California Supreme Court Ruling Issued

The California Supreme Court just ruled 6-1 that Proposition 8 will be upheld, but the 18,000 marriage licenses that were issued to same sex couples during the time they were legal will be honored and remain legal marriages in California. By upholding Prop 8, the Court has diminished its legacy as a champion of equality. No minority group should have to defend its right to equality at the ballot. The Court’s decision jeopardizes every minority group in California.

Since the vote on Prop 8, and since this suit was filed in November of last year, there has been a tidal wave of momentum in favor of full equality. Six states now embrace marriage equality for same-sex couples, and several more are on the horizon. California is no longer a leader on the issue of marriage equality. Despite this decision, the tide is turning across the country, as more and more states recognize the right of LGBT people and our families to be treated equally under the law.

We are relieved the Court protected couples who married before November 5. The presence of thousands of married same-sex couples across California will show those who don’t yet know us that marriage strengthens families and communities and threatens no one. Every day, here in Arizona, we are telling our stories to our friends and neighbors. We will continue to do that because we believe that every family in every state deserves the protection of the law.

“The decision handed down today is bittersweet,” said Barbara McCullough-Jones, Executive Director of Equality Arizona. “While we celebrate the decision regarding those 18,000 marriages, we must remember that all families deserve equality and the ability to take care of each other in every state."

Click here to learn more from our sister organization Equality California.