[GPCA Updates] Green Party Release: Prop. 8 Court Decision

[Green Party of California Updates]

Green Party of California calls Prop. 8 court decision to freeze same-sex
marriages until at least December a mistake that prolongs 'agony' for many in
state

GREEN PARTY OF CALIFORNIA PRESS RELEASE

SACRAMENTO (Aug 18, 2010) - Greens today called an appeal court's decision to
hold up same-sex marriages until at least December so the 9th Circuit can rule
on the constitutionality of Prop. 8, a mistake, and another attack on the
rights of a discriminated class of citizens.

The decision Monday froze same-sex marriages, which were due to resume
Wednesday after U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker's historic overturning of
voter-approved Prop. 8 on Aug. 4. Upon examination of the claims of the
defense, Judge Walker could find no credible evidence or argument that could
hold up under empirical scrutiny.

Now, the 9th Circuit will hear the case in early December - and the ruling may
not be made for months, according to court observers, with the prospect of the
losing side appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court.

"Rather than allowing LGBTs to again enjoy what had unconstitutionally been
taken from them, the Court adopted the most conservative route, and has
prolonged the agony," said Shane Que Hee, GPCA Platform Committee chair.

He went on to predict that same-sex marriage would become the law of land in
California, noting "same-sex marriage will eventually win out because it
ensures full equality."

Unlike the largest political parties, whose candidates have flip-flopped on
the issue, or just opposed same-sex marriage, the Green Party of California
has always supported it in practice and in the party's platform.

Judge Walker's Aug. 4 ruling mirrors the goals and social philosophy of the
Green Party of California, not only for the civil rights of our LGBT members
but for everyone. Greens, as proponents of social justice, support equal
representation under the law for everyone, and oppose social bigotry and
intolerance, no matter how well funded or intimidating, Greens said.



The Green Party of California
PO Box 2828
Sacramento, CA 95812
Phone: (916) 448-3437
Web: http://www.cagreens.org
EMail: gpca at greens.org