Federal Judge Vaughn Walker handed down a thorough and carefully detailed ruling yesterday that determined that denial of civil rights under Prop 8 is unconstitutional. Actually, the human and civil rights afforded every American citizen under the U. S. Constituion should never be subject to a popular vote. This ruling is worth taking the time to read. It carefully addreses every argument put forth by the pro ban defence and explains why they are irrational and erroneous.Excerpts from the landmark decision.
"Proposition 8 places the force of law behind stigmas against gays and lesbians."
"The sexual orientation of an individual does not determine whether that individual can be a good parent."
"The exclusion (of same-sex couples from marriage) exists as an artifact of a time when the genders were seen as having different roles in society and in marriage. That time has passed."
"Domestic partnerships exist solely to differentiate same-sex unions from marriage."
"Proposition 8 harms the state's interest in equality."
"The evidence at trial regarding the campaign to pass Proposition 8 uncloaks the most likely explanation for its passage: a desire to advance the belief that opposite-sex couples are morally superior to same-sex couples."
"Moral disapproval alone is an improper basis on which to deny rights to gay men and lesbians."
-- To read the judge's full decision on Prop. 8, go here.
For couples like me and Monica who have been together 31 years or our friends Alexandra and Chrisanne who have shared 35 years or for our pals Eugene and Gordon who are celebrating 37 years of sharing life together in spite of all obstacles, this ruling has no effect on our love and commitment. It does certainly effect our legal rights as American citizens and publicly validates our God given rights as human beings.
