Gay Rights Groups React to California Gay Marriage Decision

Same-sex couples in California were on pins and needles this afternoon as they waited for a decision from Judge Vaughn Walker on whether same-sex marriages could start to be recognized again in the state. The good news? Yes, they can be. The bad news? Unfortunately, there's a six day hold, meaning that same-sex couples won't be able to tie the knot until August 18.

Scores of couples were waiting in line at courthouses in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and many other cities throughout California, hoping for some wedding action. But though they'll have to wait a few more days, the mood seems to be largely celebratory. Several organizations are now weighing in with their thoughts, expressing a tinge of sadness that there's a delay -- after all, if we're entitled to full and equal marriage rights, why delay that six days -- but expressing hope that today's decision cements a sentiment across the country: that marriage equality is guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution.

Among the groups to weigh in on the marriage equality decision include the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the Human Rights Campaign, Lambda Legal, and several others. Below are a few snippets from some of these organizations, celebrating today's historic day.

Equality California: "This is an incredibly joyful moment in our history, not only for all of the committed couples who will finally be able to get married, but also because a fundamental constitutional freedom has been restored in our great state."

Human Rights Campaign: "Lifting the stay will put into action Judge Walker’s basic premise that the state can’t discriminate against same-sex couples. Californians deserve equality and they deserve it now."

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force: "We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the same-sex couples who will again be free to experience the joy and celebration of legally marrying in California. This is a remarkable moment, stemming from the landmark ruling declaring Proposition 8 unconstitutional. That decision came down to a simple yet profound principle: People should be treated equally under the law. Lifting the stay puts that principle into practice. We thank the judge for his continuing sense of fairness and sound reasoning in this case."

Lambda Legal: "Although we're disappointed that Judge Walker elected today to give the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals a chance to consider the issue, we are gratified that he has denied the request for a stay of his historic ruling. He has applied the standard legal tests in the standard way and reached the only logical conclusions given the overwhelming evidence produced at trial: nobody is harmed – especially not the backers of Prop 8 – by restoring equality in marriage  to California's same-sex couples.  Nobody suffers when everyone is treated equally.  There's enough equality to go around."

Courage Campaign: "Lifting the stay is ultimately consistent with both legal precedent and the findings in this case. Specifically, that every American has a civil right to marriage, and that by depriving millions of families this right, Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. Judge Walker's ruling affirms that the purpose of our judicial system is to protect our constitutional rights, not to take away those rights."

Photo credit: San Francisco LGBT Community Center