Prop. 8 statements rolling in

After the major news that the California Supreme Court overturned gay marriage ban Prop. 8 in a ruling announced today, the statements from the various political groups are starting to roll in.

I mean, what is the point of having a political or advocacy group if you can’t send a mass statement to 1,000 reporters each trying to write their own unique, insightful and informative piece.

Anyway, for your viewing pleasure, some of the statements I have received thus far:

From the California Democratic Party’s Southern California Chair of the LGBT Caucus Jess Durfee
“Today’s ruling is a victory for equality and an affirmation for all Californians who believe that our state must never be party to keeping committed, loving couples apart. This is but the latest victory in a long march toward full equality that has yet to be realized for the majority of LGBT couples and families in the United States. California Democrats will continue to fight on the side of basic fairness and equality under law until the right to marry is extended to all couples.”

From the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles
“Today is a great day for anyone who believes in the power of justice, family, and love. Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community have the right and freedom to form unions that are just as loving and respectful as any other Californian. The ruling today makes it unconstitutional to take away that right. We celebrate the judge’s decision and we join LGBT organizations nation-wide in rejoicing this long-overdue ruling.

As an immigrant rights organization it is our responsibility and commitment to ensure that all members of our family are treated equally, humanely, and justly.”

From the Interfaith Alliance

“We are pleased to see that Judge Vaughn Walker was sensitive to the concerns of people of faith who oppose same-gender marriage on religious grounds but that he recognized, as do we, that their religious freedom will not be impacted by the legalization of same-gender marriage. America’s diverse religious landscape leaves room for a variety of theological perspectives on same-gender marriage; indeed, some faiths enthusiastically support it and others vehemently oppose it. Under this ruling, as with any constitutionally based marriage equality law, no religion would ever be required to condone same-gender marriage, and no member of the clergy would ever be required to perform a wedding ceremony not in accordance with his or her religious beliefs.

But in a country that guarantees both religious freedom and “justice for all,” the laws of our land must be based on what is fair and equal, not simply on the religious views of any faith community.”

I have yet to receive any statements from local conservative groups, but when I do I will add them to the list.

In addition, here is a lengthy post I found interesting regarding today’s decision.

Argentine President makes a compelling case for same sex marriage, how does it relate to the issue in California?

I came across this video of Argentine President Cristina Fernndez de Kirchner talking about same sex marriage via the Washington Note blog the other day (NOTE: The video is subtitled). Argentina’s government was debating the merits of a marriage equality bill this week. On Thursday, the country became the first Latin American country to legalize gay marriage.

The blog’s writer, Steve Clemons, said the speech was “one of the most eloquent and compelling defenses of same sex marriage equality that I have heard from a head of state.”

Now, while this particular battle over marriage is from another country and isn’t exactly local news, it parallels what America, and specifically, California has had to discuss regarding marriage.

Prop. 8 was one of the most controversial issues to be on a ballot in years when California voters voted in favor of making marriage between a man and a woman. Since then, there have been various legal battles and the issue is far from settled.

What do you think of the video? Does it make you think differently about the issue? Did you think it was a good argument no matter what your position is? What about her points regarding the “tone” of debate? Do you think she was right or wrong when she talks about the types of arguments being made that she believes are inappropriate?

Email: daniel.tedford@sgvn.com | Twitter: @dgtedford @sgvtribune | Facebook: SGVTribune