The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals put same-sex marriages on hold once again yesterday, pending hearing the appeal of Judge Walker's landmark decision on the constitutionality of Prop 8.  The Court of Appeals has expedited the case and will begin hearing oral agreement the week of  December 6, 2010.  But, that provides little comfort to the many couples, several of whom are part of our Center family, who have been preparing to take their wedding vows this week following the tumultuous course of this case.  A press conference was held at the Center at 6:00 Monday.  Jake Rowe, Treasurer of the Board of Directors, expressed our sadness and disappointment at the latest delay in the case.  In a statement to the Sacramento Bee, Diana Luiz, who had planned to marry to marry her partner, Nicola Simmersbach, this Wednesday, said,  "It's pretty tough.  I just found out, and it was the first time I actually cursed out loud about this.  It's just not fair that we don't have the right to get married like everyone else."  That sentiment and frustration was clearly evident at the Center Monday afternoon.  Diana and Nicola, along with Center Executive Director Wendy Rae Hill and fiancée Carrie Tedrick, had already made trips to the County Clerk's office last week as the case developed.   Joining Center staff at the press conference were representatives of Equality Action Now, California Faith for Equality, and Equality California demonstrating the united commitment of our community to this fundamental issue.

In place of the planned Wedding Ceremonies, Equality Action Now is planning a Protest Rally and March around the State Capitol. This will begin on the West Steps at 6:00pm, Wednesday August 18 (when hundreds of same-sex marriages should have taken place).

In the legal world, expediting the case is seen as a positive move.  Theodore Olson, one of the defense lawyers, put it this way:  the Court "recognized the importance and pressing nature of this case and the need to resolve it as quickly as possible by issuing this extremely expedited briefing schedule."  Also at issue is whether the Yes on Prop 8 defenders have legal standing to press the appeal, since they are not named defendants in the case.  Despite the complications, there is the possibility that a decision could come early next year because of the expedited process. 

Events of the past months, including the Sacramento Pride Parade and Festival, demonstrate the Center's vital involvement and commitment to our community.  We are asking for your help in supporting the activities of the Center.   Won't you help with a quick one-time donation to help support the Center's operations?  Now is the time.  

 Make an expression of your commitment today with a donation of any amount.  Online donations are easy on the Center website, www.SacCenter.org.  For other information, call the Center at 916-442-0815.

Thank you! 

The Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center is dedicated to serving the lesbian, gay, transgender, and bisexual community of the Greater Sacramento area and surrounding counties and its allies by providing space, diverse programming, advocacy, and cultural competency awareness in an affirming, compassionate and safe environment.