In November 2008, Proposition 8 was passed in California, overturning the right of same-sex couples to marry. This month, Judge Vaughn Walker, chief judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, is set to rule in Perry v. Schwarzenegger on the constitutionality of equal marriage rights for same-sex couples. The ruling could lay the groundwork for the national legalization of same-sex marriage.
Throughout Texas, activists are preparing to respond to Judge Walker’s ruling, regardless of the outcome.
Equality Across America’s Texas Statewide Regional Network has issued a “standing call to action” so that the community knows in advance where rallies will take place on the day the decision is announced.
“Whether we are celebrating a victory or mourning another loss, our voices need to be heard,” said EAA Houston member LaKeia Spady.
In Houston, a rally at City Hall, 901 Bagby St., is set for 6 p.m. on the day of the decision. Rallies are also planned at Austin City Hall, San Antonio City Hall, and in Dallas; there will be a rally in Denton at the Courthouse Square on the Saturday following the decision.
EAA Houston member Dan Sharber encourages members of Houston’s LGBT community and straight allies to attend their local rally. “The fight for LGBT rights has been a long and difficult struggle but California’s Proposition 8 is the first time in our nation’s history that a right was taken away from a select portion of our citizenry,” Sharber said.
Regardless of Judge Walker’s ruling, the case is expected to be appealed to the District Court and eventually to the U.S. Supreme Court.
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