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MEDIA ADVISORY: Sacramento Stonewall Applaud Court's Decision to Stand for Civil Rights

Sacramento Stonewall Applaud Court's Decision to Stand for Civil Rights

MEDIA ADVISORY: February 7, 2012
CONTACT: Neil Pople, communications@sacstonewall.org 
 
SACRAMENTO--The Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater Sacramento is very pleased with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' decision to dismiss the validity of Proposition 8, the ballot initiative adopted by a slim majority of voters in November 2008 that stripped same-sex couples of their marriage rights.

"To say we are happy today would be an understatement," Acting Club President Sam Catalano said. "But while we are happy that the 9th Circuit took the time to understand the law before applying it, we recognize that this battle is far from over. Prop 8 backers will most likely appeal the case to the United States Supreme Court. So while we are energized today, we recognize the battle will continue all the way to Washington."

National Stonewall Co-Chair and Sacramento resident Laurie McBride said "Everyone, on both sides of this argument, understands that this fight is far from over. Today's ruling by the 9th Circuit was a boost for supporters of equality, and this news is exactly the encouragement we need to continue our struggle for civil rights. Victories like this give us all hope for the future."

As the 9th Circuit released their decision today that decided Proposition 8 had in fact violated constitutional rights, The Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater Sacramento knows that there are many more battles to be fought for equality every day. The club will continue to urge Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson to stand on the right side of history and join Mayors for the Freedom to Marry, a new organization led by a bipartisan coalition of over 100 United States mayors dedicated to promoting marriage equality in their communities, state, and our nation.

To urge Mayor Johnson to join Mayors for the Freedom to Marry, please visit http://www.change.org/petitions/sacramento-mayor-kevin-johnson-sign-the-mayors-for-the-freedom-to-marry-pledge.
 
The Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater Sacramento is one of the largest Democratic clubs in the region and is one of the largest LGBT Democratic clubs in the United States. Sacramento Stonewall works toward Democratic values for all.