Email Blast — June 14, 2010
Dear Friend,
In just a few short days, closing arguments will be given in Perry v. Schwarzenegger, the federal trial on the constitutionality of Prop. 8. After the trial closes, Judge Vaughn Walker will consider all the evidence presented by both sides during the trial, and reach a crucial decision: Should Prop. 8 be allowed to stand, and California continue to ban same-sex marriages? Or should it be struck down on the grounds that it violates constitutional rights, effectively restoring same-sex marriage in the state? This is not a question that Judge Walker will take lightly, as it will likely be the defining decision of his career. Even though the case will certainly be appealed by the losing side, and will very likely end up before the U.S. Supreme Court, Judge Walker's decision will set an important precedent for the constitutional rights of same-sex couples not only in California, but throughout the entire nation.
As was the case when, over a year ago, the California Supreme Court ruled to allow Prop. 8 to stand, we as a community must be prepared for Judge Walker's decision, whether favorable or not. For this reason, Marriage Equality Silicon Valley will be hosting a community meeting at the Billy De Frank Community Center, Thursday, June 17, 2010, from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. to discuss strategy and prepare our local response to the decision. We will start the evening with some first hand observations from people who attended the closing arguments to get their impression. In the event that Judge Walker does strike down Prop. 8, we can prepare for a big celebration. If, on the other hand, finds that it does not violate anyone's constitutional rights, and allows it to stand, then we should be prepared to voice our anger in the form of a protest.
Please join us with your thoughts and ideas Thursday evening. If you are unable to attend, please feel free to email us with your thoughts at mesv@marriageequalitysiliconvalley.org.
The Billy De Frank Community Center is located at 938 The Alameda, San José. Your donations to the Center are, as always, welcome.
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In order to broadcast our messages more quickly, Marriage Equality Silicon Valley is also now on Twitter and Facebook. Members of our group will be present in the courtroom for closing arguments, and will be sending out tweets of the events and their impressions as they happen.
And be sure to join our Facebook group as well!
Twitter: #Marriage_EQSV
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=49624847326
Marriage Equality Silicon Valley
http://marriageequalitysiliconvalley.org