Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "same-sex-marriage"

Sac Pride Live hits the air Saturday night

2013-04-27T02:49:44Z

It is always exciting when a new media organization starts up and provides readers and listeners with news you are truly interested in and entertainment to lighten your day. The new Sac Pride Media Group led by Tyler Edwards will launch the first ever live LGBTQ weekly radio show, “Sac Pride Live” on local Talk 650 KSTE Radio as well as worldwide on iHeartRadio, by app on your Smartphone or online at www.iheart.com/live/Talk-650-KSTE-229. The first show will air live Saturday, April 27 after the River Cats game between 10:00 PM and 12 midnight.

On-air hosts for Sacramento’s newest source for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community, will be realtor Tyler Edwards and well-known poet and spoken word artist, Jovi Radtke. Members of the production team include fellow realtor Todd Lohse and Kevin Manz.

Edwards says the focus of the show will be to, “end labels and start conversations.”

“I have been working on this project for a long time and in developing Sac Pride Live as well as a bi-monthly insert in the Sacramento News and Review, and future expansions into social media, I hope we can provide a venue where we can discuss topics that touch us, engage us, and even make us angry. This conversation will not only be for those in the gay community but also outside the community, our allies as well as those who don’t understand us.”

Radtke who is very comfortable in front of an audience belting out her creative poetry of life, love, and heartbreak should do very well in her new job as co-host of a radio show that will be heard by tens of thousands of listeners both locally and world-wide.

“This is very exciting to start on my new adventure with a radio program that locally gives a brand new voice that didn’t exist until now,” said Radtke.

In explaining what listeners might have in store for them in the weeks to come Radtke said listeners can look forward to local, regional, national and even world news and entertainment of the day like marriage equality, Prop 8, bullying and peer abuse in our schools and hate crimes in our neighborhood. We hope to interview interesting and engaging people from all walks of life and talk about upcoming events like Sacramento Pride, Sacramento International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, and other fun events for the whole family.”

Edwards wanted to emphasize that the show will not “back away from controversial issues plaguing us both within our community and outside. We want to have an open and honest conversation about the problems we have as well as celebrate what makes us fabulous”.

“While we might not solve all the problems of the world, our show will at least bring to light and give voice to those who may have really good suggestions on how to live with each other in harmony and respect”.

“Our first program will be mainly introducing ourselves to our listeners in the first hour and in the second hour our first guest will be Michael ‘Misha’ Kennedy owner of Kennedy Gallery Art Center. In the future we will welcome community members to call in and offer their thoughts on issues discussed on the program”.

“Each week should prove to be interesting, enlightening, entertaining, engaging and sometimes very controversial.”

For more information about Sac Pride Media or Sac Pride Live visit their web site at www.SacPrideLive.com or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SacPrideLive. If you are interested in being a guest or would like to suggest a subject contact Sac Pride Media’s Administrative Executive Melissa Martinez at Melissa.Martinez@sacpridemedia.com.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is a freelance journalist. Ken was not paid for writing this article. You can contact Ken Pierce by email: kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

Verizon moving workforce out of Sacramento region

2013-02-01T08:00:36Z

Creating a large, cheaper workforce by moving operations to states with lower business costs and a low cost of living is far from new for American businesses. It has caused endless strife in the lives of their employees, including long-term separation of parents from families, long weekend commutes and often divorce.

It is now nearly a universal trend among global corporations, especially ones such as Verizon Corp., which has had a long history of labor strife, stemming back to the days of Nynex, Bell Atlantic and before (NY Times on the subject), moving to union-unfriendly, so called, right-to-work states. Alas, universally, right-to-work states are universally right-to-hate states.

This process is occurring now for employees of Verizon Wireless financial and call centers in the Sacramento region (actually anyone that does not have a job that requires face-to-face contact with the customer, i.e. sales), with their jobs going to Orlando, Fla. - a state with DOMA, the so-called, Defense of Marriage Act in its constitution - or the real hell hole for gays of Tulsa, Okla.

The additional financial and time-consuming burden of determining legal rights regarding such things as what happens to legal protections afforded married couples, let alone having to assess the personal physical and mental health and safety of themselves and their families in such states as Florida and Oklahoma.

Given the lack of concern of huge companies such as Verizon Corp. for the families of their employees in general, it is not a surprise that when speaking with spouses of Verizon Corp. employees such as Cindy (name changed) straight and gay, one finds that the company has not yet demonstrated any interest in working with the spouses and families of their employees in assisting in the transition. There is concern for the company’s ability to understand the issues facing their same-sex married employees from even straight families.

What spouses have heard since the official announcement in December that their husbands and wives jobs will be moving to Orlando and Tulsa is who goes where period, except for the managers being quizzed on employee retention, that is, how many employees will refuse to go to Florida or Oklahoma. Any communication to family is in the traditional corporate form of the working spouse passing on whatever the company tells them....along with all the rumors, the unhappy feeling in the workforce, etc.

The good news for Verizon Corporation is that according to spouses and managers (names withheld) most employees are moving. The not-so-good news is that for many workers, the primary and for some the sole, motivation is that there are no jobs for them here, they state.

What a fabulous way to build a loyal and dedicated workforce. Oh, is there still one of those left?

Series Continued:

Coverage of the move as it evolves.

Is there anything California and the region can do to create jobs that keeps this educated work force here in the future?

Has or will this come back to bite corporations over time?

Vigil to be held for Prop 8

2012-12-04T14:37:55Z

A group of dedicated marriage equality activists waited out the morning at Badlands in the heart of Lavender Heights Monday only to learn that once again, the Supreme Court issued no word on the status of Proposition 8 along with several other federal cases involving same-sex couples.

It was mid-morning when finally it was learned that the justices announced that it “redistributed the Prop 8 and DOMA cases for consideration during its morning conference this Friday, December 7, 2012”.

According to the web site of the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER), “This means we could get word from the Court on Friday, or the morning of Monday, December 10. It is important to remember that the Supreme Court often takes more than one Conference to consider whether to grant review in certain cases”.

Meanwhile a core of diligent LGBTQ community members who met early Monday vowed to return Friday morning at 6:00am to Badlands on the corner of 20th and K Street, and wait out the day until “we hear something definitive from the Supreme Court” said Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action NOW.

“Marriage equality is a basic civil right. It’s a legal and constitutional issue, not a religious one and I think more and more Americans are getting that, which is why the polls are showing a dramatic change in support of gays and lesbians receiving all the rights they are afforded as a citizen of California”, said Reynolds.

Personally, as a member of the civil rights group, Equality Action NOW and Public Relations Director for B.R.A.V.E. Society, a local non-profit bullying awareness organization, I am planning on making Friday a vigil for the “death” of Prop 8. The California Supreme Court struck it down, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed, let’s put it to rest already. I am hoping the court will send Prop 8 home where it belongs and let them figure out the DOMA cases.

Our same-sex couples have been waiting too long for their equal rights. We have older couples who have been together for decades, separated due to one spouse having to be placed in a nursing home, or worse, passing away before they are able to marry. It’s time.

In anticipation of Friday’s conference, local organizations are gearing up for a positive outcome.

Because of the long list of cases the Supreme Court needs to review Friday, it is expected that the earliest a decision may be made is early afternoon and possibly Monday, December 10, at 6:30am (Pacific) to post the decision to their web site. Friday’s morning gathering will be to keep an eye on the news, and to talk about what life will be like when California LGBTQ citizens regain their civil rights.

Soon after the decision is made, no matter what that decision will be, the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center will host a Press Conference. Leaders of Equality Action NOW (EAN), a local civil rights group and Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA), a nationwide organization is organizing this event.

Also on Friday or Monday, if the court turns down the hearing of Prop 8 leading the way for marriage equality here in California, MEUSA and EAN will host a celebratory rally at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, currently slated for 6:00pm.

For more information feel free to contact, Ken Pierce kpierce8272@yahoo.com, or Enrique Manjarrez Enrique@equalityactionnow.org.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is B.R.A.V.E. Society's Media and Public Relations Consultant. Pierce is a freelance journalist, activist, and has his own Public Relations firm here in Sacramento. You can reach Ken at kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

No action today by the Supreme Court on Prop 8 brings a lot of head scratching

2012-11-30T23:05:12Z

To most Northern Californians, the torrential rain may have dampened interest in what is going on behind closed doors in Washington at the Supreme Court, but for hundreds of same-sex couples here in Sacramento, there is but one thing on their minds. Will they be planning a December wedding?

Today the U.S. Supreme Court justices were in conference to decide if they will take on the case of Proposition 8 (Hollingsworth v. Perry).

When the clerk of the court handed out outcome of the conference today to the press, none of the marriage equality cases were on the list. In other words they did not make a decision ether way.

The next time we have a chance to find out anything is Monday morning, however today makes it less certain we might know anything definitive even then.

What may happen Monday is:
1) The Supreme Court will announce that the DOMA and Prop 8 cases will be placed on their next conference agenda, which happens Friday, December 7th.
2) It is possible, though not likely Monday we will find out they decided not to hear the Prop 8 case but will decide on the DOMA cases December 7, allowing California to move ahead with same-sex marriages.

What we were hoping to learn from today’s conference is one of four things might happen to Prop 8 here in California:
1) The court takes multiple DOMA cases and the Proposition 8 case. This will mean the earliest the Court will hear the case will be March and possibly June before we hear of the outcome.
2) The court takes one DOMA case, while holding the other DOMA cases pending that decision, and takes the Proposition 8 case as well. This still will delay marriages in California.
3) The court takes a DOMA case (or multiple DOMA cases) and holds the rest of the cases, including Proposition 8, pending the outcome of the DOMA case. …still waiting!
4) Or, the court takes a DOMA case (or multiple DOMA cases), but denies certiorari in the Proposition 8 case. This option, considered by most advocates to be a likely possibility, would lead to same-sex couples being able to marry in California within days. And would be the best outcome for those couples, their families, and California’s economy to boot.

One way or another, those couples, along with the rest of California and all the other states who would rather we take it to the Supreme Court, are itching for the court to make up their minds quickly. In any case we will find out what happens next, Monday, December 3, as early as 6:30AM (Pacific).

Here in Sacramento, myself, Ken Pierce of B.R.A.V.E. Society, a non-profit bullying awareness and victim advocacy organization is inviting the community to gather at Badlands (2003 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95814) at 6:00AM Monday morning to await the word of what the court plans to do. Many thanks to owner, T.J. Bruce and those of his staff who have volunteered to open early for our community to gather and find out together.

Plans, when we do find out if Prop 8 comes back to California or moves on to the Supreme Court, are sometime after the decision is made, no matter what that decision will be, the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center will host a Press Conference. Leaders of Equality Action NOW (EAN), a local civil rights group and Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA), a nation-wide organization is organizing this event. Speakers and the time of the Press Conference will be announced at the gathering at Badlands. .

Also on Monday or Friday, if the court turns down the hearing of Prop 8 leading the way for marriage equality here in California, MEUSA and EAN will host a celebratory rally at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, currently slated for 6:00pm.

For more information feel free to contact, Ken Pierce kpierce8272@yahoo.com, or Enrique Manjarrez Enrique@equalityactionnow.org.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is a local Freelance Journalist and activist. Pierce owns a Public Relations and Social Media Consulting business here in Sacramento. You can contact Pierce at kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

California same-sex couples on high alert once again

2012-11-29T21:12:50Z

Sacramento organizations plan events around Prop 8 Supreme Court decision

It has been a long road for Sacramento’s same-sex couples, their families, friends, and supporters, and that road may or may not end this week.

The Supreme Court justices will go behind closed doors Friday morning to decide if they will take on the case of Proposition 8 (Hollingsworth v. Perry), if the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment prohibits the State of California from defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman.

At the same conference session Friday, the court will work their way through several appeals to decide whether legally married gay couples have the right to equal benefits under federal law. Appeals courts in New York and Boston have struck down that part of the Defense of Marriage Act that denies such a right and the justices most likely will take up the case.

Ted Olson and David Boise who successfully argued the striking of Prop 8 as a constitutional issue here in California have mixed feelings about the upcoming decision.

Olson stated on the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) web site, “We won the case, and if they don’t take it, our clients have won. They will be allowed to marry. But if they (Supreme Court) take the case, it could lead to a broader victory. We believe gays and lesbians have a constitutional right to be treated equally. And if it is a constitutional right, you shouldn’t have to try to win at the ballot box in every state.”

Here in Sacramento there are many same-sex couples who have been waiting for the day they will be able to join the rest of the citizens of California and have the right to legally marry. They have had many up’s and downs. While it would be great if the Supreme Court did hear the Prop 8 case, that would mean at least another year of waiting. If the court decides not to hear the case, in a matter of about a week, our local County Clerk’s Office will be issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples

In anticipation of Friday’s conference, local organizations are gearing up for a positive outcome.

As the Public Relations Director for B.R.A.V.E. Society, a local anti-bullying non-profit, I will host a community breakfast, both Friday and Monday, Chef Tony Crane is happy to have us at his new Restaurant inside of Headhunter’s (1930 K St., Sacramento, CA 95811) beginning at 6:00am.

Because of the long list of cases the Supreme Court needs to review Friday, it is expected that they will wait until Monday, December 3, as early as 6:30am (Pacific) to post the decision to their web site. Friday’s breakfast gathering will be to keep an eye on the news, and to talk about what life will be like when California LGBTQ citizens regain their civil rights.

Monday, December 3, soon after the decision is made, no matter what that decision will be, the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center will host a Press Conference. Leaders of Equality Action NOW (EAN), a local civil rights group and Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA), a statewide organization is organizing this event. Speakers and the time of the Press Conference will be announced during the breakfast at Headhunters.

Also on Monday, if the court turns down the hearing of Prop 8 leading the way for marriage equality here in California, MEUSA and EAN will host a celebratory rally at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, currently slated for 6:00pm.

For more information feel free to contact, Ken Pierce kpierce8272@yahoo.com, or Enrique Manjarrez Enrique@equalityactionnow.org.

Dustin Lance Black's "8" Comes to Sacramento

2012-10-13T18:19:14Z

Kate Sullivan Gibbens, with license from the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) and Broadway Impact, is proud to announce a one-night-only reading of “8,” Saturday, October 20, 2012 at the downtown Crest Theater.

“8” is a play chronicling the historic trial in the federal constitutional challenge to California’s Proposition 8, written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter and AFER Founding Board Member Dustin Lance Black.

Black, who pinned the Academy Award-winning feature film Milk and the film J. Edgar, based “8” on the actual words of the trial transcripts, first-hand observations of the courtroom drama and interviews with the plaintiffs and their families of the unprecedented case of the Federal District Court trial in Perry v. Schwarzenegger (now Perry v. Brown).

The case was filed by AFER to overturn Proposition 8, which stripped gay and lesbian Californians of the “fundamental freedom to marry”.

Gibbens, Producer/Director of the Sacramento production of “8,” worked with Black on the original play and is a graduate of UCLA with a MFA in Playwriting. “I’m excited to be able to bring to my hometown a project I am so proud of having a part in creating,” said Gibbens.

Following the play’s reading there will be a panel discussion concerning the play, and the history and future of Prop. 8. Kate Sullivan Gibbens will discuss adapting the trial transcripts to the play and working with Dustin Lance Black. Other panel members include plaintiffs Kris Perry and Sandra Stier. Sacramento’s Steve Hanson will be speaking and Dr. Larry Levine, Law Professor at the McGeorge School of Law will be on the panel.

“8” had its much-heralded Broadway world premiere on September 19, 2011 in New York City. Its West Coast premiere was at the Wilshire Ebell Theater on Saturday, March 3, 2012, in Los Angeles with an all-star cast.

“People need to witness what happened in the Prop 8 trial, if for no other reason than to see inequality and discrimination unequivocally rejected in a court of law where truth and facts matter,” said AFER Founding Board Member Dustin Lance Black. “The goal of ‘8’ is to show the world that marriage equality is a basic constitutional right. The facts are on our side and truth always finds the light.”

Currently, casting for the Sacramento production is almost complete. A majority of the participating actors and notable personalities will be local with one or two acceptations.
.

“8” will play at the Crest Theater (1013 K Street Downtown Sacramento) at 8pm, Saturday, October, 20, 2012. Tickets are on sale and range from $18, $28 $48, to $80VIP. This is a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Equal Rights. For more information and tickets go to: www.8insacramento.com and LIKE their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/8insacramento.com .

Casting Notes:

West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon will play Judge Walker.

Playing the three lawyers will be actor/activist Ben Patrick Johnson
(www.benpatrickjohnson.com) as Ted Olson, B Street Theater favorite, Kurt Johnson as David Boies, and Sacramento Theater Company powerhouse, Matt K. Miller as Charles Cooper.

Los Angeles Comedian Thai Rivera (www.thairivera.com) will play plaintiff Jeff Zarillo along with Evan Brienza as Paul Katami.

Local teen actor twins, Grant and Austin Laut will portray Spencer and Eliott Perry.

Los Angeles actor and playwright Patrick Burns is featured as witness Ryan Kendall, along with Steve Minnow, Robin Hushbeck, Eason Donner, Michel RJ Campbell, and Nanci Zoppi. Also playing witnesses are local politician Ben Phillips and gay rights pioneer George Raya.

Janis Stevens will take on gay rights foe, Maggie Gallagher and Jessica Goldman will play the clerk.

“8” SACRAMENTO CAST LIST

Broadcast Journalist (TBA)
Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker Christopher Cabaldon (Mayor of West Sacramento)
Theodore B. Olson (Plaintiffs’ attorney) Ben Patrick Johnson (Model, Actor, Gay Activist www.benpatrickjohnson.com )
David Boies (Plaintiffs’ attorney) Kurt Johnson (Sacramento Actor)
Charles J. Cooper (Proponents’ attorney) Matt K Miller (Sacramento Actor, Director, Playwright, Teacher)
Jeff Zarrillo (Plaintiff) Thai Rivera (LA – Comic - http://thairivera.com/)
Paul Katami (Plaintiff) Evan Brienza (Sacramento Actor)
Sandy Stier (Plaintiff) (TBA)
Kris Perry (Plaintiff) (TBA)
Elliot (Kris and Sandy’s son) Grant Laut (Sacramento Actor)
Spencer (Kris and Sandy’s son) Austin Laut (Sacramento Actor)
Dr. Nancy Cott (Plaintiffs’ witness) Robin Hushbeck (Sacramento Actress)
Maggie Gallaager (Marriage Equality opponent) Janis Stevens (Sacramento Actress)
Dr. Ilan Meyer (Plaintiff’s witness) Eason Donner (Sacramento Actor)
Ryan Kendall (Plaintiff’s witness) Patrick Burns (LA – From Foster Care to Fabulous)
Dr. Gregory Herek (Plaintiff’s witness) Michael RJ Campbell (Sacramento Actor)
Dr. Gary Segura (Plaintiff’s witness) Nanci Zoppi (Sacramento Actress)
Dr. William Tam (Prop 8 proponent) Ben Phillips (running for SMUD board)
David Blanenhorn (Proponent’s witness) Steve Minnow (Sacramento Actor)
Evan Wolfson (Marriage Equality advocate) George Raya (Gay Rights Pioneer)
Court clerk Jessica Goldman

Sacramento LGBT and Allied Community Reacts to Prop 8 Ruling

2012-06-07T06:06:09Z

Tuesday, shortly after the ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denying an en banc hearing, upholding an earlier ruling that Proposition 8’s ban on same-sex marriages is unconstitutional, LGBT leaders and community members gathered at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center for a press conference.

Shara Murphy, Executive Director of the Center hosted members of the Board of Directors of Equality Action NOW, same-sex couples who are waiting to be married, representatives of organizations such as the Sacramento Stonewall Democrats, Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, Sacramento City Councilman elect, Steve Hansen, as well as allies and members of the community.

While most are happy that the decision, basically indicated that the State of California and California’s highest court all agree that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional and should be struck down and may move to the Supreme Court, many same-sex couple’s patience are wearing thin.

Dr. Nicola Simmersbach and Diana Luiz had planned on heading out of town for their sixth anniversary of being together in a relationship under a domestic partnership, but decided to stay in town and attend the news conference at the Center.

Dr. Simmersbach, an individual and couples therapist, expressed her conflict in a telephone interview. “On the one hand it would be nice if it did go on to the Supreme Court and we win. That would really help states where achieving marriage equality would be difficult. On the other hand this is extremely personal, and because Diana has health issues, we need those protections you can only have by being married, not in a domestic partnership.”

“There are times Diana cannot speak to her Doctor and I must intercede on her behalf,” Dr. Simmersbach explained. “I can’t tell you how many times I am reminded since I am not a ‘spouse or relative’ they cannot discuss her health record with me. This is serious and we need legal relief now, not in a year or two when the courts decide. As a citizen of this country and state Diana and I do not think we need permission from the people of California nor the courts for full equality, and it’s frustrating living like this day-in and day-out!”

In an interview with News 10 later in the day, Ken Pierce and Lisa Ford Berry expressed the importance of marriage equality for young people. Berry is founder of B.R.A.V.E. (Bullies Really Are Violating Everyone) Society and Pierce, a media consultant and LGBT activist.

“In considering marriage equality in light of my son’s bullycide in 2008 on his 17th birthday due to a perceived notion he was gay and who was subjected to peer abuse and harassment, I know that family meant a great deal to my son. In my travels all over the state I meet other young people who are conflicted because of their religious beliefs and connection to their family, but because of their sexual orientation and not having positive role-models, feel they are condemned by society”, said Berry.

“As a straight woman living here in America, I have always had choices. I could have chosen not to get married, though I did. I could have chosen not to have children, though I did. I did both of those things because it was important to both my husband and myself, and it is part of who we are as a society. Why is that any different to a young person who is in love with someone of the same sex? They want the same things as I do so why would I, or anyone, deny them the same pursuit of stability and happiness as I have had all my life?”

“I agree with same-sex couples who are tired of waiting, but from the standpoint that we need to give our young people hope now, and not wait another year or two while the country is having a ‘discussion’ about marriage equality. I don’t want another 13 year old to end his or her life because they feel alone and their own dreams of falling in love, getting married and raising a family is just that – a dream. We need to make it a reality here in California now!” exclaimed Berry.

Proponents of Prop 8 have 90 days to file with the Supreme Court, asking them to review the decision of the Ninth Circuit Court. If the Court decided to take Prop 8 on, the earliest a decision could be made would be July 2013.

In an interview Wednesday, David Boies, co-lead counsel for the plaintive couples said, “So, our goal was to seek the overturn of Proposition 8 in California. We have succeeded in doing that so far in the district court, and now in the Ninth Circuit…We have an obligation to our clients and to the citizens of California who’ve been waiting now for nearly four years for the opportunity to get married like their fellow citizens. And, we would want to preserve that victory fundamentally.”

So the thousands of committed same-sex couples and their families, friends, and allies who are ready to line up at the city or county clerks offices all across the state of California wait and go about their lives, still as second-class citizens, still as steadfast in their convictions as they were four years ago when all of this began in earnest, still hoping their dreams will come true.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is a local Freelance Journalist and LGBTQ Activist. Pierce owns a Public Relations and Social Media Consulting business here in Sacramento. You can contact Pierce at kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

B.R.A.V.E. Organization Backs Positive Outcome in the Prop 8 Case Tomorrow

2012-06-05T04:39:18Z

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.

Equality Action NOW Applauds President Obama

2012-05-11T01:01:36Z

“It is important for me personally to go ahead and affirm that same-sex couples should be able to get married.”

It was short and sweet. History was made Wednesday as the first sitting president to ever come out for full marriage equality, not civil unions, but marriage equality across the board.

President Obama has come to the decision that it is in the best interest for our country to accept committed same-sex couples and afford them the same rights and privileges straight couples have.

Members of the board of directors of Equality Action NOW, a Sacramento local grassroots civil rights organization were elated with the news but as their middle name implies, they look forward to walking up to a county clerk, asking for a marriage license, and not be turned away as they have year after year on Valentine’s Day.

“Thank you Mr. President for the public acknowledgment that we are all deserve the right to marry if we choose. In this coming election year please remember that though words go far; actions change the world.” said board member Vihil Heather Vigil.

Secretary Rachel Pearman wrote, “I am so happy that the President’s evolved understanding of same-sex marriage resulted in a public and unequivocal acknowledgement that there is no difference in the love or commitment found in same-sex relationships. This has been a long and hard-fought battle but each mind that is changed bring all of us closer to a world where our differences do not separate us rather they allow us to relish in the uniqueness of each life.”

Board member, 5th grade teacher, and author of “A Celebration of Harvey Milk”, Angela Luna said, “As a gay American, it’s beyond affirming to have our President stand up and make a public declaration of human dignity that pertains to everyone, not only a fraction of the country. If one believes in freedom and what the country was founded on, then supporting full equality is the logical, moral, and humane course of action.”

Many of EAN members frankly con not care how, when, or why he finally come the conclusion about marriage equality except he is the first to hold the highest office in the land to affirm the civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer 2nd class citizens, and will forever listed in the history books as doing so.

Co-founder and Executive Director, Tina Reynolds, simply put, “I say yea – now legalize gay and all the rights that we should have to be truly equal!”

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is President of the Board of Directors and Communications Director for Equality Action NOW, a local Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization. You can reach Mr. Pierce by email at: ken@equalityactionnow.org

Mayor Kevin Johnson Signs onto Freedom to Marry Statement

2012-03-04T02:41:58Z

On Friday morning, March 2, 2012, after a meeting with leadership of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community concerning gay rights issues, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson joined a growing list of over 175 other mayors and municipal leaders, including West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon who signed early in the campaign, representing 32 states across the country, standing up publicly for marriage equality.

“Mayors for the Freedom to Marry” are a broad-based and nonpartisan group of mayors who believe “all people should be able to share in the love and commitment of marriage”. Though it took a while for Mayor Johnson to agree to sign the statement, in the end the mayor decided it is the right thing to do for LGBT citizens of Sacramento.

Leading a petition drive for Mayor Johnson’s participation was the Sacramento Stonewall Democrats. Over 350 people signed the petition which was personally presented to Mayor Johnson by Stonewall Democrat’s Board President, Sam Catalano and communications director, Neil Pople.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Equality Action NOW, a grassroots civil rights organization based in Sacramento, several letters were sent back and forth between the mayor’s office explaining that marriage equality “is not a religious issue, but a civil issue that affects many Sacramento citizens as well as their families and allies”. Marriage Equality USA, a statewide group based in San Francisco also used their influence to help encourage Mayor Johnson to stand on the right side of civil rights and equality.

In part, the statement reads, “As mayors of great American cities, we proudly stand together in support of the freedom of same-sex couples to marry. We personally know many gay and lesbian people living in our cities who are committed, loving relationships, who are active participants in the civic life of our communities, and who deserve to be able to marry the person with whom they share their life.”

“Our cities derive great strength from their diversity, and gay and lesbian families are a crucial part.”

“We stand for the freedom to marry because it enhances the economic competitiveness of our communities, improves the lives of families that call our cities home, and is simply the right thing to do. We look forward to working to build an America where all people can share in the love and commitment of marriage with the person with whom they share their life.” -

“It is a great day when we can work through our differences and personal beliefs to come to an agreement that marriage equality is a civil rights issue that harms no one, and actually enriches all citizens.” – Ken Pierce, President of the Board of Directors, Equality Action NOW.

To view the entire “Mayors for the Freedom to Marry” statement, click HERE.

Locals to ask mayor to support same-sex marriage

2012-02-14T03:32:05Z

Marriage rights activists will deliver a petition asking Mayor Kevin Johnson to join other mayors in support of same-sex marriage Tuesday morning at City Hall in a move they said they hope will cause him to consider endorsing Mayors for the Freedom to Marry.

“We’re not trying to force anybody’s hand or be aggressive in any way,” said Neil Pople, communications director for the Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater Sacramento and author of the petition. It has more than 300 signatures and is posted here. “We want to positively encourage the mayor and let him know that there are people who want this to happen.”

Last week’s ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals against Proposition 8 – an amendment to the California Constitution that defines marriage as being between a man and a woman – was not the main thrust behind the petition drive, according to Pople, who said he started it several weeks ago.

“It started picking up progress around that time, but that wasn’t when it started,” he said.

The original goal was to get 200 signatures, and Pople said that seeing more than 300 on the petition Monday was “fantastic.”

While anybody – gay or straight, Sacramentan or not – can sign the petition, Pople said he thinks signatures from locals will be the ones that have the most impact on the mayor, as they are his constituents.

“I’m hopeful that people will listen to what’s right and wrong and treat each other with dignity,” he said. “I was born in Sacramento, and I want to eventually get married, and I want to be able to do that in my hometown."

Coordinating the delivery of the petition will be Roy Westfall, who said he, local Democrats and others will deliver the petition at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

“I have a partner of three years, and this is important to me,” Westfall said. “I want my mayor to support my rights, and there’s a big difference between personal beliefs and the government’s actions. This is about separation of church and state.”

Johnson’s representatives did not return messages left Monday by press time.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Same-sex Couples to Request Marriage Licenses On Valentine’s Day As Part of Annual Freedom to Marry Week

2012-02-13T16:41:56Z

Equality Action Now, a local grassroots civil rights organization based in Sacramento along with Marriage Equality USA is encouraging same-sex couples to go to their City or County Clerk’s Office on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 and request a marriage license.

Here in Sacramento representatives of Equality Action NOW will be at the Downtown County Clerk’s (600 8th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 – 916-874-6334) at noon to cheer on same-sex couples.

Tina Reynolds, EAN’s Executive Director is asking participants to, “bring lots of candy and flowers and bring a bunch of “LOVE” signs!”

The annual event has never been more important or appropriate given the Ninth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals’ declaring Proposition 8 unconstitutional and Washington State becoming the next state to have marriage equality.

“The Ninth Circuit’s Ruling that Prop. 8 is unconstitutional was an early Valentine to loving same-sex couples and their supporters,” said Ken Pierce, Equality Action NOW Board President. “The court’s ruling gave us renewed hope in restoring marriage equality but lesbian and gay people cannot wait to wed while waiting for further appeals which could take up to two more years. This Valentine’s Day, couples are once again asking for marriage licenses – hoping that soon the endless appeals will end, so wedding bells can start ringing!”

This is the 12th year in a row that loving, committed same-sex couples have appeared at clerk’s offices across the country to request marriage licenses and to render visible that harm that excluding them from marriage causes them and their families.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is Public Relations Director and President of Equality Action NOW. You can reach Pierce at kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

"Question One" West Coast Premiere at the Crest

2012-01-14T07:51:11Z

Thousands of same-sex couples in Sacramento and throughout California are eagerly waiting on a decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco that will ether uphold, or not, the California Supreme Court’s decision that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional.

This issue has already been dealt with in several other states with some accepting marriage equality but for California it has proven to be a highly emotional and complicated one for same-sex couples that are hoping to soon have the same rights as other legally married couples. The decision is expected any day now.

“Question One,” a newly released documentary on Maine’s 2009 referendum battle over same-sex marriage, will be shown for a special one night engagement, on February 1 at Sacramento’s Crest Theater, marking the film’s West Coast premiere.

The film chronicles in “War Room” fashion the behind the scenes workings on both sides of the campaign (which very closely mirrored California’s Prop 8 battle) and includes emotional and revealing interviews with key proponent and opponent campaign operatives. As was the case in California, the ballot measure was narrowly approved by Maine voters, thus overturning legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in that state.

Of special interest to Sacramento is the fact that the film also documents the controversial leading role of Sacramento-based campaign consultants Frank Schubert and Jeff Flint as referendum proponents. Schubert-Flint Public Affairs headed the 2008 campaign for Prop 8 here in California as they did in Maine and have since taken the lead in a national effort to outlaw same-sex marriage in other states.

In a recent article in the Sacramento Bee concerning the Sacramento screening of the documentary Schubert said, "I have no plans to see the movie, I already know how it ends."

The film illustrates how the same tactics, strategies and issues (in particular the claim “that same-sex marriage would be taught to children in public schools) that were used by Schubert and Flint in California were also used by them in Maine.

Produced by Fly on the Wall Productions and directed by award-winning journalists Joe Fox and James Nubile; “Question One” chronicles the campaigns and the issues raised but also tells the very human stories of various individuals who were connected on both sides of the divide, caught up in a cycle of events that would change their lives forever.

Fox and Nubile’s last documentary, Passing Poston, about a Japanese internment camp during WWII, aired nationwide in 2010 on PBS and screened in theaters across the nation to critical acclaim. The film was featured at the Crest Theater for the Sacramento International Film Festival in March of 2008.

Fox said of “Question One”, “To be honest, I was shocked at how I was able to gain the amount of access to both sides of the campaign to repeal marriage equality in Maine and the degree that Frank Schubert and his company here in Sacramento was involved in that process. I think this film will open a lot of eyes to those who attend this viewing February 1st as to what goes on behind the scenes in campaigns like this both in Maine, California, and throughout the nation.”

The screening on February 1st is free to the public. After the screening there will be a Q & A session with the director and a panel discussion about the film and marriage equality here in California. Additional panel guests may be announced in the coming weeks.

Co-sponsors of the screening here in Sacramento are Equality Action NOW, Outword Magazine, Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, Sacramento Stonewall Democrats and the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce.

Admission to this special screening “Question One” is complimentary but reservations are essential. To attend sign up online HERE (http://bit.ly/wzOaDT). Include your name and how many tickets you would like (limit of 4 per person). More information and preview can be found at the web site: Q1 The Movie - Vimeo Question One, or on their Facebook Movie Page: Question One: Sacramento

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is the Public Relations Director and President of the Board of Directors for Equality Action NOW, a local Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization. Equality Action NOW is co-sponsoring this screening at the Crest Theater.

Prop 8 Hearing Thursday Marriage Equality for California gays and lesbians is back on track here in California – what happens next?

2011-12-05T05:10:00Z

In the next few months look for progress in the fight to uphold Judge Walker’s decision to strike down Proposition 8 due to the fact that it is unconstitutional.

On Thursday, December 8, a three-judge panel in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments on the efforts to release video of the Prop. 8 trial as well as ProtectMarriage’s motion to throw out the case. The hearing is expected to take two hours, beginning at 2:30pm. The hearing will be delayed broadcast and will have remote viewing locations in Pasadena, Portland and Seattle. Thousands of other interested parties on both sides of the issue, including the LGBT community here is Sacramento will follow the hearing’s progress on Twitter and other social media.

On the web site of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, it was explained that in the first hour, Ted Olson will argue that the “public has a First Amendment right to see video footage of the historic Prop. 8 trial. Olson will site that the other side is “trying to keep the video under lock and key because they don’t want anyone to know they failed in court, where reason and facts matter.”

In the second hour, David Boies will explain how the Prop 8 proponents’ motion to ignore the District Court’s striking down Prop 8 is mainly basing their argument on the fact that the judge who ruled, was himself gay and in a long-term relationship. This point of reasoning would implicate an adverse reasoning where someone who is lesbian or gay questioning a judge’s decision because he or she is straight.

A.F.E.R. stated, “The anti-marriage forces are trying everything they can to get the case thrown out because they know that reason and truth are on our side. This tactic was universally condemned in the media and it took only a day for Chief Judge James Ware to rule against the homophobic motion. We are confident that the appeals court will affirm that being gay has no bearing on a judge’s impartiality, just as courts have historically done with cases involving race, gender and religion.”

After Thursday’s hearing a ruling can be expected anytime. Insiders close to the lawyers who are fighting for Marriage Equality say the decision could be made before the end of the year or soon after. The decision will set an important precedent and potentially send the Prop 8 case to the United States Supreme Court.

To follow Thursday’s hearing go to A.F.E.R.’s web site at: http://www.afer.org/

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is the Public Relations Director and President of the Board of Directors for Equality Action NOW, a local Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization.

Prop 8 Stand-In Question Answered Today - Community Gathers at Headhunters to Await Decision

2011-11-17T10:46:30Z

The California Supreme Court announced it will issue a written opinion today at 10 a.m. on whether conservatives who sponsored Proposition 8 are entitled to defend the measure that overturned a 2008 ruling recognizing the right to same-sex marriage.

The leadership of Equality Action NOW, a local Sacramento civil rights organization is inviting the community to gather at Headhunters/Cornerstone Restaurant on the corner of 10th and K Streets beginning at 9:30 a.m. to await the decision.

For many members of the organization it is a personal issue and today will mark a pivotal moment in their fight for marriage equality.

The Court in San Francisco will decide whether California law allows ProtectMarriage.com, sponsors of Prop 8 to force an appeal in Perry v. Brown – even though the California Attorney General actually agrees that Prop 8 is unconstitutional.

For thousands of same-sex couples, their supportive friends and family members, and straight allies, this battle for equality and civil rights has been long and trying.

A year ago, Dr. Nicola Simmersbach, a “pro-marriage” licensed marriage and family therapist and her partner, Diana Luiz were ready to be married when Judge Walker ruled that Prop 8 was unconstitutional and were sitting at the County Clerk’s office all dressed in white and holding a bouquet of brightly colored sunflowers. Moments later a stay was issued and their mood instantly turned to sadness and disappointment.

“Diana and I are a committed, long-term same sex couple who is still being denied the right to marriage. No person has been harmed in the 18,000 legal same sex marriages that exist in California today”, said Dr. Simmersbach. “But Diana and I are harmed every day by the systems and people who keep marriage out of our reach. We are ready to marry immediately. We want our day to come soon.”

“I don’t really know if I believe in marriage”, thoughtfully exclaimed Benancio Garza, 20 year old Youth Spokesperson and Board Member for Equality Action NOW and American River College Student. “However for certain my main focus right now is to fight for my right to be considered equal in every way under the law and that includes my civil right to marry another male adult if that is what I want to do. Here in America being separated because of my sexual orientation for which I did not choose is hypocritical backwards thinking. We are all different, and we need to accept that fact.”

The question the California Supreme Court answers today seems like a trivial technical issue but in reality whatever the Court decides will have far-reaching implications for the whole state. There are many laws that California passes through the initiative process that may not be in line with the California or the U.S. Constitution and the Courts has to determine the law’s constitutionality.

Currently, California’s Attorney General and Governor can decide not to appeal a court decision ruling that an initiative is unconstitutional. But, depending on how the California Supreme Court rules, future Governors may lose the ability to make such final decisions for the state – leaving disfavored groups in California even more vulnerable to unconstitutional initiatives that single them out for attack.

So if the California Supreme Court holds that California law gives sponsors the power to bring an appeal over the objections of the Attorney General and the Governor, the Ninth Circuit would still have to decide whether Prop 8’s supporters meet all the other criteria to appeal under federal law. If the Ninth Circuit allows them to appeal, the Ninth Circuit would then decide whether to uphold or reverse Judge Walker’s ruling that Prop 8 is unconstitutional.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is the Public Relations Director and President of the Board of Directors for Equality Action NOW.

Live Supreme Court Oral Arguments in Prop 8 on The California Channel

2011-09-02T22:12:25Z

On Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. PT, The California Channel will carry LIVE coverage of the California State Supreme Court oral arguments in Perry v. Brown. California residents can watch the arguments online at www.calchannel.com or on their local Cal Channel cable station.

The arguments will center on whether state law gives sponsors of the gay marriage ban the right to defend the measure in a case now pending before the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, based in San Francisco.

Proposition 8, enacted by California voters in 2008, prohibits same-sex marriage by providing that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."

Last year, the initiative was struck down by U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker of San Francisco on the grounds that it violated the federal Constitution. State officials declined to appeal. As a result, the official proponents of Prop 8 are now pursuing an appeal on their own.

The California State Supreme Court has never before ruled on whether initiative sponsors can replace state officials in appealing court decisions.

This proceeding will take place at the Supreme Court’s Courtroom, Earl Warren Center, 350 McAllister St., San Francisco.

About the California Channel
The California Channel is an independent, non-profit public affairs cable network governed by California's cable television industry, and modeled after the national C-SPAN service. The channel’s primary mission is to provide Californians direct access to "gavel-to-gavel" proceedings of the California Legislature, and other forums where public policy is discussed, debated, and decided - all without editing, commentary, or analysis and with a balanced presentation of viewpoints.

To view streaming and archived video, or to learn on which station the California Channel is carried within your local cable system, visit www.calchannel.com.

Disclosure: Shay Humphrey, Project Manager at Circlepoint, is a communications consultant for The California Channel

Same-Sex Couples in Sacramento County Engage in National Request Marriage Actions

2011-02-10T18:41:45Z

On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2011, from Noon to 2:00pm Marriage Equality USA, Equality Action Now, GetEQUAL, and members of the Faith Community will request marriage licenses for local same-sex couples at the Downtown Sacramento County Clerk’s Office at 720 F Street (Cross-street 8th), Sacramento, CA 95814.

At local marriage counters in cities nationwide, same-sex couples will request marriage licenses at their local County Clerk’s Offices to raise awareness of the harms and impact the inability to marry causes on their families.

Since 2001, Marriage Equality USA chapters have engaged in these annual marriage counter actions to render visible the discrimination that is enforced every day. “It is an affront to the basic dignity of the LGBTQI Community as fellow human beings when same-sex couples are turned away from the marriage counter, but it gives us the opportunity to tell our stories and show that they live in every community and want to honor and protect our families like everyone else,” said Julie Tindall, Marriage Equality USA Sacramento County Chapter Leader and straight supporter. “Marriage discrimination is wrong and harms real-life families. All Americans deserve equal treatment under the law. The time has come.”

Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now issued this statement, “On Valentine’s Day we will be at the clerk’s office to show we are still unequal in the eyes of our fellow citizens - we will show up until there is equality for all, we will fight on the side of what is fair and equal... separate marriage laws are not fair or equal!”

Equality Action Now youth spokesperson, Joey O’shea, 22, stated that, “Marriage equality holds a high importance to me, because I believe everyone should have the possibility of happiness." EAN youth media intern, John Wells, 18, said, “Being around same-sex married couples gives me hope and is a visible sign that while I had a bad time being bullied at school and kicked out by my parents, things do get better. I want to have a committed relationship with my future husband and raise a family. I want my family to have all the legal protections any other family has today. For certain, marriage equality is important to the well-being of my generation of LGBTQ youth.”

Founded in 2000, Marriage Equality USA is a national grassroots organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation. For more information go to www.marriageequality.org.

Equality Action Now is a local Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization founded in 2008. For more information go to www.EqualityActionNow.org .

LGBT COMMUNITY CALLING FOR PROTEST TODAY AT CAPITOL

2010-08-18T18:56:38Z

Monday the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit placed their own stay in the Federal Prop 8 Case, which doesn’t allow the issuing of marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Once again disappointment, and for some, anger has invaded the lives of many same-sex couples who were set to take their vows on the West Steps of the California State Capitol Building today.

In place of the planned Wedding Ceremonies, leaders of the LGBT Community are calling for a Protest Rally and March around the State Capitol. This will begin on the West Steps at 6:00pm, Wednesday August 18 (when hundreds of same-sex marriages would have taken place).

Equality Action Now as well as organizations throughout the region are hosting a protest rally and march in reaction to same-sex couples “having to once again put their wedding plans on hold and continue to suffer being treated like 2nd class citizens without the ability to protect their family and each other, as other citizens who are able to legally marry in the State of California”.

While the program is still in the planning stage, confirmed speakers include State Senator Mark Leno, Equality California’s Government Affairs Director, Mario Guerrero, a representative of Faith for Equality, Diana Luiz and Dr. Nicola Simmersbach, Sacramento couple who were set to wed today, and Hilary Hodge, spokesperson for Equality Action Now.

Organizer Enrique Manjarrez explains the reason for the protest is, “For the community to support couples who were looking forward to their wedding day. For young people looking forward to a life where they are truly equal under the law. For all of us to show the world that you may knock us down, but we’ll get up again. The fight for equality goes on here in Sacramento, and across the country”.

Plans Move Ahead for Same-Sex Weddings Wednesday

2010-08-16T08:18:58Z

The judicial clock is ticking down towards Judge Vaughn Walker’s Wednesday, August 18th, 5:00pm lift of the stay in the Federal Prop 8 Trial. In the event that the temporary stay is lifted and once again, same-sex couples are allowed to apply for a marriage license, the leadership of Equality Action Now and the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center will host Wedding Ceremonies on the West Steps of the California State Capitol Building beginning as soon as the first couples arrive from the Sacramento County Clerks Office.

Same-sex couples and their supporters all across the state have been on an emotional roller coaster; first in anticipation of the initial ruling in the case then jubilation when Prop 8 was struck down. Almost immediately a huge letdown happened as a temporary stay was put into place. Once again anticipation reigns supreme with same sex couples that are prepared to join the 18,000 who have already legally married.

One thing is a clear, ProtectMarriage.com and other proponents of Proposition 8 who stepped in the place of the State to take the case to the Federal Court will be relentless and will spare no cost in finding a way to convince the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, or even the Supreme Court to place a permanent stay. Their goal is to keep same-sex marriages from taking place until a decision is made in the higher court. That decision could take as long as two years.

If a permanent stay is put into place, Wendy Rae Hill, Executive Director of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center explained, “Same-sex couples will continue to suffer the indignity of being considered second-class citizens and we and our families will continue to be without the same rights and protections legally married couples have. Ether way those who are currently legally married suffer no consequences what-so-ever”.

Putting all the legal wrangling aside, Enrique Manjarrez, a volunteer with Equality Action Now says, “Thinking positively, our organization, along with the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center and several other individuals in the community are planning a memorable wedding ceremony for any couple who wish to be one of the first in the State to legally marry after last weeks landmark decision by the Federal Court. There will not be a mass ceremony”.

Couples who wish to participate will have the opportunity to take their vows on the West Steps of the California State Capitol. They may use their own marriage officiate or one of several Ministers of local churches who have stepped up and offered their services. Depending on their schedules, several legislators have also indicated they would be happy to step out of the Capitol to perform civil ceremonies.

In checking with the Downtown Sacramento County Clerk's Office, a representative said if the stay is lifted, they intend to stay open after their usual closing time of 5:00pm. At 5:00pm they will issue only same-sex marriage licenses until 8:00pm. The official said they would process those couples that made a reservation ahead of any walk-ins. Reservations are full for Wednesday and Thursday and filling quickly for Friday.

The Capitol Marriage Ceremony Coordinator is asking help from the community and from local businesses who stand to have an increase in their business to donate their time, products, and services to make Wednesday a special day for all same-sex couples who plan to marry. The community is encouraged to attend to support those who are getting married. If you would like to participate and marry Wednesday evening at the State Capitol contact Enrique Manjarrez by calling the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center at 916-442-0185.

Federal Prop 8 Trial Day of Decision - Sacramento Responds

2010-08-04T15:21:39Z

Today, Judge Vaughn Walker will released his decision in the Perry v. Schwarzenegger Federal Prop 8 Trial. The leadership of Equality Action NOW and the staff of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center announce today's events.

The ruling will be first, sent out by email to all who are directly connected to the case between 1:00pm and 3:00pm then it will immediately be posted to the web site (www.cand.uscourts.gov).

If Judge Walker rules in favor of striking down Prop 8 and restoring same-sex marriages in California, the leadership of Equality Action Now and the staff of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center are planning a party to be held at K Street and 21st in Midtown, in the parking lot behind McMartin’s Realty beginning at 6:00pm.

If the ruling upholds Prop 8, we will march from the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, 1927 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95811, to the west steps of the State Capitol beginning at 6:00pm. There will be speakers and participants will have the opportunity to express their feelings in an open mic forum.

No matter how it goes, a Press Conference will be called within 2 hours of the ruling announcement on the front steps of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center. If you can make it to the Center for the announcement there will be Media who will want to get the immediate reaction to the ruling from people who this effects the most. It is important you have your voice be heard no matter the outcome. In any case the Center will be open beginning at 9:00am.

While this ruling can be a huge step forward or a temporary barrier towards equal rights for same-sex marriages, it is well understood that this case will serve as the bases for an appeal. Opponents of same-sex marriages will continue their fight by using every available means legally, as well as in the public arena to deny full and equal rights to LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex) individuals – and so will we.

It is important to us to continue to build bridges to other communities by coming out and being vocal with our personal stories and issues.

As witnessed in the this trial, what we have on our side is the Constitution and evidence that no one can dispute the fact that same-sex marriages will do no harm to the institution of marriage. In addition there is an abundance of evidence (and common sense) that same-sex marriages will actually strengthen our society and family structure.

Organizations throughout the state and here in Sacramento are urging the community to continue to amplify the themes underscored by Olson/Boies which focused on the inclusion and integration of LGBT people within the legal protections enjoyed by all Americans and framed this current controversy within the larger historical context of past discriminatory laws that have been eliminated. In this way, marriage discrimination against the LGBT community is seen as one more instance of unfounded bias and prejudice that is eliminated and is consistent with the enduring American principle of extending Constitutional protections and fairness to all people.

On the Day of Decision our response to Judge Walker's ruling must include reaching out in fellowship and compassion to those who voted for Proposition 8 in 2008 out of fear and lack of information. Just like the evolution of Governor Schwarzenegger, U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein and San Diego Mayor and Prop 8 trial witness Jerry Sanders, we need to ensure we celebrate or protest with a grace that allows people to evolve in their position towards marriage equality with dignity and join us as we move forward. We need to ensure we do not view this win or lose as a zero sum game against our adversaries - but rather the unfolding of a more inclusive, kind, loving country for everyone.

Sacramento LGBT Community Prepares For Federal Prop 8 Ruling

2010-06-24T17:29:24Z

Following a five-month hiatus, intriguing closing argument to the Federal lawsuit against California’s Proposition 8 were heard in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco on June 16, and a decision in the case is expected shortly.

The leadership of Sacramento’s Equality Action Now, a local, grassroots civil rights organization and the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center are planning to respond to whatever ruling Judge Vaughn Walker decides in the case with a rally at the Sacramento G&L Center, 1927 L St.

As of this writing there are no indications when the ruling will take place. Organizers are preparing for any day or time it could be announced. There were rumours flying yesterday that the decision could be handed down as early as this Friday, June 25, 2010, but the general thinking is the decision will not be made before this weekend’s San Francisco’s Gay Pride events or even prior to July 4th, Independence Day.

There are two possible rulings that could be made. Ether the banning of same-sex marriage will be viewed by this court to be unconstitutional and once again it will be legal for same-sex adults to attain a marriage license in the state of California, or the law which had caused so much controversy and millions of dollars on both sides spent to repeal or uphold will continue to be the law of the land.

One way or another one thing is certain, the ruling will be appealed and the case will continue to the Federal Court of Appeals before possibly heading to the Unites States Supreme Court.

Planners of the “D-Day” event are encouraged by early indications that the possibility of the decision on their side is high. With hope that they are right, plans are being formed to close down 20st street between K and L streets, the block the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center is located near, for a celebration.

Speakers and entertainment are being lined up and the community is being informed through a vast social networking infrastructure that has been developed since the general election of 2008.

Of course, organizers are also planning for a defeat which could start within hours of the decision at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, with a short press conference and then begin a protest march to the California State Capitol where participants will be able to express their feelings of the decision and speakers will offer their support and encouragement.

In any case, Sacramento will be ready to be vocal about what is predicted to be a cornerstone to the future of same-sex marriage here in California.

For more information about plans for “D-Day” go to the web site for Equality Action Now (www.equalityactionnow.org) or the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center (www.saccenter.org).

Local Civil Rights Group On Watch Today

2009-11-03T15:59:29Z

Sacramento, CA – Today is election day across the nation and members of Equality Action Now, a local volunteer grassroots organization are watching three key areas who’s outcome could impact the struggle of the LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Questioning, Intersex) community here in California.

While Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now, and her army of volunteers are preparing for tomorrow’s “One Year Ago” rally and march at the state capitol to call attention to California’s gay community and their own struggle to overturn Prop 8, they will be paying close attention to elections in the states of Maine, Washington, and the city of Kalamazoo Michigan.

The first and most important battleground for supporters of is in the state of Maine. Mainers will be the first in any state with the chance to repeal or uphold a law passed by their state Legislature and signed by their governor, legalizing same-sex marriages. The ballot measure, Question One, results from Maine’s provision for a “people’s veto”, which means any newly passed law can be subject to repeal by voters if enough signatures can be obtained to trigger a referendum. Last minute polls indicate that support of same-sex marriage is squeaking ahead but it is still too close to call.

The state of Washington is a voting mail-in state so while their Referindom 71 has already been decided, the results will not be in until later today. Referindom 71 would expand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations accorded state-registered same-sex and senior domestic partners to be equivalent to those of married spouses, except that a domestic partnership is not a marriage. The bill reads that same-sex couples, or any couple that includes one person age sixty-two or older, may register as a domestic partnership with the state. Registered domestic partnerships are not marriages, and marriage is prohibited except between one man and one woman. This bill would expand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of registered domestic partners and their families to include all rights, responsibilities, and obligations granted by or imposed by state law on married couples and their families.

Today the citizens of Kalamazoo Mishigan will be voting on the Kalamazoo “Non-Discrimination Ordinance”. The City Commission passed the inclusive non-discrimination ordinance on June 29 after five public forums were held to hear comments about the ordinance. The final ordinance, which simply adjusts current employment and housing/accommodations law to protect gay and transgender people as it currently protects people based on race, gender, and religion, includes revisions proposed during the public forums. If passed, the city ordinance could be a template other cities could adopt in the future.

All three elections may or may not have an impact close to home here in California. In any case gay and civil rights activists across the state have already been actively supporting the three other elections by fundraising, phone banking, and as with the all important Maine vote, sending trained organizers to key cities to lend support on the ground. This is a good indication that activism is growing and many individual organizations, big and small are pooling their resources to support common issues.

Here in Sacramento, Tina Reynolds, fresh from attending the National Equality March in Washington DC is reflective and defiant saying,“November 4 will be the one year anniversary when California’s LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Questioning, Intersex) community lost our equality and it will be the day after the vote in Maine, Washington and Kalamazoo. We will stand on our own state capitol steps in solidarity with our brothers and sisters fighting for their civil rights everywhere. We will celebrate with them or join arms and continue to gain strength to fight on a national level with them!”

Whatever the outcome in other states, it is likely that California will continue to be an important battleground for gay rights and same-sex marriage.

Maine’s Question One – A Question For California?

2009-10-13T15:56:08Z

On the evening of November 4, 2009, members of civil and same-sex marriage rights organizations will stage a rally at the California State Capitol to protest the passing of Prop 8 exactly one year ago. Roughly three thousand miles away in the state of Maine, Question One will have been answered for citizens hoping their state is the next state to legalize same-sex marriage.

Maine is the latest battleground for supporters of same-sex marriage. On November 3, they will be the first in any state with the chance to repeal or uphold a law passed by their state Legislature and signed by their governor, legalizing such marriages. The ballot measure, Question One, results from Maine’s provision for a “people’s veto”, which means any newly passed law can be subject to repeal by voters if enough signatures can be obtained to trigger a referendum.

Back here in California, supporters of same-sex marriage are cautiously hopeful for a landmark victory that they believe would have an impact here. If the law is unhealed it could help with a positive momentum many believe is happening in California. The real question is how would a defeat, Maine voters repealing the law; affect California in overturning Prop 8?

“I don’t think anyone really knows for sure,” answered Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now, a grassroots civil rights organization based in Sacramento and organizer of the California State Capitol protest. “Maine is our sister state fighting the same lies and distortions created by the religious right to repeal their same sex marriage laws. The radical right is using fear in the same manner as they used against us in California.”

Reynolds goes on to say, “November 4 will be the one year anniversary when California’s LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Questioning, Intersex) community lost our equality and it will be the day after the vote in Maine. We will stand on our own state capitol steps in solidarity with our Maine brothers and sisters. We will celebrate with them or join arms and continue to gain strength to fight on a national level with them!”

Whatever the decision of Maine voters, knowing the track record of California gay rights activists who seem to have the resiliency to press on year-after-year, the fight for same-sex marriage will continue to move ahead until it is settled for good. While Maine could provide a boost or depression, it is likely to have a short term affect to the efforts here in California. One good indication could be the attendance and the mood of participants, both for and against gay marriage, who show up on the west steps of the California State Capitol Building, November 4th at 5:00 pm. It could be a defining moment with national implications.

One Year Ago – A Day of Smiles - A Day of Tears – A Day of Action

2009-10-08T06:59:47Z

A year ago on November 4, 2008, Proposition 8, a California ballot proposition passed in the November general election. The measure added a new section (7.5) to Article I of the California Constitution. The section reads: “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” The proposition overturned the California Supreme Court’s ruling saying that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right, by restricting the definition of marriage to opposite-sex couples. California’s State Constitution put the measure into immediate effect the day after the election.

On November 4, 2009, Equality Action Now, along with members of the Sacramento LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Questioning, Intersex) Leadership Coalition will lead a rally and march at the California State Capitol Building to highlight the fact that the fight for civil rights for all citizens is not over. The rally will begin at 5:00 pm with sign making for participants, followed at 6:00 pm with a few speakers. At 6:30 pm Equality Action Now will lead a march around the capitol grounds.

Equality Action Now, a grassroots all-volunteer civil rights organization was born literally moments after the November 2008 elections. The award-winning group of activists lead by Tina Reynolds, co-founder and owner of Uptown Studios now serves as Sacramento’s premier civil rights organization. Even though the same-sex marriage issue is still an important focus of the organization, members have also spent their free time collecting food for the poor marched in step with other organizations such as the labor union and the Martin Luther King Jr Day parade Members also was instrumental in supporting SafeGround Sacramento, fighting for the homeless and helpless.

The Sacramento LGBTQI Leadership Coalition was formed just prior to the recent California Supreme Court decision to uphold Prop 8. Along with leaders of Equality Action Now, this group meets monthly to share information from other local grassroots and statewide organizations on preparations to overturn Prop 8.

The November 4th rally will serve as a reminder to the public at-large that the LGBTQI community, along with their many straight, political, and religious allies will not give up the fight for full equality until their rights are fully restored. While the decision of when to place this issue back on the ballot (2010 or 2012) is being decided, organizations such as Equality Action Now are continuing to mobilize, motivate, activate like-minded individuals and educate opponents who may have heard only one side of the issue.

The California State Capitol Building is located at 10th and L Street, Sacramento, CA. The rally will begin on the west steps at 5:00 pm and will conclude at 6:30 pm with a march around the capitol grounds. For more information visit Equality Action Now’s web site at: http://www.EqualityActionNow.org. or events@equalityactionnow.org or phone (916) 446-1082.