Monday, March 2, 2009

California Vigils Set for Eve of Supreme Court Prop 8 Hearing


A series of candlelight vigils are being planned by Marriage Equality USA on March 4th, the evening before the California Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments in the challenge to Proposition 8, the measure which banned same-sex marriage in the state.

Said Molly McKay, Marriage Equality USA Media Director: "On the eve of justice, we're calling on Californians to march forth on March 4th in candlelight vigils to be held across the state in support of the Constitution's promise of equality for all. We invite supporters of marriage equality, their friends and families, and especially the 18,000 same-sex couples married last year, to join us in a showing of faith and support that love and justice will prevail."

So far vigils are planned in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Fresno, San Luis Obispo, San Jose, Visalia, Modesto, Stockton, Bakersfield, and Roseville.

According to the group, "In most locations, these vigils will include recommitment ceremony, speakers and moment of silence. Below is the current list of organized events as of this press release. For the most up-to-date information, go to http://www.eveofjustice.com/ and interested organizations that wish to participate can e-mail vigil@marriageequality.org.

Adds Pamela Brown, Marriage Equality USA Policy Director: "On March 5th, the California Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on why Proposition 8 should be repealed. Marriage Equality USA is working to raise $30,000 so that this historic oral argument on March 5th from 9am to noon can be seen and heard on a large jumbotron in Civic Center Plaza by the thousands of people expected to come to San Francisco to view the hearing. This venue will allow thousands of people to witness this historic event within view of the California Supreme Court."

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