Proposition 8 is Once Again Ruled Unconstitutional

Proposition 8, the ban on gay marriage in California, is once again ruled unconstitutional. In a 2-1 decision, a three-judge panel ruled Proposition 8 is in violation of the 14th amendment, by denying gays and lesbians the right to marriage. In 2009, Proposition 8 passed in the Golden State, with 52% of the vote. Today, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a 2010 ruling, finding Proposition 8 unconstitutional. Paul Katami is a plaintiff in the case and responded by saying, “Today’s decision is important to a young me. I never allowed myself the opportunity to believe I’d be able to marry the person I love, until today. Katami went on to introduce his partner of 11 years, Jeff Zarrillo as his “husband-to-be.” Zarrillo says, “Finally, we will be able to stand before our family and friends and make the one promise we’ve all longed for. The promise of love and commitment, we will honor for the rest of our lives.” A right that California Governor, Jerry Brown mentioned, in a statement, from Sacramento. He says, “The court has rendered a powerful affirmation of the right of same-sex couples to marry. I applaud the wisdom and courage of this decision.” The chairman of the Protect Marriage Coalition says the fight isn’t over just yet. Ron Prendes says, “We consider this another step in the process. We agree in the protection of marriage between a man and a woman.” A point Bishop Gerald E. Wilkerson, President of the California Catholic Conference is also driving home. He says, “In the end, through sound legal reasoning, we believe the court will see this as well and uphold the will of the voters as expressed in Proposition 8. We continue to pray for that positive outcome.” The son of plaintiffs, Kris Perry and Sandy Spier hopes for just the opposite. Spencer Perry says, “Prop. 8 has done a really good job of trying to tear that love apart. When it doesn’t allow people like my parents to marry, it doesn’t just define their love as taboo or wrong, it says that our family shouldn’t belong. Perry says, with this ruling, his family is finally normal, in the eyes of the government. His mothers are emphasizing the promise of a new future together. His mom, Kris Perry says, We look forward to the closure and celebration that will come from the end of Prop. 8 and the beginning of married life together. And his mother Sandy Stier says, “Today, our court sends a powerful message to us and our children and our children’s children. And that is we are all equal and deserve the same rights and we matter.” Today’s decision is expected to be appealed. The Federal Appeals Court agreed to give sponsors of Proposition 8 time to appeal, before the state can resume gay weddings. News Channel 3 heard from Palm Springs Mayor, Steve Pougnet, who says, “I am extremely hopeful that today’s ruling will ultimately lead to a U.S. Supreme Court decision, upholding the rights of thousands of same-sex couples to marry, in California.”