What the Prop 8 campaign doesn't want you to see

The people behind Prop 8 want to keep the historic federal trial a secret from the American public by attempting to strike testimony from the trial record by William Tam -- an Official Proponent of the initiative whose testimony revealed outrageous attempts to scare voters with claims that LGBT people supported incest, polygamy and pedophilia. We can't let them get away with it....

The Gay Buzz • Apr 30, 2010

FINALLY: Closing Arguments Set for June 16th

But besides setting a date for closing arguments, Judge Walker set a date for the defense counsel to submit their motion to suppress at least part of Dr. Tam's testimony. As you recall, Dr. Tam was the right-wing San Francisco minister who believed that his kids will turn gay if marriage equality was allowed to remain. We'll find out on May 7th how much of the testimony they want stricken from t...

Prop 8 Trial Tracker • Apr 28, 2010

Prop 8 Trial Update: EQCA, ACLU To Turn Over Docs To Judge Walker

Both EQCA and ACLU held out for as long as they could--refusing to cooperate with the Prop 8 folks. But this past week the judge got tired of the dilly dally and put his foot down. We're tired of the games too--wanna see this thing over with so we can find out if the case is will be going to the Supreme Court....

RENWL • Apr 28, 2010

Federal Prop 8 Trial Hearing Wednesday - Judge Could Set Date for Closing Arguments

The hearing had originally been planned to deal with the outstanding discovery issues - Equality California and the ACLU argued that internal communications between organizations should be protected, as well as those specified by Walker and upheld by the 9th Circuit. With that "clarification," EQCA, one of the lead No on Prop 8 campaign groups, turned over internal strategy documents to the Yes on...

LGBT POV • Apr 28, 2010

Abrupt Turnaround on Secret Documents in Prop 8 Case

Backing down from a standoff that could have ended in two of California's largest civil rights groups being held in contempt of court, Equality California and the ACLU today agreed to release previously-secret internal emails....

Matt Baume • Apr 27, 2010

Equality California Issues Statement on Appeal in Proposition 8 Trial

Today Equality California, having secured a key ruling, will turn over internal strategy emails and campaign materials relating to the effort to defeat Proposition 8....

Equality California • Apr 27, 2010

A hacked website, contempt of court, and accusations of stalling: This week in Prop 8 for April 26, 2010

This week's Prop 8 news ranges from the funny to the mind-bending. First, the funny news: The National Organization for Marriage likes to keep busy poking its nose into other peoples' lives. So busy, in fact, that they didn't have time to protect their blog against sneaky hackers, who configured the site to redirect traff...

Stop8.org • Apr 26, 2010

Continued impasse in Perry case's discovery dispute: Walker's order for ACLU and Equality California to show why he should not cite them in contempt

Walker has just ordered the ACLU and Equality California to show cause why he should not hold them in contempt for failing to produce documents subject to the March discovery orders. They have until April 27th to submit their written arguments, for a hearing on April 28th....

Prop 8 Legal Commentary • Apr 26, 2010

Gays' Fight for Marriage is Far from Over in California

It's not clear why the public enthusiasm for fighting Prop 8 waned, but the signs of disorganization were present in the immediate aftermath of the election. Despite drawing huge crowds to weekend protests, it was clear that leaders weren't sure how to capture and direct the sudden surge in support. "It was no one's responsibility and everyone's responsibility" to maintain momentum, said RE2010's ...

Matt Baume • Apr 26, 2010

Prop 8 sideline fight rages on

A sidelines skirmish over document production in the Proposition 8 lawsuit rages on this month, forcing the continued delay of closing arguments and, ultimately, a decision on the constitutionality of California's ban on same-sex marriage. And Ted Olson, the well-known conservative attorney leading the litigation against the ban, accused the ACLU and Yes on 8 proponents of "delaying the progress" ...

Keen News Service • Apr 25, 2010

Prop 8 sponsors ask judge to strike trial evidence

Lawyers for the group Protect Marriage told Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker in court papers filed Friday that allowing the documents to remain in the trial record would violate the First Amendment freedom of association rights of the measure's supporters....

Mercury News • Apr 25, 2010

Anti-Gay Website Hacked with Viagra Ads, Now Finally Useful

The website of the National Organization for Marriage now features such text as "viagra discount" and "Dear Friends of Marriage, cialis," and "Gallagher rested her defense of marriage on a question of truth. Buy viagra online, She said."...

SFist • Apr 21, 2010

Prop. 8 proponents in Perry case seek order of contempt against California Equality and ACLU over discovery dispute, and aim to expand the dispute

Proponents now seek an order of contempt against Equality California and the ACLU for their continuing failure to produce documents subject to the March discovery orders. The March 22nd order required Proponents to assess the document production and determine, by April 12th, which documents would be relevant to enter into the case's evidentiary record. Having received no documents, Proponents cont...

California Progress Report • Apr 19, 2010

9th Circuit nominee grilled over Prop 8

Although he did not discuss his personal views on Proposition 8 during the hearing, in one of many essays he has published in various newspapers and publications, Liu told the Los Angeles Times, "there is no question that [Proposition 8] targets a historically vulnerable group and eliminates a very important right." He has predicted that same-sex marriage will eventually "become an unremarkable th...

Keen News Service • Apr 19, 2010

2010 Campaign Fails, Plus Some Legal Ju-Jitsu: This Week in Prop 8 for April 19, 2010

Everyone was predicting it, and now's it's finally happened: the Restore Equality 2010 campaign admitted that it didn't gather enough signatures for a 2010 repeal. So after all that arguing and debate and hard work, it's going to be 2012 after all...

Stop8.org • Apr 19, 2010

Appeals aplenty in the Perry case

It's unclear what the ACLU and Equality CA will do next. They could seek further review, but they may also be satisfied with the court's clarifying statement that communications about the formulation of campaign strategy and messages should be protected, regardless of whether the exchanges are internal within one organization or between persons in different groups. That was the primary issue with...

Hunter for Justice • Apr 16, 2010

Prop 8 Trial's Judge Walker Accepts Amicus Brief From Family Research Council; Order For Prop 8 Foes To Turn Over Documents Upheld

Not a good week for opponents of Proposition 8--which means pretty much everyone we know. Today Judge Vaughn Walker entered an order, granting anti same sex marriage organization Family Research Council (FRC), a motion for leave to file a brief on behalf of FRC as an amicus curiae or "friend of the Court."...

RENWL • Apr 16, 2010

EQCA and ACLU Lose Technicality Skirmish

Jurisdiction, which basically answers the question of whether the court has authority over the case, is a threshold question. That is, if there is no jurisdiction, then your substantive arguments are simply not heard. That's what happened in this case, the 9th Circuit basically said you'll have to wait on this. The next move is up to EQCA and ACLU....

Prop 8 Trial Tracker • Apr 15, 2010

On The ACLU/EQCA Discovery Litigation

The key part of this is relevancy. There are a number of different standards for relevancy, but they are all generally lenient, or at least far more lenient that standards for evidence at trial. That being said, even by these more lenient standards, this is a big reach. And frankly, all of the parties know that, but the Yes on 8 team is trying its best to get as much information as possible for fu...

Prop 8 Trial Tracker • Apr 14, 2010

The politics of Prop. 8

The gay rights movement has a lot of work to do before it can prevail over the ban on same-sex marriage -- more than can be accomplished in a matter of months. The Proposition 8 campaign was particularly well funded on both sides, and the No on 8 forces shouldn't wait to begin lining up contributors....

LA Times • Apr 14, 2010

Courage Campaign Statement on Restore Equality 2010's Signature Shortfall

We applaud the dedication of grassroots activists who organized across the state this year to try to bring California law into compliance with the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. No American should have to wait one minute for equality, especially when it comes to love. That's why the Courage Campaign's focus is on the Proposition 8 federal trial -- and it's why this trial is so important....

Prop 8 Trial Tracker • Apr 14, 2010

9th Circuit panel dismisses appeal by California Equality and ACLU of order compelling them to disclose Prop. 8 campaign communications

Judge Walker today issued an order to show cause why the evidentiary record in the case should not be closed. Parties in the Perry case have until April 16th to respond. Walker clearly wants to remove another cause of delay to closing arguments and a final judgment....

Prop 8 Legal Commentary • Apr 13, 2010

2012 a Better Fit for Prop. 8 Repeal Measure?

Many civil rights supporters have notably turned their attention to the 2012 election, which could prove a more fruitful election year to eradicate the ban....

SFist • Apr 13, 2010

Gay Republican Fred Karger Tells Southern GOP That He Might Run for President

The Southern Republican Leadership Conference (SRLC) apparently reveled in the presence of Sarah Palin during their convention in New Orleans over the weekend - expected GOP presidential contenders Tim Pawlenty and Mitt Romney skipped the event. Also putting in an appearance at the Riverside Hilton was Californians Against Hate activist Fred Karger, a longtime gay Republican who announced that he...

LGBT POV • Apr 12, 2010

No Repeal of Prop 8 in 2010

"Our signature collection effort may have fallen short, but we stand tall as being the only statewide campaign that fought for repealing Proposition 8 in 2010," Sean Bohac, Chair of the Restore Equality 2010 Statewide Advisory Panel, said in a statement reported by the Sacramento Bee. Both Restore Equality 2010 and Love Honor Cherish are now expected to join with Equality California and other LGB...

LGBT POV • Apr 12, 2010

Prop. 8 Repeal Effort Fails To Qualify For Ballot

Bohac said Restore Equality's failed effort was undermined by the decision of more established gay rights groups not to participate in the campaign. He said same-sex marriage supporters now are turning their attention to trying to repeal Proposition 8 in 2012....

KPIX • Apr 12, 2010

Gays & Anti-Gays Popping Up In Unexpected Places: This Week in Prop 8 for April 12, 2010

Late breaking news: The campaign to repeal Prop 8 has officially fallen short of the required signatures. (Actually, that's probably not news at all to anyone who's been following their woefully accelerated campaign.) With 2010 ruled out for a repeal, all eyes turn in unison to 2012. Meanwhile, Prop 8 characters have be...

Stop8.org • Apr 12, 2010

Prop. 8 foes hope to qualify repeal

Supporters of the repeal initiative face a deadline today to submit valid signatures of 694,354 registered California voters to county registrars of voters. They have declined to say how many signatures they believe they have collected. Gay-rights activists not involved in the effort but sympathetic to it say they have seen little evidence of sufficient activity to make it happen. "I think they'...

SignOnSanDiego • Apr 12, 2010

Opening briefs filed in 9th Circuit Court appeal of Perry discovery order

In their opening brief, appellants argue that the Court has "finality" jurisdiction to review their appeal now rather than wait for them to appeal it later, after Judge Walker effectively resolves the question of "finality" jurisdiction by citing them for violating the recent discovery order. Appellants also argue that, under Perry v. Schwarzenegger, 591 F.3d 1147 (9th Cir. 2010) and another prece...

Prop 8 Legal Commentary • Apr 11, 2010

El Coyote's Prop 8 Supporter: She's Baaaaaack

In November 2008, it came out that Marjorie Christoffersen, the niece of the owner of the venerable El Coyote restaurant in Los Angeles, had made a donation to Prop 8; Marjorie is Mormon and was prompted to make the donation based on her faith, despite many of the restaurants customers being gay or gay-friendly. After a huge uproar and and effective boycott, Marjorie resigned from her position a...

FireDogLake • Apr 9, 2010

Ted Olson: Prop 8 Challenge Could Have Global Impact

Olson said that he thinks the skepticism has ebbed since the start of the trial. "People said that it was too soon. That we should push the issue state-by-state. But no one could tell me when the timing would be right. It had to happen now because otherwise someone would take this case and not do it the right way," Olson said. He said that his and Boies' case "has good, strong arguments and the r...

The Blog of Legal Times • Apr 9, 2010

Activist Fred Karger Mulls Presidential Bid

In 2008, Fred Karger founded Californians Against Hate, the activist group that has led successful boycotts of anti-gay businesses and forced investigations of the Mormon Church and NOM. Yesterday Karger issued a press release announcing that he is considering a 2012 run for U.S. president. As an "independent Republican."...

Joe My God • Apr 9, 2010

Federal Prop 8 'Mastermind' Chad Griffin Graces The Advocate's Cover

The Advocate monthly magazine is out with its new issue and gracing the cover for the feature piece "Forty Under 40″ is Chad Griffin, who they describe as "aggressive, calculating, and determined to end inequality for gay and lesbian couples once and for all. This is why Chad Griffin, mastermind of the federal lawsuit against Proposition 8, is the new face of the marriage movement."...

LGBT POV • Apr 8, 2010

Gubernatorial Candidate Meg Whitman Boycotted Over Pro-Prop. 8 Stance

A boycott of eBay and Meg Whitman is being organized following revelations that the gubernatorial candidate and former auction-site CEO has turned against same-sex marraige in her fight for the Republican nomination....

LA Weekly • Apr 8, 2010

Majority in California support gay marriage, Times/USC poll finds

Same-sex marriage got majority support in the latest Los Angeles Times/USC poll -- much like a similar poll by the Public Policy Institute of California earlier this spring. But does that mean that a measure to repeal Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage in the state, would have smooth sailing? Not necessarily....

LA Times • Apr 7, 2010

Anti-gay candidate tests GOP appeal

John C. Eastman, seeking the Republican nomination for California attorney general, could become a new face in the fight to block same-sex marriage. His candidacy threatens to further shrink the GOP's dwindling market share among California voters, even as he seeks to use the campaign apparatus that won the epic battle to ban same-sex marriage in 2008. Eastman has surrounded himself with promin...

Sacramento Bee • Apr 7, 2010

California Senators Scheduled to Vote on Bill that Undermines Proposition 8

The bill includes language that sponsors assert will clarify that religious institutions would not be required to perform marriages that violate their religious tenets....

California Family Council • Apr 6, 2010

Latest appeal of discovery order in Perry v. Schwarzenneger: parties to file briefing by April 9th

By April 9th, "parties shall file simultaneous briefs addressing solely the issues of whether this court has jurisdiction over this appeal and whether mandamus is appropriate."...

Prop 8 Legal Commentary • Apr 5, 2010

Gubernatorial Enemies, Allies, and Lesbian Sisters: This Week in Prop 8 for April 5

Gubernatorial primaries are scooting towards us (June) and the general election isn't far behind (November), so Arnold Schwarzenegger and his successors are increasingly top-of-mind. A couple of news articles gasped this week about Republican candidate Tom Campbell, who's ...

Stop8.org • Apr 5, 2010

Judicial Candidacy of Prop 8 Mastermind's Conservative Lesbian Sister is Ended by Schwarzenegger Appointment

Anne Marie Schubert quietly ended her campaign early February after Judge Ken Peterson's days-earlier-than-anticipated retirement gave Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger the chance at another judicial appointment before leaving office at the end of the year. By appointing Larry Brown of the U.S. Attorney's office, a UC Davis undergraduate and law school alum, Schwarzenegger eliminated what...

California Progress Report • Apr 3, 2010

Gay marriage issue affects Calif. GOP Senate race

Former congressman Tom Campbell, a supporter of gay marriage, finds himself under attack and his previous front-runner status reduced to a statistical tie with former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina in one poll. Another poll taken about the same time showed Campbell clinging to a narrow lead. The National Organization for Marriage is spending $300,000 on television ads that liken Campbell to Bo...

AP • Apr 2, 2010

GOP voters embrace same-sex marriage backer

Last week's Public Policy Institute of California poll found that Campbell had 23 percent support among likely Republican voters, one point shy of Fiorina, who had 24 percent support. A third candidate in the race, conservative state Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, had 8 percent support. His neck-and-neck tie with Fiorina is all the more remarkable considering Campbell supports marriage equality and wa...

Bay Area Reporter • Apr 2, 2010