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Prop 8 Federal Trial Closing Arguments Begin

Jacobs: “Mr. Olson’s closing argument further reinforces the importance of the American public having the ability to learn the real story about this trial”

SAN FRANCISCO – At the landmark federal trial over California’s Proposition 8, closing arguments being covered by Courage Campaign Equality’s liveblog indicated the need for greater public awareness of the arguments and testimony taking place in the courtroom of U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker.

Attorney Ted Olson’s incredibly moving closing argument on behalf of the plaintiffs included numerous references to the power of the words of all of the plaintiffs and many of the expert witnesses. “If I had time I would replay the testimony of the plaintiffs,” said Olson. “On our side, stand 14 Supreme Court decisions, the testimony of our plaintiffs, plus the combined expertise of the best witnesses we could find.”

In response to Olson’s closing, Courage Campaign Equality founder and chair Rick Jacobs issued the following statement:

Today marks an important milestone in this federal trial, but certainly not an endpoint. Mr. Olson’s closing argument further reinforces the importance of the American public having the ability to learn the real story about this trial, the individual stories of those affected and most importantly, the truth about Proposition 8, and the destructive impact of discrimination.

That’s why we remain committed to telling the story of this trial through our Testimony: Equality On Trial project, ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to experience what has happened in the courtroom, and equally to participate in this historic event by sharing their story.

Via the Prop 8 Trial Tracker web site, Courage Campaign Equality has brought the trial proceedings to the public in real time, garnering more than 2 million views and helping fuel an online community of “Trial Trackers” posting more than 32,000 comments to date. To view the Prop 8 Trial Tracker, go to: www.equalityontrial.org/blog

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