San Francisco – Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker overturned the voter-approved same-sex marriage ban known as Proposition 8 Wednesday, declaring that limiting marriage to a man and a woman serves no legitimate purpose and is an “artifact” rooted in “unfounded stereotypes and prejudices.”
Propositional 8 and the issue of same-sex marriage is as controversial of a social and political issue as there is in today’s modern American climate. It is a black and white which-side-are-you-on topic for most who are either passionately for or vehemently opposed to the idea of gays being given legal marital recognition of their relationships. As always seems to be the case, their will be an appeal and it could be a long time until gay marriages resume in the Golden State anytime soon. However, this inevitable delay did not dampen the spirits of many celebrities as they took to their Twitter accounts to show support of Judge Walker’s ruling.
Ellen DeGeneres, who is in an openly gay relationship with Portia de Rossi, has the following statement posted to her very popular daytime show website:
Today, California’s Proposition 8 was declared unconstitutional. When Prop 8 was passed two years ago, I said, “One day we will look back and realize how wrong this is.” Now, we’ve made a huge step forward. In today’s ruling, the court stated that Prop 8 “fails to advance any rational basis” for denying the right to marry, and the court is right. We’re all equal, and we should all have equal rights. I’m so grateful for today’s decision.
The following are just a few examples of reactions as celebs came out in force via their Twitter accounts to support the ruling.
Lady GaGa:
Adam Lambert:
Katy Perry:
Conservative Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had the following to say in support of the ruling:
“(This decision) affirms the full legal protections and safeguards I believe everyone deserves. At the same time, it provides an opportunity for all Californians to consider our history of leading the way to the future, and our growing reputation of treating all people and their relationships with equal respect and dignity.”
How do you feel about the overturning of Proposition 8? Do you think that it will lead to an eventual permanent lifting of a ban on gay marriage in California or is it just another volley that will be returned-overruled in the near future?
Top Photo: Famepictures / Steven Henry – Getty Images / Jason Merritt – Getty Images
