Today Marriage Equality USA celebrates the California Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss the Proposition 8 proponents’ last ditch effort to deny loving, committed same-sex couples the freedom to marry in California.
“Today’s ruling means that two Supreme Courts, the United States Supreme Court and the California Supreme Court, agree that all loving, committed couples should have the freedom to marry in California,” said Jane Wishon, Marriage Equality USA Board President. “The decision is right as a matter of law and as a matter of love.”
“Today’s decision finally marks the end of years of litigation by the Prop. 8 proponents to deny the freedom to marry to lesbian and gay couples in California. Today’s decision reaffirms that all loving, committed couples, regardless of their sexual orientation, have the freedom to marry in every county across the state,” said John Lewis, Marriage Equality USA Legal and Policy Director.
“We are finalizing our wedding plans and we are relieved by today’s decision,” said Jeff Tabaco of Daly City, California, who will marry his partner of 10 years Thom Watson in September. “We can’t wait to exchange vows before our family and friends in just a few weeks, and to have legal recognition and protection for our relationship under both California and federal law,” added Watson.
“Whether you live in a small town in the Sierra, a rural community in the Central Valley, or in one of California’s major cities, it’s now clear that you have the freedom to marry in your hometown,” said Marriage Equality USA Board Member Robert St.Genis. “That’s the way it should be. All Californians should be treated fairly and equally.”
