Victory! Prop. 8 Overturned

A great victory in California today!

Federal judge Vaughn Walker rules California's gay marriage ban unconstitutional, stating that "California has no interest in differentiating between same-sex and opposite-sex couples."

In a highly anticipated decision with potentially far-reaching implications in the national battle over marriage equality, a federal judge has struck down California's Proposition 8.

U.S. district judge Vaughn R. Walker ruled that the ballot measure violated both equal protection and due process clauses of the U.S. Constitution in a 136-page opinion released Wednesday, nearly seven months after an unprecedented trial over marriage rights began in his San Francisco courtroom.

In a sweeping ruling, judge Walker turned down every argument opposing same-sex marriage rights.
Read Ruling here

Keep in mind that Judge Walker is a conservative Republican appointed judge, not a flaming liberal, and the persuasive arguments by conservatives like like Ted Olsen obliterated all the opposition arguments against same-sex marriage. Now can he and other conservative marriage equality supporters convince enough conservatives on the SCOTUS?

Supporters of Prop. 8 are appealing the decision, which is expected to go to the Supreme Court, so the battle for equality continues!

Check out photos from San Francisco

NGLTF Responds to Ruling

Human Rights Campaign Statement

Lambda Legal

Americans United Applauds Court Ruling Against Prop. 8

White House Statement on Prop. 8

UPDATE:
The Best WORST Reactions to Prop. 8 Ruling