Wed. August 4, 2010
Chicago, IL -
In Chicago, activists for gay rights today applauded the ruling striking down California's ban on gay marriage and said it bolsters their confidence as they push for same-sex marriage rights in Illinois.
"Where California is headed, I believe, is where the rest of the country is headed," said Jamal Edwards, president and CEO of the Howard Brown Health Center in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. "Seeing that the courts in California share the thoughts of many people here makes for a very hopeful and optimistic future for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender couples here in Illinois who hope to one day be married."
Rick Garcia, public policy director for Equality Illinois, said that while the California decision has no impact on the laws of Illinois, he believes it will help change the minds of some who are unsure about legalizing same-sex marriage.
"People struggling with the issue may look at this ruling, see how sensible it is and realize, 'We shouldn't deny any group of people their constitutional rights,'" Garcia said. "I think that's what the ruling says. There is no rationale for discriminating against gay men and lesbians when it comes to marriage."
Edwards said the ruling harkens back to some of the landmark cases during the civil rights era.
"If we look back today over some of the major court decisions on civil rights issues, the reflection is always the same," he said. "At the time these decisions were rendered, they were not no-brainers. But now they are. I think this decision will be looked on in the same way down the line."
Written by: Rex Huppke
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