From Arnold Schwarzenegger to Cyndi Lauper: Reactions to Overturning Proposition 8

Now here's an odd couple. No, not Ted Olson and David Boies, the rock star lawyers who received quite the victory today when Judge Vaughn Walker ruled that Proposition 8 was unconstitutional. Nope, we're talking about Arnold Schwarzenegger and Cyndi Lauper, who along with dozens of organizations, politicians, celebrities, and leaders spoke out in force today supporting the end of Proposition 8.

Reactions are coming in fast and furious, and as I type, rallies around the country are popping up. They're called "Day of Decision" rallies, and they're happening in places from Boston to San Diego, and everywhere in between. Upwards of 50 cities are holding rallies tonight. And they're victory parties, celebrating the fact that for the first time in U.S. history, a federal judge has ruled that marriage bans like Proposition 8 are a violation of constitutional rights.

After the jump, we'll include a bevy of reactions from a number of folks. Needless to say, the words that summarize where people are at right now include euphoria, elated, happiness, victorious .... and anxious, as we wait and see where this victory takes us. Next stop? The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and potentially the U.S. Supreme Court after that.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger: "For the hundreds of thousands of Californians in gay and lesbian households who are managing their day-to-day lives, this decision affirms the full legal protections and safeguards I believe everyone deserves. At the same time, it provides an opportunity for all Californians to consider our history of leading the way to the future, and our growing reputation of treating all people and their relationships with equal respect and dignity. Today's decision is by no means California's first milestone, nor our last, on America's road to equality and freedom for all people."  (Editor's note: Argh. Gov. Schwarzenegger had the chance to help sign marriage equality legislation into law several years ago, which could have potentially avoided this fracas. Alas, nice to see him finally coming around.)

Ted Olson: "Through its decision today, the court has acted in the best traditions of a legal system established to uphold the Constitution and the principles of equality upon which this nation was founded."

David Boies: "The Supreme Court has long held that marriage is a fundamental right. Equal protection under the law is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, and this ruling affirms that universal right of every American. Depriving the fundamental right to marry causes grievous harm to millions of Americans and their children."

Cyndi Lauper: "Gay and lesbian couples have long struggled for acceptance and the ability to marry the person they love and want to build a family with. Today's landmark ruling declaring Proposition 8 unconstitutional is a testament to the fundamentals on which this great country was built and validates that the discrimination gay couples face must come to an end."

Kate Kendell (National Center for Lesbian Rights): "Today’s decision affirms that the law cannot treat people differently based on their sexual orientation and that a majority cannot strip a minority group of its fundamental freedoms at the ballot box. Judge Walker ruled that there truly is no substance to the arguments of those who would deny equality to same-sex couples."

Molly McKay (Marriage Equality USA): "This decision reignites hope in the hearts of same-sex couples that their country will enforce and defend the American value of equal protection for all people and that wedding bells will once again ring for all couples ready to make this important life commitment in honor of love."

The White House: "The President has spoken out in opposition to Proposition 8 because it is divisive and discriminatory. He will continue to promote equality for LGBT Americans." (Editor's Note: Uh, President Obama spoke out in opposition to Proposition 8? Hmm ... well, at any rate, hope you like your birthday present from Judge Walker, Mr. President!)

Judy Shepard: "Equal marriage rights are ultimately about people’s families, and during the trial, their personal need for legal recognition of their relationships came through loud and clear. After Matt came out to me, he once asked me if I thought gay couples would ever be allowed to get married. I told him I didn’t think it would happen in my lifetime, but it probably would in his. It’s so sad, and ironic, that it turned out the other way. But this case warms my heart, to think that his dream is still coming true."

A host of other reactions from all the mainstream LGBTQ organizations can be found here and here.

Photo credit: DCMatt