Brian Brown on NRO: “This will go to the Supreme Court, where we expect to win.” »
National Review Online – “Getting Ready to March on Washington” (Interviewing Brian Brown)
COGIC Bishop George McKinney: Prop 8 ruling based on “outrageous comparisons between same-sex unio »
NOM released the following statement from Church of God in Christ Bishop George McKinney this afternoon:
(Washington, D.C.) – Bishop George McKinney issued the following personal statement in response to Judge Vaughn Walker's ruling, and in support of the National Organization for Marriage. Bishop McKinney is a board member of the Church of God in Christ, the pastor of St. Stephen's Cathedral in San Diego, and a leading voice among Californian black church leaders for Prop 8:
Bishop Harry Jackson: “Prop 8 Decision Threatens Core Civil Right to Vote for Marriage” »
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, in support of the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), Bishop Harry Jackson, head of the High Impact Leadership Coalition and Stand4MarriageDC.com, stated:
“This is a travesty of justice. The majority of Californians — and two-thirds of black voters in California -- have just had their core civil right to vote for marriage stripped from them by an openly gay federal judge who has misread history and the Constitution to impose his San Francisco views on the American people. The implicit comparison Judge Walker made between racism and marriage is particularly offensive to me and to all of us who remember the reality of Jim Crow. It is not bigotry, it is biology that discriminates between same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples.
The unthinkable happened. Help fight back! »
It happened... the unthinkable, the wrong, the outrageous.
An openly gay judge in San Francisco ruled that the votes and values of over 7 million Californians were to be thrown in the dustbin like so many pieces of dirty paper, that his imperial will trumps the voice of the people.
We expected this outcome, because Judge Walker has telegraphed his bias loud and clear. But the sheer audacity, the sheer ego mania of the decision is startling. One judge versus the all of the voters of California, plus the 30 other states that have voted directly to protect marriage. One judge against the simple common sense notion that it takes a man and a woman to make a marriage. And he thinks that this will be the end of it....
Prop 8 Coverage »
Early coverage of today’s ruling:
The Atlantic: “National Organization for Marriage Calls Prop 8 Trial ‘Disturbing,’ Lawyers ‘Egomaniacal’”
We call on the Supreme Court and Congress to protect the people's right to vote for marriage," stated Maggie Gallagher, Chairman of the Board of NOM
NOM Decries Federal Court Decision Invalidating Proposition 8 »
(Washington, D.C.) – The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) today decried the decision of U.S. Circuit Court Judge Vaughn Walker to invalidate California’s Proposition 8, an amendment which defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman:
“Big surprise! We expected nothing different from Judge Vaughn Walker, after the biased way he conducted this trial,” said Brian Brown, President of NOM. "With a stroke of his pen, Judge Walker has overruled the votes and values of 7 million Californians who voted for marriage as one man and one woman. This ruling, if allowed to stand, threatens not only Prop 8 in California but the laws in 45 other states that define marriage as one man and one woman.”
Judge Walker Strikes Down Prop 8 »
Moments ago, in a burst of unprecedent judicial arrogance, Judge Walker struck down California’s Prop 8. This is a ruling that jeopardizes the marriage laws of 45 states, threatening to strip millions of Americans of our core civil right to vote for marriage. We will fight back! Details to follow . . . .
Prop 8 needs your help »
In a few hours, we will know how Judge Walker rules in the Prop 8 case. His opinion, and especially his findings of fact – regardless of which way he rules -- will shape the litigation as it moves forward on appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.
Many expect this case ultimately to be decided by the United States Supreme Court. In less than two years – before the 2012 elections – we could be facing a Roe v. Wade-like ruling on marriage from the Supreme Court, striking down the marriage laws of 45 states, forcing same-sex marriage on the entire nation.
I can’t put it more starkly: This case will decide the future of marriage in the United States. Losing is simply not an option.
We need your help today. If each of us do what we can – whether it’s $10 or $10,000 – we will help ensure that marriage receives the strongest possible defense at every stage of this journey. Please click here to make your most generous gift to the NOM Legal Defense Fund right now. All gifts are tax-deductible.
Thank you. Standing together, we will be victorious.
-Brian
Prop 8 ruling Wednesday between 1-3pm PT (4-6pm ET) »
Late this afternoon, the clerk of the court for the Prop 8 case announced that Judge Walker’s opinion would be released online at http://www.cand.uscourts.gov/ between 1-3pm PT (4-6pm ET) tomorrow. Check back for the latest coverage throughout the day tomorrow.
24 hours remaining – Help reach our $50K goal for Prop 8 Defense! »
Yesterday, we asked you to help fund the Prop 8 legal defense with a donation to the NOM Legal Defense Fund. Many of you stepped up and we have now raised $15,000 toward our $50,000 goal.
It’s a good start, but with 24 hours remaining, I’m asking you to please make a gift right now to help us reach our goal.
It’s urgent that we finish the trial stage of this litigation fully funded, so that we can begin planning the thorough and comprehensive appeal strategy that will be needed – regardless of how Judge Walker rules in the trial court. We can’t afford to let financial considerations dictate the outcome of this case.
We don’t have the backing of wealthy Hollywood liberals or gay billionaires – we all need to step up and make sure the Prop 8 defense team has the resources to protect marriage -- all the way to the Supreme Court, if necessary. If everyone receiving this email were to give just $10, we would reach our goal many times over. Will you join us today?
Please click here to make an urgent online contribution of $10, $25, $50 or even $500 if you can afford it. All gifts are tax deductible, and every dollar will go toward the Prop 8 litigation expenses. We have until noon Saturday to reach our goal. Please make your gift right now.
Support the Prop 8 Legal Defense! »
After a marathon day of closing arguments, interviews, and press conferences yesterday, one thing is certain: The fight for Prop 8 is just beginning and we’re in this for the long haul.
Let me be clear: The battle over Prop 8 is a battle for the future of marriage in America. Ted Olson made no pretense yesterday – his goal is to overturn marriage not just in California but in every state across the nation, striking down state laws and constitutional amendments in 45 states.
As Maggie told the press after leaving the courtroom yesterday afternoon:
Chuck Cooper is a heckuva lawyer. At stake in this case is the future of marriage in all 50 states, and he's right that this attempt to shut down the debate by constitutionalizing gay marriage will backfire. Americans have a right to vote for marriage. Ted Olson doesn't seem to understand the argument, and judging from today's exchanges, neither does Judge Walker. I expect Judge Walker will overrule Prop 8. But millions of Americans do understand why marriage is the union of husband and wife and I believe the majority of the Supreme Court will as well.
We must be there every step of the way. Will you stand with us today? Over the next 48 hours, we have set a goal to raise $50,000 for the defense of Prop 8. Your gifts are tax deductible, and every dollar raised will go directly toward the legal fees and litigation expenses incurred in the Prop 8 trial.
Most of us can afford $20, or even $50 to help fight for marriage. (Think one less meal out with your family this month.) Some may even be able to give $100, $500 or $1000. Whatever you can afford, your gift is urgently needed. Please click here to make an online donation that will help ensure that we can take this fight all the way to the United States Supreme Court.