Proposition Eight Court Case: A Moment In History

Proposition Eight Court Case: A Moment In History 

Without question, future generations will look back at the court challenge to Proposition 8 by the American Foundation for Equal Rights as one of the great moments in the history of the LGBT community. We can only hope that those living today will appreciate the historical nature of this case. With closing arguments being presented and an opinion by Judge Vaughn Walker expected not too far into the future, already the collateral impact of this case has been monumental.

The Foundation's case, Perry vs Schwarzenegger, has resulted in two of the nation's best attorneys, David Boies and Theodore Olson, representing the LGBT community in its attempt to overturn the horrific passage of Proposition 8 in California. On behalf of their clients, the impressive and brave Kristin Perry, Sandra Stier, Paul Katami and Jeffrey Zarrillo, new legal ground has already been obtained. The shining light of the law in this trial has forced our opponents out of the shadows. Through depositions and testimony the public and press at last can see that Proposition 8 supporters' arguments are not based on rational thought but instead based on myths, misinformation and simple bigotry. Even their lawyers have had to explain away the outrageous backgrounds of their 'experts.'

In the court of law, it is hard for bigotry to stay in the closet.

Boies and Olson should have a special place in the hearts of every LGBT citizen for the rest of their lives. These scholars were not content to just provide adequate representation the court room. All over this nation they have spoken out, written OpEds and given extensive interviews on this case, the injustice of Proposition 8 and the need for full equality for LGBT citizens. In my fifty years of activism, their actions, work and generosity stand out among the giants in the battle for civil rights for all people. We never will be able to thank them enough.

The American Foundation for Civil Rights started this case with little support from the LGBT community. They have proceeded with a professionalism unmatched in this struggle. They have kept their focus on the case and our lawyers. Their press operation has been spectacular. While initially opposing this case, many of our national organizations should now learn from the Foundation's conduct over the last months. I am in awe of their work.

No matter what the decision Judge Vaughn Walker hands down the case will, with certainty, be appealed by one side or the other. This takes money. I urge you to contribute anything from $1 to $10,000 to support this case. Even if you gave tons of money to the campaign to stop Proposition 8, you will get an even bigger bang for your buck by contributing to the Foundation and making sure Boies and Olson have the resources they need to continue this incredibly epic and historic case.