What's Next? Events related to the
March 5, 2009 California Supreme Court Oral Arguments
Here we are again, a year later, hoping that the CaliforniaSupreme Court does the right thing! Oral arguments are scheduled in court this Thursday, March 5. If the Supreme Court abides by itys own internal rules, a decision on the validity of Proposition 8 and of the estimated 18,000 same-sex marriages which took place between June and November 2008 will be announced within 90 days (on or before June 4). This week is significant in our movement!
The California Supremes
EVENTS THIS WEEK relating to the oral arguments phase of this struggle:
Monday, as of 2:30 p.m. Streaming HR 5 (Ammiano, D-SF), is being debated on the Assembly floor Monday afternoon. It is about 2:30 and the debate could continue for a while. It may also be rebroadcast and archived. At the moment, Chuck DeVore (R-Irvine), is talking about polygamy, age of consent, etc. The Capitol was packed with people (rare for a “just” a resolution). See: http://www.calchannel.com/images/encode_3.asx; also the California Channel on your cable TV.
Wed., March 4, Press Opportunity, 10:00 a.m. At the Episcopal Cathedral Center, 840 Echo Park Ave, 90026. Bishop Bruno and Rev. Eric Lee are definitely speaking; also possibly Rabbi Denise Eger and Pastor Samuel Chu. We are still in need of Spanish speaking clergy to speak at the event.
Tuesday, March 3, Love Honor Cherish, 7:30 p.m. general meeting at Temple Beth Am, 1039 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles (parking in lot or on the street). Love Honor Cherish is a grass roots organization formed in May 208 to work against Proposition 8. (It is committed to a public education campaign about the freedom to marry and to the repeal of Prop 8 by means of a new ballot initiative in 2010. If the Court rules that Proposition 8 was invalid, such a ballot initative would not be necessary. Some supporters hope that it does not come to a another ballot initiative, because ot mount that campaign would be to give in to the idea that core civil rights can be decided at the ballot box.)
Wednesday, March 4, "March Forth!" Candlelight Vigil, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at El Pueblo de Los Angeles (Olvera Street in Downtown Los Angeles). Gather at Olvera Street for vigil program, recommitment ceremony and speakers, walk to the 2nd District Court of Appeal building (Ronald Reagan Building, 300 South Spring St, Los Angeles) at 8 p.m. for moment of silence. For more information, go to http://www.eveofjustice.com/la. Faith speakers: Rev. William Briones, Rabbi Allen Freehling, Rev. Neil Thomas, Rabbi Denise Eger, and Fr. Geoff Farrow; possibly including Rev. Leonard Jackson. The Mayor will also be participating.
There will be candelight vigils state wide. For more information, check www.eveofjustice.com and www.marriageequality.org.
On the eve of this historic hearing, thousands of Californians will gather in multiple locations across the state to stand up in unity and show their fellow Californians their support for overturning this revision to the state's constitution. Won't you join HRC and the other partners for the Eve of Justice vigils?
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Thursday, March 5, Supreme Court Hearing, 9:00 a.m.--Noon. On Thursday morning the California Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether to invalidate Prop 8 and restore the freedom to marry for same-sex couples.
Televised viewing: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/courts/supreme/highprofile/prop8viewing.htm
In Los Angeles: Very few people can watch the arguments in person, as only 20 seats are reserved in the courtroom in San Francisco for members of the public. The arguments are being telecast by satellite and will be shown at The L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center's Renberg Theatre. Afterwards, Lambda Legal Staff Attorney Stefan Johnson will help put what happened in perspective and take questions from the audience.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP. Please arrive early to allow time for parking; limited street parking is available. Co-sponsoring this viewing, along with a contemporaneous one happening at the West Hollywood Auditorium, are Lambda Legal, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the ACLU and Equality California.
A Press Conference follows at the Center, 12:30--1:30 p.m., which is being arranged by California Faith for Equality (www.cafaithforequality.org) and Jason Howe of Lamda Legal.
Orange County, March 5th, Marriage Equality Rally, 4:00-6:00 p.m. Hosted by Church of the Foothills. Join the Church of the Foothills to rally for marriage equality in pro-Prop 8 Orange County. 19211 Dodge Ave., (at Newport Blvd.), Santa Ana, 92705. For more information, contact Kergan at proud2bdad@yahoo.com
Pasadena, March 7th and 14th, Vote for Equality Canvasses, 10am-2:30pm. Talk to our neighbors about marriage equality. Training provided. Neighborhood Church, 301 N. Orange Grove Blvd., 91103. To RSVP or for more information, contact Laura Gardiner at 323-770-3188 or lgardiner@lagaycenter.org.
Los Angeles, March 11th, Jordan/Rustin Coalition Faith Committee Meeting. 7:00-8:30pm. Dinner from 6:30-7pm. At the first inaugural meeting of the faith committee, a joint project of the Jordan/Rustin Coalition and CA Faith for Equality, we will discuss and plan relationship building with African-American faith communities in the Los Angeles area. Contact Anne-Marie for more information: williams@jordanrustin.org.
Sacramento, Wednesday, March 18, Free Seminar for Same Sex Married Couples & Registered Domestic Partners, 5:30-9:00. Sacramento City Hall, 915 I Street, Council Chambers, Sacramento, CA 95814. Topics Include: A discussion of new filing requirements for same sex married couples, new benefits for qualified taxpayers and other practical filing tips and advice to ensure accurate tax returns; Learn practical estate planning tips and advice for same sex married couples and registered domestic partners; and, An overview of lawsuits surrounding same sex marriage. Please respond by March 16, 2009. For additional information, please call (916) 322-7535. Download flyer.