May 8, 2009: Marriage Equality supporters are organizing community gatherings across the state in response to the California Supreme Court decision on the challenges to Proposition 8.

On the Day of Decision, win or lose, we are asking the Coachella Valley to unite for equality at the Riverside County Courthouse in Palm Springs at 3 255 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, the location of March 4th's successful rally. “Because the Court may issue its opinion at any time within the 90 day window and we will have only 24 hours to inform and mobilize our supporters, we want to ge t the word out in advance,” said George W. Zander, a member of the Coachella Valley Marriage Equality Coalition, and chair of the Desert Stonewall Democrats. The Coalition, formed last November as an umbrella group, is made up of dozens of our local allies and interested organizations.

“Proposition 8 has hurt thousands of families and has called into question the Constitutional promise of equal protection under the law. It is wrong to allow a ballot measure to strip same-sex couples of their fundamental right to marry. If equal protections for minorities can be extinguished by a simple majority vote in our state- we have lost the checks and balances of government that keep Californians safe from unfair prejudice, fear and bigotry," Zander said.

“We are anticipating a tremendous reaction from the community, regardless of the outcome.& nbsp; The Court’s decision will have an immediate and critical impact on real people’s lives. We are celebrating the gains in Iowa and Vermont, but in California we feel like our lives are in limbo. We are all holding our breath waiting for this decision and remain hopeful that the Court will follow the trend of ensuring and restoring equal treatment under the law. The community gatherings will provide an essential outlet for these emotions and venues for productive strategies for moving forward,” said Molly McKay.

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