Challenges to Proposition 8
UUs for Marriage Equality - Photo Gallery
Blaming Black Voters for Prop 8 Loss is Wrong
Climate Change Tipping Point
Video: To Have and to Hold
CA Supreme Court Affirms Freedom to Marry

Challenges to Proposition 8

“We are heartened by the outpouring of support from across the country. We trust that ultimately Love will prevail over fear.”
- Rev. Lindi Ramsden

November 4, 2008, the California electorate voted for a proposition titled "Eliminates Right..." by a 4% margin. Proposition 8 selectively removes the right to marry from gay and lesbian citizens.

As the intent and historic direction of our Constitution is "equal protection under the law," challenges to this constitutional amendment are being brought forth from a broad array of concerned citizens, faith coalitions, and public officials.

Religious Leaders, Faith Organizations File Lawsuite to Invalidate Proposition 8

Statement about Lawsuite to Challenging Proposition 8
Writ Petition Challenging Proposition 8

The UU Legislative Ministry Action Network is one of the faith organizations working to protect constitutional rights and invalidate Proposition 8.

County of Santa Clara Joins San Francisco and Los Angeles in Case to Oppose Proposition 8

News Release - November 5, 2008

“One of the great traditions of our country is that the Constitution guarantees individuals equal protection under the law,” said County of Santa Clara County Counsel Ann Ravel. “Constitutional rights cannot be taken away by either a majority vote on an initiative or by a vote of the legislature.”

Visit Action Network PAC

Visit Equality for All

People of Faith Come Together for Marriage Equality
Organizing on the side of love

In the 2008 election, people of many different faith communities came together to speak out against regressive Proposition 8. The UUs were at the forefront of this historic effort.

See our photo gallery of Unitarian Universalists in solidarity with loving couples everywhere.

UUs of Santa Rosa

Blaming Black Voters for Prop 8 Loss is Wrong and Destructive

A November 7th letter from Kathryn Kolbert, President, People For the American Way Foundation.

"As a mother who has raised two children in a 30-year relationship with another woman, I fully understand the depth of hurt and anger at voters’ rejection of our families’ equality. But responding to that hurt by lashing out at African Americans is deeply wrong and offensive – not to mention destructive to the goal of advancing equality."

Read the complete letter.

Climate Change Tipping Point: Simple, Clear, Accurate

The Global Warming issue is very much one of timing. What is a reasonable strategy, which policy measures are actually responsible legislation, and what actions should we take?

This artsy little video explains the inter-related earth cycles of climate change in a way that no text or speeches can. It is a "must view" for humanity.

Wake Up, Freak Out - then Get a Grip from Leo Murray on Vimeo .

Video: To Have and to Hold Faith Leaders for the Freedom to Marry

Presented by:
California Faith for Equality
(Of which the UULM is an Affiliate.)

Supreme Court Affirms Freedom to Marry

" Prayers of thanksgiving and praise will be offered in houses of worship across California in gratitude for today’s watershed state Supreme Court ruling allowing same-sex couples to get legally married. While no clergy person, nor faith organization, will ever be forced to marry a couple that does not fit their religious requirements, today’s ruling means that no longer will faith communities who do offer the religious rites of marriage to same-sex couples be required to treat them differently.

The Rev. Lindi Ramsden, Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry, whose organization sponsored the Interfaith Brief, stated 'Today’s court’s decision answers the prayers of people from many faiths. How beautiful that the commitment and courage of California’s same-sex couples can finally be recognized and protected, and that all Californians will now be able to marry the person they love. Today the court affirmed that the religious views of some cannot be used to restrict the rights of those with differing religious beliefs.' ”

Read Complete Press Release

CA Supreme Court May 15, 2008 Opinion on Marriage Cases (172 pg)

Amicus Brief supporting same-sex marriage

Compelling Oral Arguments were heard on March 4th. The hearing has been archived, both video and audio- only, and you can watch it (or just listen) on the Supreme Court website.

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