Prop 8 ruling overturns ban on gay marriage; temporarily stayed

August 8, 2010 |
Robert Coombs

This week’s news includes popular headlines that Proposition 8, passed by voters in November of 2008, was overturned by 9th Circuit District Court Judge Vaughn Walker. The outcome of the case of Perry v. Schwarzenegger, indicates the Proposition discriminates against gays and lesbians.

Although Proposition 8 fails to possess even a rational basis, the evidence presented at trial shows that gays and lesbians are the type of minority strict scrutiny was designed to protect…

As a matter of practice, CALCASA does not take formal positions on inititatives. The Association did, however, note our deep concern regarding Proposition 8 specifically as it relates to our work as allies and as advocates who believe that oppression in all its forms, plays a fundamental role in the persistence of sexual violence in our culture. Our statement in 2008 could easily be repeated today in our celebration of the ruling:

Anything that undermines the status of an already marginalized class of people inherently serves to further oppress them. That oppression comes in the form of sexual violence, creating obstacles to service, and reduced public support for providing service and advocacy to often-underserved populations. CALCASA supports the work of many of our colleagues and sister organizations who work tirelessly as allies and or who identify as part of the queer community who would be affected by this initiative.

See the full text of the decision below:

Does this decision impact the work you do in your community?