Kate Kendell is the Executive Director National Center for Lesbian Rights
Kate Kendall Photo Courtesy Of NCLR
By Kate Kendall (San Francisco, California) June 17 | Yesterday we heard compelling closing arguments in Perry v. Schwarzenegger, the federal challenge to Proposition 8. The National Center for Lesbian Rights has been in the courtroom live-tweeting, making sure that you shared this historical moment with us. I was in the courtroom and had the honor of watching this highly-skilled legal team in action. This trial has been a truly historic moment for our community. It is the first time a federal court has heard, first hand, from real live witnesses, about the harm that the denial of marriage equality causes same-sex couples and their families every day. It is also the first time a federal court has heard the arguments in favor of marriage equality presented live in court by an array of internationally renowned scholars who are truly experts in their respective fields. Check out my vlog on today’s closing arguments, which were as powerful as the testimony heard at the trial
Judge Walker will announce his ruling soon. As we wait, we must remember that our work is far from over. One of the last questions Judge Walker asked today was,
“Do we have a political tide running in favor of equality?”
The brilliant Ted Olson replied,
“I believe, Your Honor, that there is a political tide running. And I think that people’s eyes are being opened. People are becoming more understanding and tolerant.”
It is up to us, the LGBT community, to open eyes. We must continue to reach out and have conversations about our families and our lives. By sharing our stories, we win hearts and minds and create a world where all families are valued and respected as fully equal.
And now we wait.
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