May

16

Happy Quotes From California Pour In

Filed Under Court Cases, GLBT Equality, Gay Events, Gay Marriage 

Gay Marriage NewsYesterday’s historic ruling on same-sex marriage in California produced a flurry of happy news, rejoicing and statements — so much so that one couldn’t keep up with it. Some of the statements were negative (from the usual homophobic goons); and that’s actually how I found out about the story. However, I’ve managed to collect a bunch of happy quotes and statements from Californian’s who are overjoyed with vindication:

Mayor Newsom in San Francisco had this to say in part: “the California Supreme Court took a bold and important step forward to end discrimination in California. The Court’s ruling to grant same-sex couples the right to marry affirms the very best of what California stands for – and proudly continues our state’s long-standing commitment to equality and justice.

As San Franciscans, we have taken an irrevocable step toward resolving one of the most important civil rights issues of our generation, and the state’s highest court has done the right thing with their ruling. San Francisco is the first government entity in American history to challenge the constitutionality of state marriage laws that discriminate against gay and lesbian couples. I believe that the path San Francisco pursued was not merely right – it was inevitable. It is America’s path – the road to true freedom and equality.

The rights afforded by California’s Constitution have triumphed, as they must, over laws restricting marriage to opposite-sex couples. In the late 1940s, California courts were among the nation’s first to strike down laws banning inter-racial marriage. The state’s Supreme Court has once again distinguished itself as a leading defender of our civil rights.”

At SFGate he also said, “This battle is hardly over. It is, in many respects, begun anew. But I hope in November we can end it.”

The following are comments from members of the West Hollywood City Council on the California Supreme Court’s ruling in support of same-sex marriage:

West Hollywood Mayor Jeffrey Prang: “This is a historic day, not only for California, for but the nation,” said West Hollywood Mayor Jeffrey Prang. “With this decision, the LGBT community can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel in our civil rights movement, at which equal opportunity and full civil rights will be extended. We still have many challenges ahead, including a November ballot measure by the foes of equality. However, Californians and the American people continue to demonstrate, more and more, their fundamental belief in fairness to all people, no matter their status,” he continued.

West Hollywood Mayor Pro Tempore Abbe Land: “We are overjoyed at the Court’s ruling,” said Mayor Pro Tem Abbe Land. “The City of West Hollywood has long been an advocate for marriage equality, and we’re thrilled that so many of our residents who have been in loving and committed relationships, in many cases for decades, will finally be afforded the dignity and support that comes with marriage,” she continued.

West Hollywood Councilmember John Duran: “This is a historic day for all Californians as we witness the notion of equality under the law expand,” said West Hollywood Councilmember John Duran who also serves as statewide President of Equality California. “Why would any government attempt to prevent two persons in love from marrying and making a lifetime commitment?” he continued.

West Hollywood Councilmember Sal Guarriello: “This decision by the California Supreme Court is a giant step for the LGBT community and the rest of us who support same-sex marriage. Congratulations to all who worked so hard to make this happen,” said West Hollywood Councilmember Sal Guarriello.

West Hollywood Councilmember John Heilman: “This is a historic day for the LGBT community,” said Heilman. “Not just with respect to marriage, but because the California Supreme Court has recognized us as fully entitled to all of the rights that everyone else takes for granted,” he continued.

From Washington — Rea Carey, Acting Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force made this statement:

“This is an extraordinary victory for Californians and all Americans who hold fairness and opportunity as fundamental American values. Thank you California for standing up for safety, respect and dignity for our families. In 1948, California became the first state to strike down anti-miscegenation laws and in 1999 it was the first to establish statewide domestic partnerships. Today, once again, California is leading the way in affirming the inherent dignity of all people. Today, in our hearts, we are all Californians.”

“The high court’s decision comes down to this simple yet profound principle: All Californians should be treated equally under the law.”

“We thank the plaintiffs for their tremendous courage and our colleagues at the National Center for Lesbian Rights and their cooperating counsel for outstanding legal advocacy on behalf of our community. We also applaud the years of work undertaken by our state partner, Equality California, and all of the organizations involved in the Let California Ring coalition, which played a pivotal role in creating a climate in California that made today’s historic decision possible.”

The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s chief executive officer, Lorri L. Jean, issued the following statement yesterday regarding the California Supreme Court’s ruling regarding marriage:

“Today, our Supreme Court has acted in accordance with the great California traditions of fairness and equality, of live and let live. 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. This is not an activist court, this is a moderate court. Republican governors appointed all but one of them! And today that moderate Court did exactly what it is supposed to do–it applied the law fairly.

Today puts an end to the harm and exclusion done to thousands of loving, committed gay and lesbian couples throughout our state who have been denied the dignity and support that come with marriage.

We all know that love knows no boundary. Today, in the great state of California, neither does fairness and opportunity.

Today will go down in history as a victory for all Californians who cherish family and fairness, freedom and opportunity. Now, all Californians will be able to realize their hopes and dreams by being able to marry the person they love. Today, liberty and justice for all became a reality.

Finally, I will be able to marry the love of my life–my partner of more than 16 years. My only sadness is that my father died 7 months ago today and didn’t live to walk me down the aisle. But I know he’s dancing in heaven now! Tonight, we’ll be dancing in the streets!”

The SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West stated: “Today’s California Supreme Court decision is a historic step forward in the struggle for equal civil rights,” said Maya Morris, surgical coordinator at St. Francis Hospital in San Francisco. “Any committed relationship, between two adults, should be recognized as valid. This ruling confirms that ALL couples should be granted the privileges andrespect that’s awarded through legal marriage.”

“Unfortunately, the opponents of equal rights for gay, lesbian and bisexual couples are already working to overturn this decision through a divisive ballot initiative that may go before California voters in November. But today, our focus is on this significant victory for the gay and lesbian community and for everyone who believes in justice, respect, and equality.”

“We will organize against any initiative that attempts to roll back our right to marry. The people of California understand it’s only fair for gay and lesbian couples to have the same right to marry and establish a family as anyone else,” said Michael Torres, a respiratory therapist at USC University Hospital and Chair of the UHW Lavender Caucus.

PFLAG issued these statements:

“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.”

“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.”

Related Posts:
- California Supreme Court Issues Historic Marriage Ruling
- ‘We Won!’ Exclaims First Couples to File Equal Marriage Lawsuit in California
- Hundreds to Gather in West Hollywood Under Arbor of Flowers

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