CALIFORNIA FAITH FOR EQUALITY (CFE) HAILS JUDGE'S DECISION TO LIFT STAY ON SAME SEX MARRIAGES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Los Angeles - August 12, 2010

"Today justice won out, said Samuel M. Chu, Executive Director of California Faith for Equality. “Today's decision by US District Court Judge Vaughn Walker to overturn Prop 8 and lift the stay on same gender marriages in the state of California on August 18th is a giant step toward equality.

" The Supreme Court has affirmed that marriage is a fundamental right. Justice Walker, Perry v. Schwarzenegger, last week said that California has no interest in discriminating against same gender couples. On August 18, 2010 discrimination will end and equality will become a reality.

"CFE is committed to let freedom and wedding bells ring! Our membership of over 6000 clergy are poised to perform marriages for loving gay and lesbian couples throughout the state. As people of faith. we believe these are blessed and holy relationships and we are thrilled that they can now be legally recognized marriages in the state of California.

While we realize that today's decision could be overturned by a higher court and we strongly oppose any stay on equal protection for all persons, CFE will continue to organize our faith leaders and secular partners to continue to support all marriages and to value all families.

Samuel M. Chu is available for comment: 310-988-5548


California Faith for Equality is a statewide network of clergy and lay leaders from a diversity of faith traditions who are committed to equality.