Equality California is launching a community engagement initiative to start a discussion on whether to return to the ballot in 2012 to repeal the marriage ban or whether to wait for a final decision by the courts.
U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker ruled that Prop 8 was unconstitutional in August 2010. However, that same month the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay, preventing same-sex couples from marrying while the case is on appeal.
“For two people who love each other and want to be married it is heartbreaking that an unfair law keeps them and their families apart,” said Jim Carroll, Equality California interim executive director.
“We were truly optimistic that the court case to overturn Prop 8 would restore marriage equality by the end of 2010 or early this year, making a ballot measure unnecessary. Despite the amazing work of the dedicated lawyers leading this effort, there is no guarantee how or when the courts will ultimately rule.
“As a community, we will figure out together whether we wait until the courts rule or whether we repeal Prop 8 at the ballot box. We urge LGBT community members and our allies to join the conversation.”
Legal experts advise that the Proposition 8 federal court challenge could take years to resolve.
Equality California said it will announce results of polling and analysis by Labor Day. To take the survey, visit: www.eqca.org/Prop8survey
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Equality California (EQCA) is the largest statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights advocacy organization in California.
