent for a thousand reasons, only one of which, of course, is gay marriage in CA.
Am I the only one who hopes for riots in West Hollywood and San Francisco if H8 is upheld?
Real, break-the-windows-in-the-courthouse riots, or even better, break-the-windows-in-the Mormon Tabernacle?
(Although I also believe a counter proposition in 2010 would be a boon to Democrats, really turn out the voters.)
I wrote the above on Americablog, yesterday, too, and got the below response:
from Screaming Queen -- Oh yes, by all means. A break the windows rights really accomplishes so much! I mean, look at the WTO: It got rid of all those insane trade policies and was a boon for organized labor.
And look at how successful the White Night riots were! Wow, that got us all those rights, didn't it?
Are you the only one hoping for riots? I sure hope so. We can't all be that stupid.
To which I replied:
The White Night riots [after the slap-on-the-wrist sentencing of Dan White for the murders of Harvey Milk and the then Mayor of San Francisco] were the impetus for aggressive gay rights organization in San Francisco, and more respect for gay politicians and what all.
Don't believe me?
"The show of strength from the gay community led to increased political power, which culminated in the re-election of Mayor Dianne Feinstein the following November. In response to a campaign promise, Feinstein appointed a pro-gay Chief of Police, which increased recruitment of gays in the police force and eased tensions . . ."
"Effects on LGBT Culture On October 14, 1979, over 100,000 people marched on Washington for gay rights. Many carried portraits of Milk and placards honoring his legacy.[38] The rally, which was something that Milk had wanted to organize, was instead a tribute to him. According to journalist and author Randy Shilts, the White Night Riots provided a fitting end to the legend of Harvey Milk."
"Effects on San Francisco Politics With the 1979 municipal elections only months after the riot, many feared an anti-gay backlash at the polls. The expected backlash never came, and the gay community wielded unprecedented power. Although the virtually unknown gay Mayoral candidate David Scott finished third in the election, his showing was strong enough to force Acting Mayor Feinstein into a runoff election against conservative City Supervisor Quentin Kopp. Due to her promises of appointing more gay people to public office and her heavy campaigning in the Castro... "
"However, Murphy also vowed to maintain the progressive policy towards gays that his predecessor had implemented. By 1980, one in seven new police recruits was gay or lesbian.[39] ]"
I couldn't hope more for riots, and the aftermath of political power and respect.
So, who beyond me, is hoping for riots if Prop 8 is upheld?
mtiffany
· 6 months ago
It's not West Hollywood that need to be burned down with riots. It's one specific religious edifice in Salt Lake City that needs to be razed.
LawMichigander
· 6 months ago
Well I predicted this a year ago and this is a partial victory.
offspring
· 6 months ago
lol msnbc just spent a hole two minutes on the prop 8 decision, why are the people standing outside the court house not rioting geesh this is beyond me way beyond me, gays should move out of cali then you would see even worse a tax problem there then it has. thanks to the mormons and to all the people who voted for prop 8 we where there when many of you needed rights, you should be ashamed.
Atlanta Jim
· 6 months ago
My partner and I were married on October 3, 2008. It is so sad prejudice is still allowed to exist. What a hollow day.
KarenMrsLloydRichards
· 6 months ago
Viva Tyranny of the (superstitious, fearful) Majority!
A Bas Minority Rights!
James Madison's ghost is puking right now . . .
rafael
· 6 months ago
The Court has failed miserably to protect the rights of a minority group. What's next, a proposition to outlaw Hispanics from driving on Tuesdays?
lilybart
· 6 months ago
as long as it is a Revision, then yes.
K in VA
· 6 months ago
No, we don't want riots. We want principled protests, passive resistance at its best.
And then, tomorrow, get back to working for equality.
Miket298
· 6 months ago
How can this be fair though? Now we have gays who are married and gays who are not allowed to be married?
sdv
· 6 months ago
I don't understand how this is legally consistent. They decided to uphold a proposition not to recognize same sex marriages, and yet they are going to recognize 18,000 such marriages? This is the worst of all possible outcomes, IMO, since it has no logical consistency. If the will of the people is to not recognize same sex marriages, and the court can't overturn the will of the people, how can we still recognize those marriages? The judges didn't want to be mean to those 18,000 families, but in doing so they made a terrible decision.
lilybart
· 6 months ago
It does make it easier to change in the future though, because it is so stupid and illogical.
PeerOne
· 6 months ago
Exactly. Completely my thoughts. It's like, "Whaaaat?".
fredndallas
· 6 months ago
So our community gets kicked in the balls once again.
Cosmic coincidence? Within the hour both a new federal Supreme Court nominee and our Prop 8 defeat. Implication that she will eventually be the vote that buries our equality for good -- or rescues it?
Hmmm.
Isadore
· 6 months ago
fred - no worries. It was a bit of a cheesy decision but it came down to the word "marriage", fundamental rights wasn't before the court.
We all know how this is going to end. Let the Mormoms salivate and drool over they shallow victory. In the end fred - he who laughs last, laughs best.
So let the LGBT community marshal up the forces - and defeat this nonsense in 2010 at the ballot box. Remember, the court said that the issue of fundamental right remained intact. Now the fight is against a simple definition.
The mormoms see the end coming - just like the rest of us. Like I said, let then calibrate this shallow victory - they know it is the calm before the storm.
Isadore
· 6 months ago
Can't edit comments? Must be missing something...
JayR
· 6 months ago
Someone should get a prop passed that bans Mormons from marrying. Clearly in California the majority is free to oppress the minority. What a great state!
offspring
· 6 months ago
hey obama thanks for making today all about you.
FunMe
· 6 months ago
Sad, but the battles continues. Rallies all around the US today:
I think the Supremes of CA were more concerned about their jobs than bringing equal protection to all Californians.
They are pathetic!
offspring
· 6 months ago
well they will be celebrating in compton, the lds church, and south side.
JayR
· 6 months ago
Yeah like the give a shit in Compton.
dula
· 6 months ago
They do, it was a big issue for the Black Church.
JayR
· 6 months ago
So sayeth the pundits...
dula
· 6 months ago
Yeah, homophobia amongst Black "Christians" is purely a fantasy created by the media.
JayR
· 6 months ago
Most Americans are homophobic. What's your point again?
dula
· 6 months ago
My point is that homophobic Black people are hypocrites, always out there whining and protesting when their own Civil Rights are trampled on yet turn around and vote against Rights of Gays.(what was the figure? 73% of Black voters voted for Prop. 8? No other Community had such an overwhelming percentage.)
offspring
· 6 months ago
it was a huge issue in the black community
JayR
· 6 months ago
Yeah not so much. I'm part of the "black community".
scottinsf
· 6 months ago
I hereby declare war on the state and on the homophobes that won this battle. They don't realize what they have done.
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
TrappedinaRedState
· 6 months ago
Well spoken Morticia!
offspring
· 6 months ago
well luckily the media didnt have to spend much time on the gay icky issue they went back to obamas pick story.
PeerOne
· 6 months ago
Best said by Twitterer "pourmecoffee": "CA Supreme Court follows People vs. KFC precedent: no more gay marriage except for 18,000 who already used coupon".
justadood
· 6 months ago
Disappointing, but not surprising. I view teh Court's decision as "We view the Law as a bad Law, but legal within the framework of the State Constitution".
They *could* have voided the 18,000+ marriages already on the books, but did not. Why? because those marriages were valid within the Constitution and the Laws then on the books.
I see this decision as a statement that the Court is not against the LGBT community, it just sees itself as the Interpreter of the Law, not the maker of Law, and if we can get passed a Law repealing Prop8 that withstands Constitutional scrutiny, then the Court will happily stand aside and watch the Marriages happen.
Disappointed? Yes, but I see the opportunity here....not giving up the fight, and looking to organize a 'repeal h8' Constitutional referendum....
sdv
· 6 months ago
But why does it matter that the marriages were legal when they were performed? Prop 8 is that the state will not *recognize* same sex marriages. Why does it matter if it was legal when they were performed? Does that mean I can go to Iowa and get married and California will recognize it? Of course not. That's why this is the worst possible decision for this case. It's completely inconsistent.
offspring
· 6 months ago
for those that keep using the argument, of well if we give you the benifits of marriage but call it domestic partnership, hey bright bulbs, that is a lie, also you in no way shape or form get the "same legal right" as those that are married, if i die my partner of 16 years will not see a dime of my disable veteran pension, he cant use the va hospital, he can get discount drugs, he cannot file federal tax forms, he cannot own a house with me in oklahoma except to have to get a co loan or co sign, if i die my property can be taken from him by any member of my family, no matter if i have a power of attorney or will, or living will, the courts will recongnize blood relations before him. there at tons more rights and issues, so a domestic partnership in absolutely no way is near the same as marriage
John
· 6 months ago
This isn't a legal decision. It is a political one. They decided to split the baby in half. It makes absolutely zero sense that only opposite-sex marriages are "recognized or valid" in California (that's the exact wording of the constitutional amendment), yet there are 18,000 same-sex couples still married.
And I expect Carlos Moreno's blistering dissent will make him a candidate for a federal judgeship in the near future. He's the only one on that court who's actually consistent from start to finish. Bravo Justice Moreno.
sdv
· 6 months ago
exactly. And what about people who were married it other states where it is legal. Do they get added to the 18,000 that are recognized in CA? They are using the most twisted logic possible. Part of me suspects they have some monetary interest in us all donating money to overturn this thing once again. And then again and then again.
offspring
· 6 months ago
they need to report it, "well those that are spending more than two minutes on it", as a ban on equal human rights for a large group of america citizens. oh wait wait oh they are back on obamas choice
offspring
· 6 months ago
this will greatly effect the fight nationally
Isadore
· 6 months ago
How so? Its a minor setback. The court held that the people of California have the right to "define" a "word". As I said below, the fundamental rights are and remain intact.
All the LGBT community has to do is kick a little Mormom ass between now and election day 2010.
Now that can't be all that bad now can it?
Joneses
· 6 months ago
I do have to say that in most part the public were misinformed. The Morman's and other religious groups poured quite a bit of money into California which spreaded misinformation and fear, especially into the minority communites and the young......
1. They will teach gayism to your children in the schools; and 2. "God"
I do believe, this up hill battle can be won.
offspring
· 6 months ago
i know none of you will agree with me on this, but obama fucked us today also
KarenMrsLloydRichards
· 6 months ago
Curiously enough, I felt nothing . . .
Michaels
· 6 months ago
Question of the hour: will Obama release a statement expressing disappointment in the court's decision and vowing to support the rights of *all* Californian's as they work to overturn Prop. 8?
No friggin' way... He'll say nothing, and when either he or his team is pressed for comment, they'll fudge by "respecting the legal and legislative process" and no further comment.....
dula
· 6 months ago
What, and offend the Black Church? or Rev. Warren?
JayR
· 6 months ago
The Black Church? There's only one???
dula
· 6 months ago
No, there are many Black Churches and the vast majority are homophobic.
JayR
· 6 months ago
I'm sure you have numbers to back up your claim.
dula
· 6 months ago
No I made the whole thing up. There are actually very few Black Churches that preach against Gay Rights. Most Black Churches are overwhelmingly supportive of Gays...so much so that all Gay Church members are out and proud in their Black families and Black Churches.
JayR
· 6 months ago
I understand that you made it up. I'm glad you admit that you have zero evidence to back up your claim just conjecture.
Chrissy
· 6 months ago
Equality California is now asking for donations. My advice: don't.
This group failed us on this. They need to become part of gay history.
If you are going to give any money, give it to the Courage Campaign. A much better organization and not afraid to use the word "gay."
Joneses
· 6 months ago
P.S. I'm glad they did up-hold the marriages.
sdv
· 6 months ago
Except it betrays the lack of logical or legal consistency in their decision.
aratina
· 6 months ago
Right. They upheld some marriages. What about people who were married outside of California? Are their marriages valid still, or are they automagically shoved into domestic partnerships, or what????
marblex
· 6 months ago
No surprises there. There are no heroes on the court and never will be.
The Mormons won.
Next up, a ballot measure to outlaw cults like mormonism
Isadore
· 6 months ago
When the dust settles the mormoms didn't win s***.
$ is the only thing keeping Prop 8 from being overturned at the next election.
texasbob
· 6 months ago
Apparently the California SC decided that this issue can be "compromised," giving something to each side and denying something to each side. What foolishness!!
I don't understand why non-heterosexuals who want to be married do not form a religion which establishes marriage between any two people as a sacrament. Would not denial of marriage to people married in this religion be a violation of their religious freedom?
lilybart
· 6 months ago
good one!
sdv
· 6 months ago
Plenty of religious denominations perform same sex marriages and they argued this exact point before the supreme court (or at least filed an amicus brief, I don't remember which). Apparently it doesn't matter.
okojo
· 6 months ago
Why there should be riots in the Castro and West Hollywood? this is the equivalent of pissing in one's own bed, and the gay friendliest areas in the state?
This is just a bad decision by the Court. One reason it is a bad decision, they are going to be forced to review it again in the near future, what they should had done, was strike down the proposition's aim of amending the Constitution, and give it strict guidelines on how a H8 proposition or pro gay marriage proposition should be structured.
John
· 6 months ago
There shouldn't. And I don't condone riots.
However, anyone who's familiar with San Francisco knows the Castro is a ten minute subway ride away from the CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT. I suspect a mob of torch wielding villagers can get from the Castro to the court in, say, 30 minutes.
judybrowni
· 6 months ago
I'm trying to decide should I go to the Santa Monica protest tonight with friends (almost guaranteed to be pacifist), or head to West Hollywood (where this under '5 woman, knows nobody,) but there would definitely be more rioting prospects.
And I'm hoping for a riot, bigots be damned!
offspring
· 6 months ago
so the north east is more progressive and more equal than california? wtf moment. wow it is funny how a court legislating discrimination is such a small story on the tv. The logic is funny like kids in a play ground, play baseball, ok only you four are allowed to hit the ball the other four cant.
KarenMrsLloydRichards
· 6 months ago
California is just a shitty, broke-ass state now.
offspring
· 6 months ago
so one group you will be able to say are married their neighbors who are gay you wont ? wierd decision in the end noone really won it may even cause divisions in the gay community.
offspring
· 6 months ago
i just cant get over how the media just blew over this story
Let's get stronger and more in-their-face about this on the next go-round. We need to frame the issue explicitly as a matter of basic human rights, invoke the similarities to the black civil rights movement, and relentlessly go after the Mormons and Catholics as theocrats trying to impose their morality on secular society. We must be ruthless here because people in power don't respect any group that isn't bold and unashamed in its tactics.
Soundboy_jeff_meanie
· 6 months ago
of course... given that this was considered an 'amendment' instead of a 'revision'. It could be put to a vote again, and again, and again, and again...
so, welcome to California LGBT community! you can't get married this year, but you might be able to get married in 2012... although, you might not be able to get married again in 2014... but there's always hope for 2016!
/snark
offspring
· 6 months ago
how is them saying the marriages prior will stand a good thing? They will not be reconginized, cali just said no matter if you got married prior they still wont reconize you and legally be allowed to do so. it makes absolutely no sense, but it is ok the media is already over it look its obamas supreme court choice ahhh bright light.
Soundboy_jeff_meanie
· 6 months ago
no, the rights don't change... the WORD changes.
at least, that's what the Supreme Court said in its decision... they essentially said prop8 was an empty amendment, because it doesn't restrict any rights at all. It just stops anyone except man/woman couples from using the WORD 'marriage'.
dula
· 6 months ago
Boycott California at a time when the State can't balance their budget. Don't do business with a filthy, backward State.
Soundboy_jeff_meanie
· 6 months ago
good idea! that REALLY helps all of us who are worried about their jobs going away.
thanks.
dula
· 6 months ago
I'm from California. Grow a spine. The ONLY thing the US Government and the People understand is money.
Soundboy_jeff_meanie
· 6 months ago
grow a spine? fuck you and your self-righteous horse.
you're from California? good, I'm personally glad you left.
asshole.
dula
· 6 months ago
No, I'm still here, doormat.
Soundboy_jeff_meanie
· 6 months ago
so, you're proposing a boycott of California... a state in which you reside (and therefore CAN'T boycott), and in which jobs are disappearing on a regular basis. A state which is bankrupt to begin with and where state goverment is now raiding the coffers of city governments...
and you think its an intelligent call.
okay, you're right... I'M the idiot here. I keep wasting my time responding to your idiocy.
dula
· 6 months ago
Yes we are bankrupt. That is when a boycott works best. You think a bunch of Queens protesting in West Hollywood and The Castro is gonna do anything? Filthy Americans care about and understand one thing alone...MONEY. Gay Californians CAN boycott their own State by only spending money at Gay establishments.
TrappedinaRedState
· 6 months ago
I don't think that's very helpful at all. We should boycott the people who do us harm and support our own community with great vigor. My husband and I intend to take a couple of vacations to San Francisco this year but most of our money will be spent in the Castro and along Polk Street.
Keep away from Orange County and all things Mormon - like Marriott and Jet Blue. Make sure the places you buy from have good equality ratings with the HRC. You'll have to do a bit more research to make sure you spend your dollars wisely but it's worth it in the long run.
dula
· 6 months ago
Well of course, I didn't mean boycott Gay businesses.
PeerOne
· 6 months ago
JetBlue is Mormon-owned?
TrappedinaRedState
· 6 months ago
Jet Blue Founder David Neeleman is an American who was born in Brazil. He is Mormon and served as a Mormon Missionary in Brazil for a time. A great many Jet Blue reservations agents are home based in Utah.
Neeleman is gone from Jet Blue - he was forced out of Jet Blue but the roots in Utah remain. Do the math - if a large number of people deriving their income from Jet Blue are in Utah what are the chances that at least some of the money you spend with that airline is being funneled the the LDS?
I can find another airline to take.
Soundboy_jeff_meanie
· 6 months ago
I'm getting tired of marches... can't we load up a pickup truck with a bunch of queens with 2X4's, go out to a notoriously conservative community, stand outside a straight bar and knock some heads?
I'm just about serious.
luis
· 6 months ago
That's one for morality. Sonia Sotomayor: In Biden's image. If nothing else, BHO is definately good at choosing tax cheats, embezzelers, and people that put both feet in their mouthes. eg: “I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life,” > BO, her "richness" is not 'legal tender', but my ears are 'tender' from your regurgitative nomination speech. "...richness...". This may just be a NEW TAX in the horizon...The Personal Richness Tax. Maybe BO can barrow against it!
"The Court of Appeals is where policy is made... " > ...!... I have an idea... Being that laws are now OFFICIALLY made by the Judicial Branch, how about getting rid of CONGRESS all together. They're worthless anyway! You'll save billions on salaries, expenses, and healthcare. Then you can turn Capital Hill into a soup kitchen. We're gonna need it.
[She] DOES NOT represent ME, as a Puerto Rican/American, at all.
scottinsf
· 6 months ago
Go away Luis. Not only are you way off topic, but you're an asshole.
james powers
· 6 months ago
Rally tonight in West Hollywood to start a repeal of Prop 8
John from Boston
· 6 months ago
Have to love this winner of a paragraph from the decision:
"Accordingly, although Proposition 8 eliminates the ability of same-sex couples to enter into an official relationship designated “marriage,” in all other respects those couples continue to possess, under the state constitutional privacy and due process clauses, “the core set of basic substantive legal rights and attributes traditionally associated with marriage,” including, “most fundamentally, the opportunity of an individual to establish — with the person with whom the individual has chosen to share his or her life — an officially recognized and protected family possessing mutual rights and responsibilities and entitled to the same respect and dignity accorded a union traditionally designated as marriage.” (Marriage Cases, supra, 43 Cal.4th 757, 781.) Like opposite-sex couples, same-sex couples enjoy this protection not as a matter of legislative grace, but of constitutional right."
Yea, right.
John
· 6 months ago
Footnote:
* Protections guaranteed by constitutional right may be taken away by voter initiative.
What makes them think the religious right can't pass a constitutional amendment banning domestic partnerships too? What a load of crap.
Soundboy_jeff_meanie
· 6 months ago
then again, why can't we pass an initiative to rescind tax exempt status for churches in California?
offspring
· 6 months ago
i need to get off line i am getting to negative being made to feel like i am not worthy of the same rights as my fellow americans get me a tad down, knowing that when i go to work to pay tax's for other peoples kids to be born, or go to school while i cant get married or adopt in oklahoma gets me down, obeying the laws of my state and being a good boy while being told i am not the same as others makes me a bit sad, having the church be able to spend tax exempt money by the millions to sway the poor and ignorant of cali that they are doomed if they dont take there rights of people that have nothing to do with them just makes me sick to my stomach. PS. a huge HUUUUUGE fuck you to obama for your political play today, great way to buddy fuck.
FunMe
· 6 months ago
PRESIDENT OBAMA will be in Beverly Hills on Wednesday. Here's information on a protest tomorrow:
Host: Equality Network Type: Causes - Rally Network: Global Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Beverly Hills Hilton Street: 9876 Wilshire Boulevard City/Town: Beverly Hills, CA Phone: 3108807791 Email: david@equalitynetwork.org
DescriptionWe want to make a call to President Obama to honor his promises and commitments to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Equal Rights.
Pres. Obama will at a fundraiser for the DNC at the Beverly Hills Hilton on Wednesday, May 27th - the Day after the California Supreme Court Decision on Prop 8.
We are calling for "Full Equality Now - full and equal protection under the law for LGBT people in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states.”
offspring
· 6 months ago
obama doesnt give a damn, he planned his photo opt today perfectly so he would not be asked about the cali decision, and the story would be buried.
Soundboy_jeff_meanie
· 6 months ago
question, given that they didn't dissolve the existing marriages...
what's to keep registered partners from referring to themselves as married? will someone ask them for proof in the form of a marriage license?
RobertSanDimas
· 6 months ago
Yes, someone will ask. Good friends were asked when one of them (registered domestic partners) was hospitalized. They fortunately had a copy of the partnership with them. I bet that if one of a HETERO couple was hospitalized, they would NOT be asked to show their marriage certificate.
offspring
· 6 months ago
here is a wierd idea, we have all the gay pride parades coming up, you know the useless meaningless drunk and drug and sex invested parties? yea that time of year, how about this time we i dont know do something, um productive! ORGANIZE all marches to end at the capital of every damn state demanding equal rights for equal tax dollars or something that silly, or equal rights period, not gay right but equal. How about we do something amazing and proactive, not just get is drug induced coma's and try and sleep with whoever we can while consuming free beer provided by the bars. And isolate ourselves for the day in our little tiny itty bitty secure zones, and go put on are serious we matter and care faces and grab all our friends family kids and so on and go to the steps of every damn courthouse for a few hours instead of turning the other check and having short term memory, or letting a few out of us millions do all the fighting and all the working only to bitch when we dont get what we deserve, DO A REAL FREAKING PRIDE PARADE, if we are so proud we should be proud enough to get tear ourselves from the bars for just one day that day and do something that actually matters. I know silly idea
NomadBear
· 6 months ago
Some stats from the November Prop. 8 vote:
Total number of voters in November: 13,743,177 Total "Yes on 8" votes: 7,001,084 - 50.94% Total "No on 8" votes: 6,401,482 - 46.58%
Total number of Registered voter: 17,304,091 Registered voters voting Yes on 8: 40.46% Registered voters voting No on 8: 37.00%
Total number of "eligible voters:" 23,208,710 Eligible voters voting Yes on 8: 30.16% Eligible voters voting No on 8: 27.59%
2006 Californians of voting age: 26,942,126 Potential voters voting Yes on 8: 25.99% Potential voters voting No on 8: 23.76
2006 California population: 36,457,549 Californians voting Yes on 8: 19.20% Californians voting No on 8: 17.56
A small group (19.20%) has decided which rights they want other Californians to have.
Prop. 8 is no overwhelming "will of the people" like some would have you believe. Just over a quarter of people who could have voted did vote in favor of removing Marriage Equality.
*Votes & voters info from Sec. of State office. Population from US Census Bureau.
MrHeathen
· 6 months ago
Oh just great.... bigotry rules in CA and another effing Roman Catholic to the Supreme Court. Time for a double Bloody Mary.
TrueBleuCA
· 6 months ago
There seems to be a pattern developing here. First, Obama is elected (the first black president) and California loses marriage equality on the very same day. Then Sotomayor (the first hispanic to the SCOTUS) and prop H8 is allowed to stand the very same day. It seems everytime there is another minority FIRST the entire GLBT community gets pushed further to the back of the bus. Pretty soon we are going to be pushed off the bus entirely. Once again, we have to hit the streets to secure rights that the non-chalant hetero community takes for granted. Start gathering signatures for 2010 - NOT 2012!!!
kladinvt
· 6 months ago
To me it seems that a precedent for marriage equality has now been set through the recognition of the pre-H8 marriages. Denying something to the same people you have already given to the same people cannot stand. In order to square this there will either be another amendment to nullify the pre-H8 marriages or an overruling of H8 (I pray it is the latter). This battle may be lost but we WILL win this war.
manman
· 6 months ago
At one time it was legal in this country for one person to own another: it did not make it right. Later, it was against the law for people to marry interracially. Some laws are made to be broken. The ones that keep us from the rights and protections garnered by straight people are among them. I'm no longer willing to have others decide for me what love and family looks like.
RainbowPhoenix
· 6 months ago
Cowards. If the court can't perform it's most fundamental function, then it has no authority.
All Comments
1. Religious Institutions are no longer tax exempt.
Then we get a woman latina nominee ... but then bad news with Prop H8.
Once again.
:-(
Now we have a legal anomaly in California. Gay marriage is forbidden, yet 36,000 gay people are legally married in California. The ruling creates two classes of gay people in California. It will be interesting to say the least to see how this plays out in the future. Sigatures were already being gathered last year for a new ballot initiative to repeal Prop 8. And since the Court today upheld the right of the voters to vote on such issues, we will definitely see a measure on the ballot next year. Things have shifted considerably in California since the narrow passage of Prop 8. And next year the demographic of voters going to the polls will likely be substantially different than it was last November. I'm predicting the repeal of Prop 8 next year. And then California can join Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Iowa, and very likely New York and New Jersey, as states that respect basic human rights.
Perhaps gay rights groups should organize themselves as religions and get themselves tax exemption
Already been done.
MEDIA STATEMENT
From Rev. Troy D. Perry
Founder, Metropolitan Community Churches
RESPONSE TO CALIFORNIA MARRIAGE RULING
26 May 2009
STATEMENT:
Today, I am adding my voice to the voices of people of goodwill everywhere who are deeply disappointed that the California Supreme Court has failed to uphold marriage equality for California's citizens.
It is ironic that the same court that ruled in favor of marriage equality last year has now denied that same right in today's ruling.
My forty years of work on behalf of human rights and social justice offer hope that today's ruling, while a setback for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender couples, is only a temporary setback in the quest for full equality under the law for all of our citizens.
The silver lining in the court's ruling is that the 18,000 same-sex couples who were legally married before the adoption of Proposition 8 will continue to have full marriage equality under the law.
I am joining hands with civic, political and faith leaders to redouble our efforts to guarantee marriage equality for all of our state's citizens and to pursue every possible option to achieve that goal at the earliest possible date.
# END #
For Additional Information or Media Interviews, Contact:
Jim Birkitt
Communications Director
Metropolitan Community Churches
P.O. Box 691728
West Hollywood, California 90069
Tel. (310) 625-4177
E-mail: info@MCCchurch.net
http://mccchurch.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home
The country needs to know that this is what Mormonism is all about.
Maybe before trying to pass a repeal of that amendment, gay rights advocates should try to pass an initiative that bans religious institutions from contributing money to voter initiatives. Choke off the Mormon money.
Marriage, in their minds, is something people do in churches. Only in churches.
Am I the only one who hopes for riots in West Hollywood and San Francisco if H8 is upheld?
Real, break-the-windows-in-the-courthouse riots, or even better, break-the-windows-in-the Mormon Tabernacle?
(Although I also believe a counter proposition in 2010 would be a boon to Democrats, really turn out the voters.)
I wrote the above on Americablog, yesterday, too, and got the below response:
from Screaming Queen -- Oh yes, by all means. A break the windows rights really accomplishes so much! I mean, look at the WTO: It got rid of all those insane trade policies and was a boon for organized labor.
And look at how successful the White Night riots were! Wow, that got us all those rights, didn't it?
Are you the only one hoping for riots? I sure hope so. We can't all be that stupid.
To which I replied:
The White Night riots [after the slap-on-the-wrist sentencing of Dan White for the murders of Harvey Milk and the then Mayor of San Francisco] were the impetus for aggressive gay rights organization in San Francisco, and more respect for gay politicians and what all.
Don't believe me?
"The show of strength from the gay community led to increased political power, which culminated in the re-election of Mayor Dianne Feinstein the following November. In response to a campaign promise, Feinstein appointed a pro-gay Chief of Police, which increased recruitment of gays in the police force and eased tensions . . ."
"Effects on LGBT Culture
On October 14, 1979, over 100,000 people marched on Washington for gay rights. Many carried portraits of Milk and placards honoring his legacy.[38] The rally, which was something that Milk had wanted to organize, was instead a tribute to him. According to journalist and author Randy Shilts, the White Night Riots provided a fitting end to the legend of Harvey Milk."
"Effects on San Francisco Politics
With the 1979 municipal elections only months after the riot, many feared an anti-gay backlash at the polls. The expected backlash never came, and the gay community wielded unprecedented power. Although the virtually unknown gay Mayoral candidate David Scott finished third in the election, his showing was strong enough to force Acting Mayor Feinstein into a runoff election against conservative City Supervisor Quentin Kopp. Due to her promises of appointing more gay people to public office and her heavy campaigning in the Castro... "
"However, Murphy also vowed to maintain the progressive policy towards gays that his predecessor had implemented. By 1980, one in seven new police recruits was gay or lesbian.[39] ]"
http://en.wikipedia.org/...
"No More Mr. Nice Gay" indeed.
I couldn't hope more for riots, and the aftermath of political power and respect.
So, who beyond me, is hoping for riots if Prop 8 is upheld?
A Bas Minority Rights!
James Madison's ghost is puking right now . . .
And then, tomorrow, get back to working for equality.
Cosmic coincidence? Within the hour both a new federal Supreme Court nominee and our Prop 8 defeat. Implication that she will eventually be the vote that buries our equality for good -- or rescues it?
Hmmm.
We all know how this is going to end. Let the Mormoms salivate and drool over they shallow victory. In the end fred - he who laughs last, laughs best.
So let the LGBT community marshal up the forces - and defeat this nonsense in 2010 at the ballot box. Remember, the court said that the issue of fundamental right remained intact. Now the fight is against a simple definition.
The mormoms see the end coming - just like the rest of us. Like I said, let then calibrate this shallow victory - they know it is the calm before the storm.
http://dayofdecision.wetpaint.com/?t=anon
I think the Supremes of CA were more concerned about their jobs than bringing equal protection to all Californians.
They are pathetic!
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
I view teh Court's decision as "We view the Law as a bad Law, but legal within the framework of the State Constitution".
They *could* have voided the 18,000+ marriages already on the books, but did not. Why? because those marriages were valid within the Constitution and the Laws then on the books.
I see this decision as a statement that the Court is not against the LGBT community, it just sees itself as the Interpreter of the Law, not the maker of Law, and if we can get passed a Law repealing Prop8 that withstands Constitutional scrutiny, then the Court will happily stand aside and watch the Marriages happen.
Disappointed? Yes, but I see the opportunity here....not giving up the fight, and looking to organize a 'repeal h8' Constitutional referendum....
And I expect Carlos Moreno's blistering dissent will make him a candidate for a federal judgeship in the near future. He's the only one on that court who's actually consistent from start to finish. Bravo Justice Moreno.
Part of me suspects they have some monetary interest in us all donating money to overturn this thing once again. And then again and then again.
All the LGBT community has to do is kick a little Mormom ass between now and election day 2010.
Now that can't be all that bad now can it?
1. They will teach gayism to your children in the schools; and
2. "God"
I do believe, this up hill battle can be won.
No friggin' way... He'll say nothing, and when either he or his team is pressed for comment, they'll fudge by "respecting the legal and legislative process" and no further comment.....
This group failed us on this. They need to become part of gay history.
If you are going to give any money, give it to the Courage Campaign. A much better organization and not afraid to use the word "gay."
The Mormons won.
Next up, a ballot measure to outlaw cults like mormonism
$ is the only thing keeping Prop 8 from being overturned at the next election.
I don't understand why non-heterosexuals who want to be married do not form a religion which establishes marriage between any two people as a sacrament. Would not denial of marriage to people married in this religion be a violation of their religious freedom?
This is just a bad decision by the Court. One reason it is a bad decision, they are going to be forced to review it again in the near future, what they should had done, was strike down the proposition's aim of amending the Constitution, and give it strict guidelines on how a H8 proposition or pro gay marriage proposition should be structured.
However, anyone who's familiar with San Francisco knows the Castro is a ten minute subway ride away from the CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT. I suspect a mob of torch wielding villagers can get from the Castro to the court in, say, 30 minutes.
And I'm hoping for a riot, bigots be damned!
so, welcome to California LGBT community! you can't get married this year, but you might be able to get married in 2012... although, you might not be able to get married again in 2014... but there's always hope for 2016!
/snark
at least, that's what the Supreme Court said in its decision... they essentially said prop8 was an empty amendment, because it doesn't restrict any rights at all. It just stops anyone except man/woman couples from using the WORD 'marriage'.
thanks.
you're from California? good, I'm personally glad you left.
asshole.
and you think its an intelligent call.
okay, you're right... I'M the idiot here. I keep wasting my time responding to your idiocy.
Keep away from Orange County and all things Mormon - like Marriott and Jet Blue. Make sure the places you buy from have good equality ratings with the HRC. You'll have to do a bit more research to make sure you spend your dollars wisely but it's worth it in the long run.
Neeleman is gone from Jet Blue - he was forced out of Jet Blue but the roots in Utah remain. Do the math - if a large number of people deriving their income from Jet Blue are in Utah what are the chances that at least some of the money you spend with that airline is being funneled the the LDS?
I can find another airline to take.
I'm just about serious.
Sonia Sotomayor: In Biden's image.
If nothing else, BHO is definately good at choosing tax cheats, embezzelers, and people that put both feet in their mouthes.
eg:
“I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life,”
> BO, her "richness" is not 'legal tender', but my ears are 'tender' from your regurgitative nomination speech.
"...richness...". This may just be a NEW TAX in the horizon...The Personal Richness Tax. Maybe BO can barrow against it!
"The Court of Appeals is where policy is made... "
> ...!... I have an idea... Being that laws are now OFFICIALLY made by the Judicial Branch, how about getting rid of CONGRESS all together. They're worthless anyway! You'll save billions on salaries, expenses, and healthcare. Then you can turn Capital Hill into a soup kitchen. We're gonna need it.
[She] DOES NOT represent ME, as a Puerto Rican/American, at all.
"Accordingly, although Proposition 8 eliminates the ability of same-sex couples to enter into an official relationship designated “marriage,” in all other respects those couples continue to possess, under the state constitutional privacy and due process clauses, “the core set of basic substantive legal rights and attributes traditionally associated with marriage,” including, “most fundamentally, the opportunity of an individual to establish — with the person with whom the individual has chosen to share his or her life — an officially recognized and protected family possessing mutual rights and responsibilities and entitled to the same respect and dignity accorded a union traditionally designated as marriage.” (Marriage Cases, supra, 43 Cal.4th 757, 781.) Like opposite-sex couples, same-sex couples enjoy this protection not as a matter of legislative grace, but of constitutional right."
Yea, right.
* Protections guaranteed by constitutional right may be taken away by voter initiative.
What makes them think the religious right can't pass a constitutional amendment banning domestic partnerships too? What a load of crap.
Host: Equality Network
Type: Causes - Rally
Network: Global
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Beverly Hills Hilton
Street: 9876 Wilshire Boulevard
City/Town: Beverly Hills, CA
Phone: 3108807791
Email: david@equalitynetwork.org
DescriptionWe want to make a call to President Obama to honor his promises and commitments to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Equal Rights.
Pres. Obama will at a fundraiser for the DNC at the Beverly Hills Hilton on Wednesday, May 27th - the Day after the California Supreme Court Decision on Prop 8.
We are calling for "Full Equality Now - full and equal protection under the law for LGBT people in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states.”
what's to keep registered partners from referring to themselves as married? will someone ask them for proof in the form of a marriage license?
Total number of voters in November: 13,743,177
Total "Yes on 8" votes: 7,001,084 - 50.94%
Total "No on 8" votes: 6,401,482 - 46.58%
Total number of Registered voter: 17,304,091
Registered voters voting Yes on 8: 40.46%
Registered voters voting No on 8: 37.00%
Total number of "eligible voters:" 23,208,710
Eligible voters voting Yes on 8: 30.16%
Eligible voters voting No on 8: 27.59%
2006 Californians of voting age: 26,942,126
Potential voters voting Yes on 8: 25.99%
Potential voters voting No on 8: 23.76
2006 California population: 36,457,549
Californians voting Yes on 8: 19.20%
Californians voting No on 8: 17.56
A small group (19.20%) has decided which rights they want other Californians to have.
Prop. 8 is no overwhelming "will of the people" like some would have you believe. Just over a quarter of people who could have voted did vote in favor of removing Marriage Equality.
*Votes & voters info from Sec. of State office. Population from US Census Bureau.