CALIFORNIA FAITH FOR EQUALITY DECISION DAY PRESS RELEASE

CALIFORNIA FAITH FOR EQUALITY BOARD PRESIDENT CONDEMNS RULING BY CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT ON PROPOSITION 8

"Today is a very sad day in our history. Today’s decision by the California Supreme Court allows the unthinkable: that a small majority of the people can oppress and deny rights to a minority group of people. All minorities should be deeply concerned with this egregious decision. As of today, the rights of all minorities are up for grabs at the ballot box. It is a dangerous and unprecedented decision," said the Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas, President of the Board of California Faith for Equality, a group of 6000 clergy and lay leaders who support marriage equality.

" As people of faith, through our collaboration as California Faith for Equality, we will continue our work to protect and respect the dignity of all minorities, especially gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered peoples. We join with our LGBT friends, sharing in their sadness and commit to work with all peoples in the pursuit of happiness, liberty and justice for all, and not just for some. And we will work with our straight allies

"Time will prove that we are on the right side of history on this issue. But today, justice was delayed and justice was denied. Other states have moved ahead on this issue. California will follow suit and California Faith for Equality will be a dominant voice in the struggle ahead. Our message is a core faith value: All persons are created equal in the eyes of God. This decision will not stand the test of time or the test our core American values: liberty and justice for all"

Reverend Dr. Neil G. Thomas is President of California Faith for Equality, He is currently the Senior Pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church, Los Angeles. A native of Bournemouth, England, Reverend Thomas is well known for his social activism. He is President of the Los Angeles LGBTQI Clergy Council and serves Metropolitan Community Churches on the California Council of Churches.