Judge Rules Prop 8 Is Unconstitutional

I'm already dreading the Supreme Court ruling that's bound to come years from now, but let's rejoice for just a moment!

Via Towleroad: In a 136-page ruling, Judge Vaughn Walker has declared Proposition 8, the measure banning same-sex marriage in California, unconstitutional under both the due-process and equal-protection clauses.

Says the ruling:

“Because Proposition 8 is unconstitutional under both the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses, the court orders entry of judgment permanently enjoining its enforcement; prohibiting the official defendants from applying or enforcing Proposition 8 and directing the official defendants that all persons under their control or supervision shall not apply or enforce Proposition 8.”

Read more about what the ruling means for now HERE.

Following the verdict, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center CEO Lorri L. Jean issued the following response Justice Vaughn Walker's ruling in Perry v. Schwarzenegger:

Today’s historic decision by the federal district court is clearly a milestone victory for all gay, lesbian and bisexual Californians, our families and our friends. But much more than that, it is a resounding affirmation of fundamental American ideals and core principles of the U.S. Constitution.

Almost from our very beginnings, one of the exceptional hallmarks of our nation’s progress has been the expansion of our concepts of liberty and justice to include those of us who were not initially considered fully equal, or who were perhaps not even considered at all.

Although it has often taken years of struggle, we have seen profound advancements in the recognition of the full citizenship of women, of African-Americans, and of countless other ethnic, religious and social minorities.

These changes have come about through a continually broadening public understanding of who we all are, and of the common bonds and aspirations that we all share.

And it is also true that throughout our nation’s history, the civil advances of the American people have been achieved by many means, including, often, through landmark judicial decisions. The framers of the Constitution, in their wisdom and foresight, recognized that no right of any American should ever be solely a condition of majority approval. And therefore, it has historically been the Constitutional responsibility of our courts to guarantee to all Americans, regardless of their number or popularity, the equal protection of our laws. Just like what has occurred once again today.

But as welcome and significant as today’s ruling truly is, it is in no way a final victory…not in the current court case, and certainly not in the ultimate fight for the fully equal treatment of all LGBT Americans. There are more legal challenges, debates and votes to come. Therefore, it is as important as ever that all who support our ultimate goal of full equality continue, through every available avenue and at every opportunity, to persuade those who may not yet be with us.

Over the last 40 years, the advances in the movement for LGBT equality have been extraordinary, but that progress has not been unbroken and there are clearly more obstacles to overcome. But today’s decision is yet another signpost as we move ever closer to the day when the ideal of liberty and justice for all is fully realized for LGBT Americans, as it should be for every American, and indeed for everyone everywhere.