Same-sex couples win the right to marry in California!
Today, California's highest court ruled that denying same-sex couples the right to marry is unconstitutional, granting loving, committed gay and lesbian couples the dignity and support their relationships have so long been denied.
Two words sum up how I feel at this moment: proud and determined.
I'm proud of Shannon Minter of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, who argued this case, and all the advocates who worked tirelessly to make this day possible. More than anything, I am proud of all of HRC's supporters who, rather than backing down in response to bigotry and hate, have continued this fight.
And I'm determined to make this win stick. The right-wing opponents are using this moment to build a war chest for an amendment this November to ban same-sex marriage in California. (Florida's Amendment 2 is going to be on this November's ballot as well).
I would love to tell you to take a day to sit back and enjoy this momentous victory. While this win is certainly a reason to celebrate, this is not a day to rest easy.
In fact, sitting back is exactly the reaction the right-wing is hoping for. We can't afford to let them turn HRC's success into their win.
Focus on the Family, the National Organization for Marriage and their anti-gay friends want to write discrimination into the constitution of our country and undo what they have achieved today.
The National Organization for Marriage's own web site is calling on their supporters to donate so they can blanket the state with anti-gay messages in the coming months.
They think you'll be too busy celebrating to notice as they amass their millions. I think they're wrong.
HRC is a member of Equality for All, the coalition of groups working together to defeat the marriage ban in California. HRC will continue to support Equality for All's efforts.
This is a momentous day. Let's make sure it doesn't become a piece of history this November. Vote NO on Amendment 2 in Florida and spread the word for equality.
