Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center Hosts Community Gathering

An announcement was made today that the Ninth Circuit will issue an order tomorrow around 10:00am on the court’s web site, concerning marriage equality here in California.

To date, in a decision by a three-judge panel after a fiery hearing, affirmed Judge Walker’s decision striking down Proposition 8 as unconstitutional. Those who supported Prop 8 were frustrated. So in a “play to slow down the process of marriage equality”, they asked the ninth Circuit for an en banc rehearing. They were basically saying “we do not like the decision from those three judges so we want an 11 judge panel to re-hear the case”, hoping to perhaps put on a more coherent case and hoping this time what they argue will fall on more sympathetic ears.

B.R.A.V.E. (Bullies Really Are Violating Everyone) was founded by Lisa Ford-Berry after her youngest son Michael became a victim of “bullycide” due to cyber-bullying on his 17th birthday, September 15, 2008. A Sacramento based non-profit, grassroots corporation, the organization specialize in peer abuse prevention, and parenting advocacy workshops that teach parents how to document, report and protect venerable, and at-risk youth.

Berry is excited that the Prop 8 case is finally progressing and another important decision will be made tomorrow. “Marriage is an important institution because it represents stability, loyalty, with a central element of love and commitment. Children of all sexual orientations need to know that they are not a freak of nature, that they are who they are for a reason. A family with a mom and dad, two mom’s, two dads, or even a single parent is still a family, a family who deserves the exact same legal protections under the law. Marriage equality is one piece of the puzzle I know will save young lives and provide them with hope they would not have had otherwise”.

Tomorrow the Ninth Circuit could issue an order saying that a re-haring in front of 11 judges is denied. If that happens, Judge Reinhardt’s opinion stands, and the pro-Prop 8 supporters can then petition for certiorari at the Supreme Court level. If the Supreme Court were to deny the review, the Ninth Circuit’s decision would stand, and we would have full marriage equality here in California. If the Supreme Court grants a review, there will be another briefing and oral arguments and a decision next year.

In other words, it’s complicated! Everyone will have to wait for the decision. The next move by either side is expected to be played out not long after the decision.

Shara Murphy, Executive Director of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center is inviting the community to gather at the Center (1927 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95811) to await the 10:00am decision. An official response will be made at the Center within an hour of the publication of the decision.