Ninth Circuit Lifts Stay and Marriage Returns to California

(San Francisco, June 30, 2013) – The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals today lifted the stay on its ruling declaring the discriminatory Proposition 8 unconstitutional, clearing the way for same-sex couples to begin marrying in California. Lambda Legal issued the following statement from Legal Director Jon Davidson:

"We are thrilled! This is a wonderful day for same-sex couples in California. Already, couples are lining up outside courthouses across the state. With this quick action, Prop 8 is gone and with it an ugly effort to exclude same-sex couples from the joys of marriage. Let the wedding bells ring!

"This has been a long battle in this state, and Lambda Legal has been proud to fight for same-sex couples and their freedom to marry for years, including the first historic victory in 2008. We are so delighted finally to see this day. Congratulations to Kris Perry and Sandy Stier and to Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo, who we understand are marrying this afternoon, and to all the other couples who are soon to wed."

The Ninth Circuit action follows the historic U.S. Supreme Court ruling Wednesday that the proponents of Prop 8 lacked legal standing to appeal the U.S. District Court ruling in Hollingsworth v. Perry striking down the amendment as unconstitutional. The Ninth Circuit had affirmed that ruling, but issued a stay pending the Supreme Court decision.

Lambda Legal and other civil and LGBT rights organizations have been fighting for same-sex couples to have the freedom to marry for decades. Lambda Legal first fought for marriage equality in Hawaii almost 20 years ago, won a unanimous decision for marriage from the Iowa Supreme Court in 2009, and has ongoing marriage lawsuits in New Jersey, Illinois and Nevada.