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Internet and television networks were abuzz following the announcement on Wednesday to overturn California’s ban on same-sex marriage. Celebrations and congratulatory rallies in the decision’s honor were held from Los Angeles to San Diego and San Francisco with thousands of supporters, camera crews, reporters and generations of the oft-oppressed community members in attendance. The streets of West Hollywood erupted in a roar when the announcement was made that Proposition 8 was ruled unconstitutional and would be over-turned. Harvey Milk’s old stomping grounds, the Castro District in San Francisco, could barely contain the excitement of residents upon the taking in the breaking news.
Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker approached the bench in the early afternoon to deliver the long-awaited verdict that would change the course of history for LGBT Americans – both directly as well as indirectly – and finally aid in moving forward the equal rights movement for millions of same-sex couples and families around the U.S. While Proposition 8 supporters were anything but gracious in their defeat, photos of watery-eyed gay wives and happy husbands made their way onto almost every major news page in relief and a feeling of well-deserved justice.
There are currently only five states in the entire United States where gay marriage is legal. They are Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Iowa and Vermont. The District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.) also allows same-sex marriage. Washington State was expected to pass a marriage equality bill, but instead opted to institute their version of a “separate but equal” law called Everything but Marriage. Domestic partnerships and civil unions are more widely accepted around the country, but even they are both being fought against by the extreme religious right.
Your favorite celebrities have weighed in on their thoughts. Here is what some of them had to say following today’s historic ruling:
Cynthia Nixon to The Advocate:
"This is an exciting moment for everyone who believes in the constitutional guarantee of equal rights for all. It's a beautiful day in California today. New York is hoping to bask in some of that sunshine before too long. "
Lady Gaga on Twitter:
At the moment’s notice of PROP 8 DEATH I instantly began to write music. BUBBLE DREAMS FOREVER! FULL EQUALITY! THIS IS JUST THE BEGININNG!
REJOICE and CELEBRATE gay communities and straight all over the world. Our voices are being heard! Loud! SCREAM LOUD AMERICANOS!
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Michelle Branch on Twitter:
The gays are gonna be extra rowdy at The Newsies tonight :) Yay! Now I better be invited to some kick ass weddings! #NOH8 #equalityforall
Kim Kardashian on Twitter:
“Prop 8 was struck down! This news is amazing!!!! It’s about time! Congrats to everyone!”
Samantha Ronson on Twitter:
"Song Of The Day: Let's Get Married- Jagged Edge."
Wilson Cruz on Twitter:
So PROUD of my friends Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo, plaintiffs in the Prop 8 case. They will forever be heroes to me. Thank you boys. Xxxx
Sophia Bush on Twitter:
Remember in the 60's people supported segregating public domains based on RACE! Those rules were overturned B/C of the constitution! ThankGOD
One day we will see that denying rights to some based on "definitions" is ridiculous, elitist, and sad. Love is LOVE. "All men are created="
If 52% of voters voted to reenact segregation tomorrow, would you say it's okay b/c "people voted for it!?" HELL no. Think people. EQUALITY!
Reenact, btw. Typing so fast because I am mad as hell and I will NOT be quiet. I will not sit idly by. BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS. End of story.
Rights are rights. And if one group is denied rights that others are afforded by the same government, it violates our constitution. TRUTH.
I’ll leave you with the following thought about Wednesday’s ruling: The majority should never hold power over the minority when it comes to equality and human rights. Whether you are gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or (insert label here), your life has now been affected in a positive way because of this landmark decision to over-turn the popular vote on hate in America. Now, onto the Supreme Court!
Photo: Sophia Bush (right) with SheWired's Boo Jarchow at Prop 8 protest in May of 2009.
Read more of Sarah's posts here.
