American Foundation for Equal Rights

Proposition 8: Rob Reiner, Gavin Newsom, and Others React To U.S. Supreme Court Hearing

After the U.S. Supreme Court justices heard oral arguments yesterday about the federal Proposition 8 lawsuit, movie director and American Foundation for Equal Rights board member Rob Reiner, California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, and others weighed in about the historic proceeding. "This case has always ... More >>

Why Los Angeles Deserves Major Credit for the National Gay Marriage Movement

When it comes to life-impacting stuff -- civil rights, political movements, or education reform, for example -- Los Angeles too often gets overlooked by snobby journalists and intellectual types in New York City and Washington D.C. Let's just admit it: They don't take L.A. seriously and they hate ... More >>

U.S. Supreme Court Will Hear Oral Arguments on Proposition 8 in March

The U.S. Supreme Court announced today that it will hear oral arguments for the federal Proposition 8 lawsuit on Tuesday, March 26 -- followed up the next day with arguments on the constitutionality of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). So in a little over two months, the question of legalize ... More >>

Proposition 8: U.S. Supreme Court Will Rule on California's Gay Marriage Ban

Update: Reactions quotes after the jump. The U.S. Supreme Court has announced today it will rule on the federal lawsuit that seeks to overturn California's gay marriage ban. In August 2010, Proposition 8 was found unconstitutional by U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker. That ruling was appealed and ... More >>

Same-Sex Marriage Could Return To California Under Supreme Court Decision Today

Today is the day that U.S. Supreme Court could take up the legality of same-sex marriage in California. Seems to us that folks who back equality in marriage would rather see the high court turn its back on California's Proposition 8, the initiative that outlawed same-sex marriage in the Golden Stat ... More >>

Prop. 8 Sent to U.S. Supreme Court by 'Protect Marriage' Camp

They're like potato bugs who refuse to die. After four yeas of rejection, ProtectMarriage.com and four other individuals in the pro-Prop. 8 camp have taken California's gay-marriage fight to the highest court in the land: They submitted a nearly 500-page petition to the U.S. Supreme Court this mor ... More >>

Prop. 8 Victory: California Ninth Circuit Sticks With Decision to Support Gay Marriage

The court battle to overturn California's infamous Proposition 8, a voter-approved initiative that effectively banned gay marriage in 2008, has been long and grueling. Every decision that comes down from a judge (or panel of judges) plants a little hope in the hearts of same-sex couples up and down ... More >>

Dustin Lance Black's Play 8, Starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt

Clooney, Pitt, Kevin Bacon and Martin Sheen power a fundraiser reading

Brad Pitt to Star as Gay Prop. 8 Judge in Livestreamed YouTube Reenactment of Trial

Is Brad Pitt feeling a little guilty about saying he might have to break his big promise not to marry Angelina Jolie until his homosexual brethren can do the same? The American Foundation for Equal Rights, the plaintiff in California's never-ending court battle to overturn Proposition 8, is announc ... More >>

Prop. 8 Ruling: Los Angeles, West Hollywood to Host Celebration Rallies Tonight

Surely you've heard the good news by now: Proposition 8 was just overturned by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. And, though the religious zealots at ProtectMarriage will inevitably appeal that decision, it's definitely time to take this Internet party to the streets. LGBT advocates and city o ... More >>

New York Legalizes Gay Marriage, LGBT Activists in California Respond

​On Friday night, June 24, the New York State Senate passed a bill that legalizes gay marriage in the Empire State. Governor Andrew Cuomo quickly signed it into law, which will go into effect in 30 days. LGBT activists in California and elsewhere quickly responded to the news. "We are beginn ... More >>

Decision Overturning Same-Sex Marriage Ban, Prop. 8, Stands, Federal Judge Says

​Updated at the bottom with reaction from Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and the American Foundation for Equal Rights. One small step for mankind today as Chief U.S. District Judge James Ware said it was okay that a gay jurist struck down Prop. 8 -- the California law banning same-sex marriage. The g ... More >>

For Courage Campaign Video Project, Dustin Lance Black Explains What Real Life Stories He's Looking For

Kevin ScanlonDustin Lance Black​Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black and Courage Campaign recently kicked off a major video project, asking LGBTers across the nation to share their real life stories via a one- to two-minute videotape. "You change hearts and minds best by telling sto ... More >>

Equality California Seeking Relevance With Prospect of Pro-Gay Marriage Ballot Measure?

​And so Equality California leaders came to West Hollywood yesterday, holding one of their town hall meetings to understand if ordinary gays and lesbians in California want to go back to the voting booth with a pro-gay marriage ballot measure in 2012. There are many critics of such an expens ... More >>

Dustin Lance Black: Black & Proud

Stuffy Federal Appeals Judges Won't Allow California Gay Marriages to Resume During Prop. 8 Hearing Downtime

​On the very day of Hollywood AIDS activist Elizabeth Taylor's death, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals dealt another blow to the gays of the Golden State: Thou shalt not wed thine one true love during this frustrating court-system standstill in the overturning of the absurdly unconstitut ... More >>

California Attorney General Kamala Harris Joins Obama as Friend of the Gays, Asks Court to Lift Ban on Same-Sex Marriage

​Updated after the jump with high fives from across the gay-rights community. After disappointing news came two weeks ago that the fight against Prop. 8 is being delayed until at least September, brand-new California Attorney General Kamala Harris took matters into her own hands today, airing ... More >>

Gay Rights Activists Thrilled with Barack Obama's Decision to Back Off on Defense of Marriage Act

​Gay rights activists in California and across the United States are thrilled with the Obama Administration's decision today to stop defending the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act in federal court. "This is a huge victory for gay and lesbian couples and removes any doubt that the freedom to marr ... More >>

Proposition 8: Federal Appeals Court Drops Imperial County Officials From Gay Marriage Lawsuit

Patrick Range McDonaldLos Angeles Mormon Temple in Westwood in 2008.​The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has refused to allow Imperial County officials to defend Proposition 8 in court. Imperial County Board of Supervisors and a deputy clerk sought to overturn an August ruling by U.S. D ... More >>

Proposition 8 Hearing Underway at U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Jesse Jackson In Favor of Gay Marriage

Ted SoquiGay marriage supporters in West Hollywood.​The Proposition 8 hearing is underway at the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, with pro-Prop. 8 attorney Charles Cooper laying out his case for why anti-gay marriage forces have legal standing to appeal U.S. District Cour ... More >>

Gay Rights Activist Geoff Kors Will Leave Equality California in 2011 After Nine Years at the Helm

EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors​Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors announced today that he will leave his position in March, 2011, after leading the major gay rights organization for nine years. Many observers credit EQCA for helping California become one of the most gay-fri ... More >>

Angeleno Kristina Schake, A Same-Sex Marriage Supporter, Heading To White House To Become Michelle Obama's Spokeswoman

griffinschake.comWill Kristina Schake put support for same-sex marrage on the president's agenda?​Starting next month there will be a pro-same-sex-marriage Californian in the White House. L.A. public relations executive Kristina Schake will start as First Lady Michelle Obama's spokeswoman. Th ... More >>

Kamala Harris Victory in Attorney General Race Thrills California Gay Rights Groups

California Attorney General-elect Kamala Harris​Two prominent gay rights groups in California didn't waste any time celebrating Kamala Harris's victory over Steve Cooley in the state attorney general race, which L.A. Weekly called yesterday. "Today's decision in the attorney general race mea ... More >>

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Approves C-SPAN Request to Televise Proposition 8 Hearing

Ted SoquiGay marriage supporters at a West Hollywood rally in August.​On Wednesday, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals approved a request by C-SPAN to televise a Proposition 8 hearing on December 6. Two cameras will be allowed in the courtroom, which will also serve as a pool feed for ot ... More >>

GROUNDLINGS AND PROUD

Ken Mehlman Comes Out; Great News For Prop 8 Opponents

​Ken Melhman's decision to come out and identify as gay, thus confirming one of the oldest rumors in Washington, is a big victory for opponents of Prop. 8, the California ban on gay marriage. Prop. 8 is currently up on appeal after being struck down by a federal judge earlier this month. Mehl ... More >>

Young, Gay Dreams of Matrimony

For 20-somethings, Prop. 8's demise is a barometer of equality, not a path to the altar

Prop. 8 Stay May Be Lifted Today, West Hollywood Ready to Marry Gay Couples

Ted SoquiGay marriage supporter in West Hollywood last week.​U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker will issue a ruling today on whether or not he will continue a stay on his Proposition 8 decision, which found the anti-gay marriage ballot measure to be unconstitutional. If Walker lifts the ... More >>

Prop. 8 Ruling: Thousands Rally In West Hollywood, Long Beach

Steve La​ Hours after a federal judge struck down the Prop. 8 ban on gay marriage, using strong language to affirm the civil rights of gays and lesbians, demonstrators began celebrating Wednesday evening. The joy and satisfaction were tempered with the knowledge, however, that an appeal is com ... More >>

UPDATE: Day of Decision Details for Prop. 8 Ruling and West Hollywood Rally

Patrick Range McDonaldProposition 8 protesters in West Hollywood in October, 2008.​The Day of Decision has finally arrived for anxious court watchers of the Proposition 8 federal trial, with U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker delivering his ruling this afternoon. Walker will decide whet ... More >>

Prop. 8 Overturned: Major Victory For Gay Marriage Advocates

Patrick Range McDonaldProposition 8 protesters in West Hollywood in October, 2008.​Updated throughout. Originally posted at 1:48 p.m. U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker has overturned Proposition 8 in San Francisco today, handing gay rights advocates a major victory in the continuing bat ... More >>

Proposition 8 Overturned in Major Victory for Gay Marriage Advocates

Patrick Range McDonaldProposition 8 protesters in West Hollywood in October, 2008.​U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker has overturned Proposition 8 in San Francisco today, handing gay rights advocates a major victory in the continuing battle over same-sex marriage. In November, 2008, Ca ... More >>

Proposition 8 Rally Probably Slated for West Hollywood

Patrick Range McDonaldProposition 8 protester in Westwood in November, 2008.​A rally in response to the upcoming decision of the Proposition 8 federal trial will probably take place in West Hollywood, reports Frontiers News Editor Karen Ocamb. "The city has a special stake in the outcome," w ... More >>

Conservative Ted Olson Stands Up for Gays at Proposition 8 Trial

Attorney Ted Olson​When closing arguments get underway for the Proposition 8 federal trial on Wednesday in San Francisco, a world-famous liberal won't be standing before U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker and making the case to overturn California's same-sex marriage ban. Instead, that attor ... More >>

Queer Town: Closing Arguments Finally Scheduled for Prop. 8 Trial

On Wednesday, in San Francisco, U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker finally scheduled closing arguments for the Proposition 8 federal trial, which are tentatively set for June 16.Patrick Range McDonaldProposition 8 protester in Westwood in November, 2008.​Paul Hogarth, who blogged live from Walker's ... More >>

Prop. 8 Trial: Gay Marriage Testimony Ends, Closing Arguments Will Wait

After 12 days of testimony at the high-profile Proposition 8 trial in San Francisco, lawyers for both sides of the gay marriage lawsuit have rested their cases. The last piece of business for the attorneys will be closing arguments, which will be given several weeks from now.Patrick Range McDonaldPr ... More >>

Prop. 8 Trial: Cambridge Professor Says Gays Raise 'Well-Adjusted' Kids

Anti-gay marriage supporters aren't the only people who can succeed as parents.Patrick Range McDonaldPro-gay marriage marchers in Westwood in November, 2008.​At the Proposition 8 trial in San Francisco on Friday, Cambridge University psychology professor Michael Lamb told the court that gay and le ... More >>

Prop. 8 Trial: Both Sides of Gay Marriage Lawsuit Endure Rough Day at Court

On the third day of the Proposition 8 federal trial in San Francisco, it was tough going for both sides of the big stakes lawsuit over California's gay marriage ban.For the plaintiffs, who want to overturn Proposition 8, the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to indefinitely block a video feed of the tri ... More >>

Queer Town: Olson/Boies Appeal to the Heart, Then the Brain

The first day of the federal trial to overturn Proposition 8 started in San Francisco yesterday, with attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies, who want to end the gay marriage ban in California, first pulling on the heartstrings and then following it up with expert testimony to appeal to the brain.Ameri ... More >>

Queer Town: Big Media Wants Full Access to Prop. 8 Trial

We're almost finished with 2009 and 2010 is already shaping up to be a very interesting year -- at least for gay and lesbian folks.Patrick Range McDonaldProposition 8 protestors in West Hollywood in October, 2008.​Queer Town sounded the alarm a few weeks ago about the need to allow TV cameras insi ... More >>

One Last Pre-Trial Hearing Before Prop. 8 Showdown

On Wednesday, in San Francisco, U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker will hold one more pre-trial hearing before lawyers meet on January 11 to start a non-jury trial on the constitutional merits of Proposition 8. Patrick Range McDonaldPro-gay marriage marchers in Westwood in November, 2008.​The long- ... More >>

Queer Town: Proposition 8, A Year Later

It's been a long year since Proposition 8 was passed on November 4, 2008, when the existing right to legally marry in California was shockingly taken away from gays and lesbians.Patrick Range McDonaldDays before Prop. 8 was passed, pro-gay marriage supporters took to the streets in West Hollywood.†... More >>

Queer Town: Proposition 8 Lawsuit Moves Forward, Motion to Dismiss Denied

In San Francisco this morning, Proposition 8 supporters asked U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker to dismiss the federal lawsuit that seeks to overturn the successful anti-gay marriage ballot measure that became law after California voters passed it almost a year ago.Patrick Range McDonaldProp. 8 prot ... More >>

Queer Town: Proposition 8 Trial Set for January, Gay Groups Told to Butt Out

While gay rights groups in California continue to clash over which year to push forward with a pro-gay marriage ballot measure (check out this Queerty post), Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker announced during a San Francisco hearing yesterday that a federal Proposition 8 lawsuit will go to tri ... More >>

Overturning Proposition 8: In 2010 or 2012?

Proposition 8, last year's successful ballot initiative overturning the existing right of gays to marry in California, was largely financed by out-of-state money and represented a resounding defeat for the cause of same-sex marriage here. Precisely, however, when Prop 8 opponents finished licking th ... More >>