California: Gay marriage from August 18

California: Gay marriage from August 18

The confusion surrounding Proposition 8 in California continues today after a US federal judge ruled 0vernight that gay marriages can resume in the state from August 18.

It lifts a stay on the decision on August 4 ruling the state’s ban on same-sex marriages was unconstitutional.
Chief US District Judge Vaughn Walker ruled earlier this month that Proposition 8 was a violation of constitutional guarantees to due process and equal protection, but placed a temporary hold on issuing marriage licences to gay couples to consider how to move forward while the case is appealed.

Judge Walker asked legal teams on both sides for arguments on whether he should postpone putting his ruling into effect but, after reviewing the arguments, removed the stay effective August 18.

The case is expected to be appealed all the way to the American Supreme Court.

Both Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney-General Jerry Brown filed motions in federal court, urging Judge Walker to allow same-sex couples to begin getting married right away.

Both noted that the state is prepared to begin marrying gays and lesbians so opponents cannot argue that it poses some sort of new administrative burden on the state.

The decision comes on the eve of a string of pro gay marriage rallies planned across Australia on Saturday, details for which are below.

Sydney

August 14: Rally 1pm, Sydney Town Hall.
This rally will be MC by Wil Anderson.
After parties at Stonewall and Oxford Hotel from 3pmMelbourne
August 14: Rally 1pm, State Library of Victoria (cnr of La Trobe & Swanston sts, Melbourne).

Brisbane
August 14 Rally, 1pm, Queens Park (City)

Canberra
August 14: Rally, 1pm, Petrie Plaza. Followed by “Marriage Party”, 9pm at HUSH Lounge, cnr Launceston & Irving Sts, Phillip. Marriage themed dress with a $5 door fee and themed activities.

Adelaide
August 14: Rally 1pm, Penny Wong’s electorate office, 19 Gouger Street Adelaide SA.

Perth
August 14: Rally, 12 noon. Forrest Place – Murray Street Mall, Perth CBD

Newcastle
August 14: Newcastle August 14 Equal Marriage action details:
Saturday 14th August 12 pm Sharon Greersons Office Hunter Street, Newcastle, for wedding ceremony and speakers…
Move to Civic Park for a picnic reception where the guest gets to share there thoughts on this monumentous occasion, please bring own food

Hobart
August 14: Rally for Marriage Equality, 1pm, Tasmanian Parliament House Lawns. Speakers include federal election candidates – Come see them knock down the Wall of Discrimination!

Wollongong
Equal Love Wollongong will hold it’s rally at 6.30pm Thursday, August 12. It will be held at the Amphitheatre on Crown St mall, Wollongong

Ballarat
August 14th Town Hall then onto the State Library in Melbourne.

Lismore
August 14: Rally, 10am, cnr Carrington and Magellan Sts.

Darwin
August 14, 1pm, Parliament House, Darwin City

For more info visit www.equallove.info or www.caah.org.au

You May Also Like

3 responses to “California: Gay marriage from August 18”

  1. Ballarat has had previous demonstrations on Same-Sex Marriage with great success. I was very surprised.