Reaction to the ruling on Calif’s gay marriage ban
Feb 7, 2012, 11:49 PM
(AP) – A look at reaction to the ruling by a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel declaring California’s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional:
_ “When Proposition 8 doesn’t allow parents like mine to marry, it isn’t just defining their love as taboo or wrong. It says that our family, that my brothers, that my mothers, shouldn’t belong, and we don’t get to be the same as in my friend’s families. With this ruling, in the eyes of the government, my family is finally normal.” Spencer Perry, son of plaintiffs Kris Perry and her partner Sandy Stier, who sued to overturn the gay marriage ban.
_ “The court has rendered a powerful affirmation of the right of same-sex couples to marry. I applaud the wisdom and courage of this decision.” Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown
_ “We are not surprised that this Hollywood-orchestrated attack on marriage _ tried in San Francisco _ turned out this way. But we are confident that the expressed will of the American people in favor of marriage will be upheld at the Supreme Court.” Brian Raum, senior counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund, a Christian legal aid group that helped defend the ban.
_ “With the sponsorship of the Hollywood elite, this lawsuit has been pushed forward as an assault on traditional marriage, with the help of a judge who failed to disclose his own long-term homosexual relationship while presiding over a case seeking the legalization of same-sex marriage.” Andy Pugno, general counsel for the ProtectMarriage.com coalition, proponents of the ban.
_ “San Francisco stands ready to begin marrying same sex couples, and we remain as deeply committed to the fight for marriage equality today as we did nearly eight years ago when then Mayor Gavin Newsom started one of the most important civil rights issues of our generation to ensure equality for all.” San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee
_ “As this battle moves through the appeals process, we must, and will, continue the fight for the fundamental rights of LGBT couples and every American. We will keep up the charge for change and equality in state legislatures and in the courts, and work in Congress to repeal and overturn the so-called Defense of Marriage Act.” Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
_ “Today’s decision is important to that young me that never dreamt that I would wake up in a country where I could marry the person that I love, and never allowed myself that opportunity until today.” Plaintiff Paul Katami, who sued to overturn the ban.
_ “The courts have declared that the voters are too ignorant and intolerant to be trusted with fundamental moral values, and only the judiciarchy can ultimately decide what is best for us. Is America going to stand for this judicial coup?” Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute.
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