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Reaction Pours In Over Proposition 8 Reversal

Here is a sampling of some of the reaction pouring in over the judge’s decision to overturn Proposition 8:

— “This thorough review of both sides’ evidence vindicates the rights of LGBT people not only to marry based on love and commitment, as heterosexuals do, but to be treated equally and fairly by their government more generally. Just as past marriage victories laid the foundation for today’s important win, the court’s preparation of a detailed record for the Court of Appeals provides a potent tool for other legal cases and the man, ongoing educational campaigns. It doubtless will help more people see that anti-gay discrimination in marriage is destructive and unjustifiable.”

— Jennifer C. Pizer, national marriage project director for Lambda Legal

— “In striking down Proposition 8, Judge Walker came to the same conclusion I did when I declined to defend it: Proposition 8 violates the equal protection guarantee of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution by taking away the right of same-sex couples to marry, without a sufficient governmental interest.”

— Jerry Brown, state attorney general and Democratic gubernatorial candidate

— “This decision affirms that in America, we don’t treat people differently because of their sexual orientation. We rejoice at today’s decision, but there’s a long road ahead toward establishing true marriage equality for same-sex couples.”

— Ramona Ripston, executive director of the ACLU of Southern California

— “Today, all Californians have had their rights strengthened through the court’s decision. As Republicans, we are heartened that plaintiff’s attorney Ted Olson and David Boies used core conservative principles of privacy, liberty and freedom to convince the court that Prop 8 should be overturned. While we anticipate this decision to be appealed to the highest court in the land, Log Cabin Republicans will continue our work to change hearts and minds in all communities across California.”

— Leonard M. Lanzi, state chairman of Log Cabin Republicans

— “Today we celebrate a victory not just for the LGBT community, but for the cause of justice and of equal rights. Judge Walker issued a wise decision that affirms our dignity by forbidding the state of California from judging and restricting our love. I look forward to the day when this decision is the law of all the land.”

— Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl

— “This ruling is a historic milestone for millions of loving families, for all who have fought to realize the dream of equality under the law, and for our nation as a whole. While today concludes the first step in a legal process that could take up to two years, Judge Walker’s ruling is a landmark victory in America’s centuries-long war against discrimination, and the result of months of extraordinary work by the American Foundation for Equal Rights, attorneys David Boies and Ted Olson and courageous plaintiffs Kris Perry, Sandy Stier, Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo.”

— Rick Jacobs, founder and chairman of Courage Campaign

— “Today is a great day for all who cherish the foundational American values of liberty and justice for all. The decision by U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker that Proposition 8 violates the United States Constitution is a major victory not only for marriage equality but for our constitutional democracy.”

— Samuel M. Chu, executive director of California Faith for Equality

— “This is a tyrannical, abusive and utterly unconstitutional display of judicial arrogance. Judge Walker has turned `We the People’ into `I the Judge.’ It’s inexcusable for him to deprive the citizens of California of their right to govern themselves, and cavalierly trash the will of over seven million voters. This case never should even have entered his courtroom. The federal Constitution nowhere establishes marriage policy, which means under the 10th Amendment that issue is reserved for the states.”

— Tim Wildmon, president of the American Family Association

— “This is an enormous victory for the equal rights of gays and lesbians. Judge Vaughn Walker’s ruling today confirmed what many of us had felt was clear all along: that it is unconstitutional to take away the rights of gays and lesbians to enter into the institution of marriage. Most likely this verdict will be appealed and will go to the Supreme Court. The journey is not over, but today is a day to celebrate this historic victory for equal marriage rights. This is very good news.”

— Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.

Kelly Osbourne: “So happy over the news on prop8 its about time!”

Kim Kardashian: “Prop 8 was struck down! This news is amazing!!!! Its about time! Congrats to everyone!”

Shanna Moakler: “Tonight we celebrate! EQUALITY and LOVE for all!”

Ricky Martin: “YEAHHHHH!!!!! #prop8unconstitutional Moving Forward!!!!!!!!”

Milla Jovovich: Yay! Finally ppl r being treated equally! And CA is cool again!

Rose McGowan: Yay! No more Prop H8! I wanna be a flower girl in a wedding asap!

Olivia Munn: Prop 8 Overturned!!! Equal rights for everyone! Nice to be out of the 1950s..

Paris Hilton: What a huge historical day for equal rights in this country! They finally overturned Prop 8! There shouldn’t be a law on true love. 🙂

Sophia Bush: A MAJOR step forward. Everyone deserves the right to love whomever they choose. I am proud to be from Cali again!

TMZ.com contributed to this report

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