Interesting Quotes on Prop 8 Ruling

An interesting list of quotes from cnn.com.

Brian Raum, attorney for the Alliance Defense Fund: "In America, we should respect and uphold the right of a free people to make policy choices through the democratic process - especially ones that do nothing more than uphold the definition of marriage that has existed since the foundation of the country and beyond."

Um, Brian, it's called Checks and Balances and judicial review to be sure that the majority does not impinge upon the right of the minority in a free society.  Otherwise, it wouldn't be free, it would be oppressive  But that is really what you want isn't it?  An oppressive Christian society.

Human Rights Campaign: "The battle for marriage equality continues, and we must all continue our work - in courthouses and statehouses, in church pews and living rooms - until equality is reality for LGBT people and our families everywhere."

Correct.

 White House: "The president has spoken out in opposition to Proposition 8 because it is divisive and discriminatory. He will continue to promote equality for LGBT Americans."

I'm a little disappointed in the Obama White House.  He keeps saying this is a States issue.  I don't agree.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: "California voters have twice been given the opportunity to vote on the definition of marriage in their state and both times have determined that marriage should be recognized as only between a man and a woman. We agree. Marriage between a man and a woman is the bedrock of society."

Frankly, I'm a bit surprise the quote didn't read "between a man and women..."

Kate Kendell, executive director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights: "Using the Prop 8 proponents' own outrageous and inflammatory words, ads, and e-mails, the plaintiffs powerfully demonstrated that Prop 8 was a direct product of hostility, fear-mongering and demonization of lesbians and gay men."

Correct.

California Attorney General Jerry Brown: "In striking down Proposition 8, Judge Walker came to the same conclusion I did when I declined to defend it: Proposition 8 violates the equal protection guarantee of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution by taking away the right of same-sex couples to marry, without a sufficient governmental interest."

He is running for Governor.  I'll have to look at his Democratic opposition, but I'd vote for him on this statement.

Wendy Wright, president of Concerned Women for America: "Marriage is not a political toy. It is too important to treat as a means for already powerful people to gain preferred status or acceptance. Marriage between one man and one woman undergirds a stable society and cannot be replaced by any other living arrangement."

I think her organization should be changed to "Concerned Hetero and Bigoted Women..."

Chad Griffin, board president of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which helped bring the case against Proposition 8: "Any denial of freedom ... undermines the principles on which this country is founded."

Correct again.

Maggie Gallagher, president of the National Organization for Marriage: "I am deeply disturbed and shocked a federal judge has ruled 7 million people have no right to vote on marriage. This is a slur against the majority of Americans."

Idiot.  See Brian Raum.

Cyndi Lauper, musician whose True Colors Fund advocates for the lesbian, gay and transgender community: "Today's landmark ruling ... validates that the discrimination gay couples face must come to an end. We as a society should be embracing these couples and helping them make the lifelong commitment to each other that many of us straight people take for granted each and every day."

 I agree.

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, referring to 1973 decision that legalized abortion: "This lawsuit, should it be upheld on appeal and in the Supreme Court, would become the 'Roe v. Wade' of same-sex 'marriage."

I agree.  And your still an ass.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: "For the hundreds of thousands of Californians in gay and lesbian households who are managing their day-to-day lives, this decision affirms the full legal protections and safeguards I believe everyone deserves. At the same time, it provides an opportunity for all Californians to consider our history of leading the way to the future, and our growing reputation of treating all people and their relationships with equal respect and dignity."

So, there is a little human left in the cyborg governor.  If you don't imagine him speaking it, these are very powerful words.

U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, House Judiciary Committee: "When Congress returns from recess, I plan to introduce a resolution condemning today's decision and urging an immediate appeal. The voters of California are not the only ones who lost today. This decision defies the voice of all citizens who have sought to define marriage in their states as the union between one man and one woman. Judge Walker's actions should be opposed and the decision should be swiftly overturned."

And you would still be oh so wrong.  Who put this clown on the Judiciary Committee?

The Rev. Barry W. Lynn, Americans United for Separation of Church and State: "This is a tremendous step forward for individual freedom and church-state separation. Aggressive and well-funded religious groups conspired to take away the civil marriage rights of same-sex couples in California. That was wrong, and I am delighted that the court has ruled the way it has."

I too, am delighted.