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Reactions to California ruling on same-sex marriages
[Updated at 8:17 p.m.] Here is more reaction to Wednesday's federal ruling that struck down California's ban on same-sex marriage:
Brian Raum, attorney for the Alliance Defense Fund: "In America, we should respect and uphold the right of a free people to make policy choices through the democratic process - especially ones that do nothing more than uphold the definition of marriage that has existed since the foundation of the country and beyond."
Human Rights Campaign: "The battle for marriage equality continues, and we must all continue our work - in courthouses and statehouses, in church pews and living rooms - until equality is reality for LGBT people and our families everywhere."
[Updated at 6:51 p.m.] Here is more reaction to Wednesday's federal ruling that struck down California's ban on same-sex marriage:
White House: "The president has spoken out in opposition to Proposition 8 because it is divisive and discriminatory. He will continue to promote equality for LGBT Americans."
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: "California voters have twice been given the opportunity to vote on the definition of marriage in their state and both times have determined that marriage should be recognized as only between a man and a woman. We agree. Marriage between a man and a woman is the bedrock of society."
Kate Kendell, executive director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights: "Using the Prop 8 proponents' own outrageous and inflammatory words, ads, and e-mails, the plaintiffs powerfully demonstrated that Prop 8 was a direct product of hostility, fear-mongering and demonization of lesbians and gay men."
California Attorney General Jerry Brown: "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."
Wendy Wright, president of Concerned Women for America: "Marriage is not a political toy. It is too important to treat as a means for already powerful people to gain preferred status or acceptance. Marriage between one man and one woman undergirds a stable society and cannot be replaced by any other living arrangement."
[Posted at 6:07 p.m.] Reaction on Wednesday to a federal ruling that rejected California's Proposition 8 on same-sex marriage centered on equal rights and the voice of voters.
Chad Griffin, board president of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which helped bring the case against Proposition 8: "Any denial of freedom ... undermines the principles on which this country is founded."
Maggie Gallagher, president of the National Organization for Marriage: "I am deeply disturbed and shocked a federal judge has ruled 7 million people have no right to vote on marriage. This is a slur against the majority of Americans."
Cyndi Lauper, musician whose True Colors Fund advocates for the lesbian, gay and transgender community: "Today's landmark ruling ... validates that the discrimination gay couples face must come to an end. We as a society should be embracing these couples and helping them make the lifelong commitment to each other that many of us straight people take for granted each and every day."
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, referring to 1973 decision that legalized abortion: "This lawsuit, should it be upheld on appeal and in the Supreme Court, would become the 'Roe v. Wade' of same-sex 'marriage."
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: "For the hundreds of thousands of Californians in gay and lesbian households who are managing their day-to-day lives, this decision affirms the full legal protections and safeguards I believe everyone deserves. At the same time, it provides an opportunity for all Californians to consider our history of leading the way to the future, and our growing reputation of treating all people and their relationships with equal respect and dignity."
U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, House Judiciary Committee: "When Congress returns from recess, I plan to introduce a resolution condemning today's decision and urging an immediate appeal. The voters of California are not the only ones who lost today. This decision defies the voice of all citizens who have sought to define marriage in their states as the union between one man and one woman. Judge Walker's actions should be opposed and the decision should be swiftly overturned."
The Rev. Barry W. Lynn, Americans United for Separation of Church and State: "This is a tremendous step forward for individual freedom and church-state separation. Aggressive and well-funded religious groups conspired to take away the civil marriage rights of same-sex couples in California. That was wrong, and I am delighted that the court has ruled the way it has."
Belief Blog: Conservatives vow to fight Wednesday's ruling
KSTU: Reaction from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
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As a Libertarian, I just gotta say – marriage is a religious rite. Pure and simple. How, then, can the state regulate it in any way, shape or form? Why do you need a license to marry? We don't need one for baptism, communion, excommunication, anointing with oil, laying on of hands or any other ceremony. Why is marriage so special? The state, pure and simple, has no business getting involved in marriage for anyone, gay or straight.
Since the state IS involved, however, the state cannot say "only you two, but not you other guys over there"....that is wrong. If the state can ban two lesbians or gays, the state can ban a white/asian marriage, a black/white marriage, a black/asian marriage or any other combination.
Nicely put. Not sure why so many people can't understand it.
You nailed it, well said.
I think the problem is we're mixing religious marriage with state marriage. Just because they're called the same thing doesn't mean they are.
The argument that catholic countries allow it is an awful one. Spain legalized abortions and is now being overtaken by Muslims. Muslims don't kill their babies therefore they are overtaking Europe.
Seriously?
Why is that a bad thing? Do you have something against muslims? (Assuming your argument is valid)
And Muslims also have no tolerance for gays.
Is the Judge gay? The Supreme Court will over rule him. California get rid of the looney left. Come into the conservitative water. It is not too hot and not too cold.It is just RIGHT. Ken Krieger 239-283 7385 Cape Coral, Florida
The judge is a republican during Reagan's time that was opposed by Dems because of his views on gay rights and a controversial ruling about gays. SO, he is not the left... he is just making something right.
What are the REAL stats on what percentage of Americans are gay?
What does that have to do with anything?
Why don't gays do their own things instead of constantly trying to imitate and pervert the REAL thing?
How would they "imitate and pervert" marriage? The court found no credible evidence that gay marriages are less stable, or harmful to children. Imitation and perversion are what happens when Britney Spears drunkenly marries her buddy in Vegas and then has it annulled 54 hours later. *That's* perversion of marriage. But since it was with a guy, it's OK!
Mark Twain wrote:
“I was afraid of a united church; it makes a mighty power, the mightiest conceivable, and then when it by and by gets into selfish hands, as it is always bound to do, it means death to human liberty and paralysis to human thought.”
It is true, that one who is faithful has faith that one has the knowledge of the existence of ones God.
Belief in your faith is your right, and in our country we are free to believe what we wish, but we are not free to tell other people what they can or can't do simply based on our beliefs.
Philosophical grounds are alone insufficient justification to disallow citizen’s rights that others retain.
Wow, well said.
Well said, Mr. Twain. Thanks, Apostasy, for repeating it.
Hatred is illegal? Who knew?
I think the problem many people have with this issue is the use of the word "marriage". I think more people would support the legalization if the gay community would choose another word to describe their union. Marriage traditionally has been 1 man 1 woman. I think the gay community would benefit if they started referring to it as wanting to be 'Parried". (Paired off + married.) New legal, lifestyles need a new word to describe their union. I am not against this class of citizens. I think it's absolutely horrible that we can't allow them to have legal unions. But I reserve the word marriage to mean 1 man and 1 woman. My solution is to call their married lifestyle: PARRIED or PARRIAGE.
The problem with this "solution" of yours is that it's not what the gay community wants. We don't want to be "parried." we want to be seen as equals through the eyes of the world. Just as women were seen as equal to men and given the right to vote; just as the black community was seen as equal to the white community and given the right to freedom. These people, and many others throughout history were given freedom, and that's what it is called. Don't patronize us by giving us some knock-off of something you don't truly understand. Really?!!?!? Parried!???!?!!
Works for me, but I think the issue here is they want to be accepted. There is a huge difference between a civil service and a religious ceremony. Many religions will not marry them, no matter what the courts say. So we must all work together to bring about their acceptance in another way.
What is it about the meaning of equality that you people can't seem to wrap your head around? Reminds me of segregation – "you can have your own of everything, but you can't use ours".
Layla – No, "they" want equality. No one cares about what you choose to, or not "accept" that does not concern you. What makes you think that anyone needs your approval, or "acceptance" as you put it, anyway? ?
disgusting . shame ..
testing...
People can marry whoever they want, but will it be honored by God.
correct christian lady . all gays have no afraid of final judgment, that's why there all talking and doing nasty stuff.
I can't blame them for not being concerned about God's judgment if they don't have a true revelation of Christ. All you can do is show the love of God and pray for them that one day they will get to know Him.
Yes only Prayer, love and grace of God will change these ignorant people,If they taste the true love of Christ they wont do like this.
People speak of religion on God's judgement. You must remember that as Christians we are taught to love one another and that God's greatest gift is love. The hate that people express goes against His greatest commandment. I am a Christian and I support gay marriage.
I was taught by my very Southern, very Baptist family that God, above all, doesn't make mistakes. He's not as prejudiced as your sentiments are. If you love Him, you should really give Him more credit.
You know folks, gay marriage just isn't that big a deal. It is legal here in Iowa. Most people don't care. We believe in treating people equally and with respect here in Iowa, and for most people it just doesn't matter if you are gay or straight. Life continues here pretty much the way it always has. For all of you who are all concerned about it – get over it! It does not change the way you live your life! Bottom line: if you are opposed to gay marriage, then don't have one. But don't deny that right to others.
Very well put, Gary!
I don't think the anger is being directed at the gays who want to be married. I think it is frustration with federal judges who attempt to pass legislation from the bench, in this case the Ninth Circuit. In this case, the citizens of California have voted down this issue three times. It should never have allowed back on the ballot so soon after the first time. What a huge colossal waste of taxpayer money. It's time to take a look at impeachment of the Ninth Circuit.
Making decisions that concern the rights of other people should NEVER be up for a vote. What gives the majority the right to take away civil liberties of others? That is why the vote doesn't count. You should be mad that it was even allowed to be voted on in the first place.
all i will say is let the gays marry
Andrew, you are equal. You bash my religion but demand that it accept you. While the courts give your marriage legal status, my church does not.
So my question is, will you be content with that?
I really have no desire to be a member of a church that likes to break people down into "right" and "wrong" based on how they were born. So, yes, I am fine with your church not recognizing my marriage. I really don't recognize their right to have an opinion.
Laws, on the other hand, do directly impact how I can care for myself and my family. I need for those to be on my side.
Layla, we don't care about being accepted by your church. All we want is civil marriage – equality in the eyes of the law.
Layla, I don't think anyone cares about your church. And why should they when it doesn't promote the true Christian message of forgiveness and acceptance. Maybe you should consider that the next time the pass around the offering plate.
Layla, you miss the entire point of this lawsuit and all of the fuss surrounding it – we Gays are NOT equal! If we were equal, we would already have Gay marriage, the right to file joint Federal taxes, the automatic right to inherit, and all of the other innumerable rights and privileges that you straight people so jealously guard.
It really comes down to a sense of perceived superiority that straights have and do not want to lose. You feel that you really are better than the gays and for many years, your government has supported that deceit. It is time to end it and allow ALL US Citizens to share in the rights and responsibilities that are proclaimed.