EDGE San Diego

Reaction from the dramatic ruling of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals knocking down California’s Proposition 8 and clearing the way for marriage equality in the Golden State -- and an inevitable U.S. Supreme Court challenge that will finally define the issue on the federal level -- has been swift. Here are some of the politicians’, activists’ and organizations’ reactions:

People For the American Way’s President Michael Keegan: "Today’s ruling is a major victory for equality and for the thousands of California couples who saw their marriage rights disappear four years ago. I congratulate all the Californians who have regained their freedom to marry, and hope that that freedom will soon be extended to every American."

New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman: "My office will continue to stand up for the fundamental guarantee of equal protection under law for all New Yorkers, and lead the path to fairness and equality for all Americans."
Editor’s Note: Schneiderman has an active case on the roster against the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

Openly gay California State Senator Michael Keegan: "This decision is a monumental victory for same-sex couples in California who wish to honor their love and commitment, and provide security for their families, through marriage. It affirms our fundamental freedoms as human beings, which for too long have been denied and invalidated."

The National Organization For Marriage’s President Brian Brown: "We have anticipated this outcome since the moment San Francisco Judge Vaughn Walker’s first hearing in the case. Now we have the field cleared to take this issue to the US Supreme Court, where we have every confidence we will prevail."

GLAAD’s President Mike Thompson: "Today’s historic decision reflects the growing support for marriage equality among a majority of Americans who believe all couples should have the same opportunity to take care of and be responsible for each other. Though the road to securing full equality for every American remains long, we are deeply encouraged by today’s ruling."

California Assembly Member Mike Feurer: "The court declared that none of our friends or neighbors should be singled out by the government and told they are not allowed to marry the person they love. Unfortunately, this decision is likely to be appealed, so Californians who believe in fairness and equality must not rest until the discrimination compelled by Proposition 8 is eliminated once and for all."

The National Center For Lesbian Rights’ Executive Director Kate Kendell: "It is a unique and honored position to be an eyewitness to history. The Ninth Circuit’s ruling finding that Proposition 8 violates the Constitution of this nation marks the first time a federal appellate court has held that a law excluding same-sex couples from the right to marry runs counter to our highest ideals of equality and fairness."

Catholics for the Common Good’s President William B. May: "The decision of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold Judge Walker’s radical decision overturning Prop 8 comes as no surprise." "It is outrageous that judges continue to disregard the will of 7 million voters who voted to protect the centrality and integrity of marriage for children and society."

Log Cabin Republicans’ Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper: "The court correctly found that Proposition 8 served no legitimate purpose by denying committed, loving couples the dignity and legal status uniquely associated with marriage. We are proud of the role that conservatives have played in making this ruling possible."

The Courage Campaign’s Founder Rick Jacobs: "We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the dynamic duo of attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies and their colleagues at the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) who took to heart that real people are hurt by Prop 8 and its evil cousins across the nation. The time for waiting has ended."

Speaker of the California State Assembly John Perez: "Today’s action by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is an eloquent reaffirmation of Dr. King’s statement that ’the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’ We know we have a long road to travel before we achieve our full and equal standing in the eyes of the law, but today’s ruling is a strong validation of our belief that we will ultimately prevail."

Next: On Left & Right, Reactions Pour In