American Foundation for Equal Rights

Marriage News Blog

Prop. 8 Trial Conclusion: The Case for Marriage Equality

Post by Adam Umhoefer, AFER Executive Director

Three years ago, the Federal District Court trial of California’s Proposition 8 concluded. It was the first time a federal court heard testimony on marriage for gay and lesbian couples.

AFER lead co-counsel Ted Olson summarized the case for marriage equality at closing arguments later that year:

The trial resulted not only in a historic August 2010 ruling that found Prop. 8 unconstitutional—a decision that was later affirmed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals—but also a comprehensive body of evidence and witness testimony clearly demonstrating that the government has no legitimate interest in discriminating against gay and lesbian Americans.

And now we will be making our case before the nation’s highest court. On March 26, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral argument on the constitutionality of Prop. 8 and the denial of marriage for loving, committed gay and lesbian couples.

As AFER’s legal team prepares for that day, we know that every witness at trial and every piece of evidence definitively proves that gay and lesbian Americans should no longer be singled out for unfair, second-class treatment under the law.

This is our moment. Will you support our case for full marriage equality with a donation?

When the Supreme Court issues its decision by the end of June,  I am hopeful it will come down on the right side of history by embracing our Constitution’s enduring promise of liberty and equality for all. 

But, until then, we need your support now more than ever to help us make our case.

AFER has been providing daily highlights of what happened at trial. Check them all out:

Day 1 Day 1 Day 3
Day 3 Day 3 Day 6
Day 3 Day 8 Day 9
Day 10 Day 11 Day 12