As I’m sure you’ve heard by now, Proposition 8 has been declared unconstitutional! While the ruling will be appealed, perhaps as far as the United States Supreme Court, this decision is still a huge achievement in the fight for marriage equality.
NOW applauds the decision of Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker to strike down the ban on same-sex marriage instituted by California’s Proposition 8. Discriminatory legislation such as Proposition 8 has no place in a nation dedicated to equal rights for all people. Same-sex couples in California and all over the United States can celebrate this ruling that recognizes their civil rights and human dignity.
Target and Best Buy, two companies with reputations for being progressive and pro-LGBT rights, have given $150,000 and $100,000 respectively to MN Forward, a political action committee (PAC) that supports Tom Emmer, anti-LGBT rights candidate for Minnesota governor.
While Shirley and Joan had already made their union official in various other ways — most importantly in their own hearts — this was the first time they became legally “married.” Sadly, the state where they live will not recognize this marriage and neither does the federal government.
Today the National Organization for Women opens its 2010 National NOW Conference at a critical time for women’s rights. Hundreds of feminist leaders and activists have gathered in Boston, Mass., to share information, ideas and strategies for addressing the huge challenges before us.