The freedom to marry returns to California

August 12, 2010

American Foundation for Equal Rights filed the lawsuit on behalf of two couples, Kris Perry and Sandy Stier and Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo, seeking the right to marry.

How long marriage equality will be permitted is anybody’s guess, because the Prop. 8 case has been appealed to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeals court could possibly decide to intervene in the matter.

In San Diego County, the Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk's Office says it would begin accepting marriage-ceremony appointments immediately.

Statement from Evan Wolfson, Executive Director of Freedom to Marry, on Judge Walker’s ruling lifting the stay in Perry v. Schwarzenegger:

“Judge Walker has ruled that on August 18th, the discriminatory Proposition 8 will no longer be enforced in California.  As the Governor, the Attorney General, and Judge Walker have all concluded, there is no good reason to continue excluding same-sex couples from marriage.  Same-sex couples across California can once again share in the respect and personal significance of marriage, as well as the critical safety net of protections and responsibilities that marriage will bring to their families.

"We are witnessing a growing consensus in America that loving and committed same-sex couples deserve the same respect and the same rights as everyone else.  Americans on all sides of the aisle, from Laura Bush to Bill Clinton, have embraced the reality that the freedom to marry helps families, while hurting no one.  As same-sex couples in California today celebrate their love, commitment, and equal protection under the law, a majority of Californians and a majority of Americans support their right to marry.”