California Supreme Court Rules Marriages Invalid
Statewide Rallies/Protests Planned
MEDIA CONTACT:
Task Force Communications Department
Sheri A. Lunn, Director of Communications
media@thetaskforce.org
323-857-8751
Today the California Supreme Court ruled that the City of San Francisco did not have the authority to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples earlier this year and invalidated the marriage licenses issued to more than 4,000 same-sex couples. The court specifically stated that it was not ruling on the "the substantive question of the constitutional validity of California's statutory provisions limiting marriage to a union between a man and a woman."
Statement by Matt Foreman
Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force


"This is an extremely sad day for the more than 4,000 same sex couples who were married in San Francisco earlier this year. For a few short months, those couples experienced the euphoria and dignity of their love and commitment being recognized as equal to other married couples.

At the same time - and contrary to the claims of those opposed to marriage equality - this decision has nothing whatsoever to do with the constitutionality of California's law that prohibits same sex marriage. Instead, it is all about a municipality's authority to determine, on its own, the constitutionality of state laws. That's all.

As usual, our opponents are deliberately misstating what this decision is about to energize their constituents and to try to demoralize those committed to full equality under the law. Fortunately for us, the truth is that time is our side. We - through the extraordinary work of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal, Gay and Lesbian Rights Project of the ACLU, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders and many other incredible groups and organizations -- will prevail, not only in California but in other states across the country."