East Bay Elected Officials Praise Supreme Court Prop 8 Ruling

By David Mills:

East Bay congressional and state representatives are praising a U.S. Supreme Court decision Wednesday that has in essence invalidated California's ban on same-sex marriage.

The court, in a 5-4 ruling, said proponents of Prop. 8 had no legal standing in the high court and let stand a lower court ruling that allows gay marriage in California.

Rep. George Miller (D-Concord) agreed with the decision.

“Today’s Supreme Court rulings mark an enormous step forward in the battle for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans to be treated as full-fledged citizens," said Miller. "Of course, there is much more work to do to ensure full marriage equality across the country, but today signals a major advancement in this critically important struggle."

Miller called on Congress to approve employment and student non-discrimination acts as next steps in this battle.

Other local officials who spoke out in favor of the ruling included Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland), who said the court's decision was long overdue and brought the country "one step closer to realizing our Constitution’s promise of equality for all Americans."

“As a Californian, I’m proud to welcome marriage equality back to our great state," Lee said. "This ruling on Proposition 8 gives certainty to Californians all across the state who can now get married and know that they are protected and recognized. This is a great step forward for equal justice under the law.”

Rep. Mike Thompson, a Democrat who represents northern Contra Costa County, also praised the decision.

“Today, the Supreme Court took a stand for equal justice under the law, ruling that laws that deny equality are immoral, unjust and unfair," said Thompson. "This is a giant step forward, but we must continue working until every American has the right to marry whoever they love no matter where you live.”

State Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) said the ruling opens a path to marriage equality throughout the country.

She also recognized her Berkeley residents, Kriss Perry, who is named in the Hollingsworth v. Perry case, and her fiancé Sandy Stier.

“California has two courageous women to thank, for fighting the good fight," said Skinner. "Their efforts affirmed a basic human right that will enable my daughter and all Californians, regardless of sexual orientation, to be treated equally under the law.”