Yesterday Vaughn R Walker, United States District Chief Judge in the Northern District of California, enjoined enforcement of Proposition 8 (the California Marriage Protection Act). This action has rekindled the debate on the definition of marriage and the right of gay and lesbian couples to legally marry. There are staunch supporters celebrating the latest decision and devoted resisters bemoaning the current situation. As a reader, whichever side of the debate you find yourself on, this is not a post of persuasive argument. I expect that you will, as I have, come to your own conclusions of what is right.
For your reference the complete decision can be found here. Its introduction states: "Plaintiffs allege that Proposition 8 deprives them of due process and of equal protection of the laws contrary to the Fourteenth Amendment and that its enforcement by state officials violates 42 USC § 1983."
I would also reference a press release issued the same day by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I add my support to their communication and "urge people on all sides of this issue to act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility toward those with a different opinion." With such strong feelings on both sides of this sensitive issue, it is unlikely that this latest decision will be the end of its discussion.
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