PFLAG Families Applaud California Ruling in Favor of Marriage Equality
"California Has Embraced Our Children & Affirmed Our Families," Group Says
Published on May 16, 2008 - 9:02:06 AM

By: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)

SAN FRANCISCO, May 15 - Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) today applauded a California State Supreme Court ruling in favor of full marriage equality for same-sex couples. The 4-3 decision, issued earlier today, follows lawsuits by fifteen couples who challenged the constitutionality of the state's marriage ban. The couples, along with Equality California and the Our Family Coalition, were represented by lead counsel from the National Center for Lesbian Rights along with counsel from Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union, Heller Ehrman LLP and the Law Office of David C. Codell.

The majority opinion, authored by Chief Justice Ron George, concluded "that in view of the substance and significance of the fundamental constitutional right to form a family relationship, the California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as to opposite sex couples."

"California has embraced our children and affirmed our families," said Molleen Matsumura, co-chair of PFLAG's Oakland, California chapter. Matsumura's lesbian daughter was married in San Francisco, in 2004, when Mayor Gavin Newsome began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. In August of that year, the court declared those marriages void, ruling that the city had overstepped its authority.

"My husband and I are proud to now live in a state where our daughter's union will be equal to our own," Matsumura continued. "Marriage equality is an essential part of full equality for our children. There is nothing more pro-family than extending full citizenship to our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender loved ones. And there is nothing more worthy of celebration than the loving unions of couples who are, at last, free to fully participate in every aspect of family life."

California follows Massachusetts as only the second state to officially recognize marriage rights for same-sex couples. Today's decision overturns a July 2006 ruling, from the First District Court of Appeal, upholding the state's marriage ban. The decision also follows two votes by the State Legislature legalizing such marriages.

"Today's ruling marks an historic turning point for families in California and across our nation," said Jody M. Huckaby, executive director of PFLAG. "The California Supreme Court has taken an unmistakable stand in favor of 'liberty and justice for all,' and struck down any notion that some families are less worthy of full legal recognition than others. PFLAG congratulates our allies on the ground in California, and salutes our member and our families in the state, who have worked so hard for this day. We are more motivated than ever to see full equality extended to every member of our family, in California, Massachusetts and every community in-between. We will not rest until every American enjoys every right, responsibility and privilege afforded by our constitution."

A November 2008 ballot initiative is expected to be approved in the state, placing the issue of marriage before voters once more. PFLAG has committed to working with organizations within California to defeat the measure, which would roll-back marriage gains realized by today's ruling.

"The people of California, through their elected representatives, and the justices of the state Supreme Court, through today's ruling, have left no question that Californians have a strong commitment to protecting the rights of every citizen," said Huckaby. "We have come too far, and our GLBT loved ones are too important, to allow the forces of prejudice and discrimination to move us backward in our struggle for equality. Today, we celebrate history and tomorrow, we continue our fight for our families."

PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. For more information, visit www.pflag.org.

In the interest of fostering civil and issue-oriented discourse, YubaNet does not publish reader comments identified by anonymous Internet "handles" (fake user ID names like "farfromthinkin"). Your full and real name will be published with your comment. Your email address will not be shown, unless you specifically "uncheck" the box 'Hide my email.' By submitting a comment you consent to our rules.