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Judge Orders Military to Halt 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Immediately

Brock Keeling — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:55:41 GMT

U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips of Riverside ordered the U.S. military to "immediately halt all discharges of openly gay personnel under 'don't ask, don't tell,' a policy she declared unconstitutional last month." Phillips, according to reports, said that "expert testimony and studies from other nations with different policies found no evidence that allowing gays to serve reduced military effectiveness." Which: duh. [Chron]

BREAKING: Same Sex Marriage Stay Lifted, But...

Brock Keeling — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:25:08 GMT

Judge Vaughn Walker, the federal judge who last week overturned Proposition 8, California's same sex marriage ban, issued a ruling to lift the stay on same sex marriage in California. The majority of the crowd gathered at City Hall, as expected, is elated.

So, you matrimonial types might want to head down to San Francisco City Hall as soon as possible to get married. (You know, if marriage is your kind of thing.) Marriage for all couples is now taking place, but not for long. Judge Walker's decision to overturn Prop 8, as we previously reported, under appeal in the 9th Circuit.

Congratulations, folks.

SFist will continue to update with commentary, photos, and thoughts from marriage-happy ilk throughout the day.

Update: Judge Walker's ruling will keep gay marriages on hold until at least Aug. 18. At that time, Proposition 8 will no longer be enforced; that is, unless the 9th Circuit Court decides to uphold it. Ugh.

Prop 8 Ruling In Its Entirety

Brock Keeling — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:00:47 GMT

For those of you interested in Walker's decision in its entirety, you read the full Proposition 8 decision. Judge Vaughn Walker found California's gay marriage ban unconstitutional under both the equal protection clauses and due process.

Prop 8 Ruling FINAL

[via Gawker]

Photos: Gay Marriage Ban Overturned, San Francisco

Brock Keeling — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:03:09 GMT

Today, Judge Vaughn Walker ruled Proposition 8 -- California's discriminatory same-sex marriage ban -- unconstitutional. Here are some scenes from outside the San Francisco Federal Courthouse shortly after Walker's decision was announced.

(UPDATED) Judge Vaughn Walker Rules Prop. 8 Unconstitutional

Brock Keeling — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:40:12 GMT

Proposition 8 was ruled unconstitutional by Judge Vaughn Walker, according to New York Magazine who had early word on today's ruling.

Big news: According to a source who has seen the 136-page decision, U.S. District Court Judge Walker has ruled Proposition 8, the California voter-approved ban on gay marriage, unconstitutional under both the due-process and equal-protection clauses.

Prop 8 is dead. For now. Walker's ruling will most likely be appealed to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, which could then lead to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2011 or 2012.

SFist will have more information on today's historic ruling throughout the day.

Update: In part of a Walker's 136 page decision, here's a snippet of the ruling:

REMEDIES
Plaintiffs have demonstrated by overwhelming evidence that Proposition 8 violates their due process and equal protection rights and that they will continue to suffer these constitutional violations until state officials cease enforcement of Proposition 8. California is able to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, as it has already issued 18,000 marriage licenses to same-sex couples and has not suffered any demonstrated harm as a result,see FF 64-66; moreover, California officials have chosen not to defend Proposition 8 in these proceedings.

Here's 10 'Day of Decision' In the Bay Area

Brock Keeling — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 11:45:25 GMT

Care of the Contra Costa Times, reporter Matt O'Brien tells us about 10 Prop. 8 Rallies happening after today's Prop 8 ruling announcement.

Concord: 6 p.m. at Todos Santos Plaza on Willow Pass Road, between Mt. Diablo and Grant streets

Martinez: 6 p.m. at Contra Costa County clerk's office, 555 Escobar Street

Mountain View: 6 p.m. near Caltrain station and City Hall, 500 Castro Street

Pittsburg: 7 p.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 220 E. Leland Rd.

Richmond: 6 p.m. at City Hall, 450 Civic Center Plaza

San Francisco: 5 p.m. at Harvey Milk Plaza in the Castro; 6:45 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza

San Jose: 6 p.m. at Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center, 938 The Alameda

San Mateo: 6 p.m. at El Camino Real and 5th Avenue

Vallejo: 5:30 p.m. at the ferry terminal at Mare Island Way and Georgia Street

Walnut Creek: 6 p.m. at City Hall, 1666 North Main Street

Quote du Jour: Judicial Misconduct in Mehserle Hearing?

Brock Keeling — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:06:44 GMT

After ruling today that disgraced BART police Officer Johannes Mehserle will, in fact, stand trial for the New Year's Day killing of Oscar Grant, Superior Court Judge C. Don Clay said the following.

There is no doubt in my mind that Mr. Mehserle intended to shoot Oscar Grant with a gun and not a Taser.

Yipes! Well, there's no need for a murder trail now, is there? (You real law types can explain it in the comments, please.)

Anyway, Mehserle is still free on $3 million bail. He'll return to court on June 18 for arraignment.

What People Are Saying About the Prop 8 Ruling

Brock Keeling — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:25:57 GMT

What are notables saying about the California State Supreme Court upholding prop. 8? Let's find out.

Assemblymember Tom Ammiano (D, San Francisco):

Today's Supreme Court opinion upholding Prop. 8 is a stark reminder that the struggle for equality and justice must and will go on. We have come a long way since the days when Harvey Milk and I fought against the discrimination of the Briggs Initiative and Proposition 8 was no different. Harvey's message then was one of hope and we can see how that message is making progress throughout the country - five states now embrace marriage equality and several more are on the verge.

Scott Trotter, spokesperson for the the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

Today’s decision by the California Supreme Court is welcome. Also, purple ponies, unicorns, magic sprinkles, rubies, diamonds, do re mi, help I'm being oppressed, pretty teeth, shiny lollipops, fairy stardust...

President Barack Obama, via White House spokesman Robert Gibbs:

I have not talked to the President about it. I think that the issues involved are ones — you know where the President stands.

Gavin Newsom:

Photo du Jour 320

Brock Keeling — Tue, 26 May 2009 14:12:02 GMT

San Francisco police officer Len Broberg, right, hugs Doug Mezzacapo, left, a married gay man, in front of San Francisco City Hall today.

Explanation of Prop 8 Ruling and What to Do Now

Brock Keeling — Tue, 26 May 2009 11:00:23 GMT

Matt Baume (SFAppeal contributor, SFist emeritus, Stop8.org founder, and one of the leading voice in the fight against prop. 8) created this helpful film that explains today's Prop 8 ruling and what our next steps. Please visit Stop8.org for more information about today's ruling.

Prop 8 Announcement Today

Brock Keeling — Tue, 26 May 2009 07:51:12 GMT

At 10 a.m. this morning, the state supreme court will announce its ruling whether to overturn or uphold prop 8, the gay marriage banned that passed last November. The constitutional amendment barely approved by voters, if you recall, "overruled the court's 4-3 ruling from a year ago that briefly legalized same-sex unions."

As of 7:30 a.m., a handful of protesters (prop and con) gathered outside California State Supreme Court building this morning. If prop 8 is overturned, you can expect most of the Bay Area to breath a sigh of relief. If the state supreme court decides to uphold prop 8, you can expect more protests (at the very least) and a few more years before the GLBT community can restore civil rights in California.

Will the few thousand marriages that were legal before prop 8 be considered legal if the ban is upheld? According to City Attorney "those marriage might be allowed to stand."

Be sure to stay with SFist for complete coverage of today's prop 8 ruling. Also, you can watch the ruling live here.

Prop 8 Decision on Tuesday

Brock Keeling — Fri, 22 May 2009 10:27:54 GMT

After much speculation this week, the California State Supreme Court will announce its official decision on Prop 8, the gay marriage ban, on Tuesday, May 26

Here's what will go down the day before the ruling is announced:

7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Interfaith Prayer service at Grace Cathedral (1100 California St). Regardless of your position on same-sex marriage, all are welcome.

Here's what will happen the day of the ruling is announced, which seems to involve an inordinate amount of praying:

8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.: Service/Blessing at St. Francis Lutheran Church (152 Church St, across from Safeway).
9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m.: March from Saint Francis to Civic Center Plaza.
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: California Supreme Court steps (400 McAllister Street) "Everyone is invited to stand with us on the steps to receive the ruling. If you are a couple that married, or wanted to marry and will speak to media, please email your name, contact information, phone number and story to media@marriageequality.org. Please bring your families and allies with you."
10:30 a.m.: Circle of Care at Civic Center Plaza. If, in fact, the prop 8 is upheld, Bay Area clergy and congregants will "engage in nonviolent civil disobedience immediately after receiving the ruling" Visit onestruggleonefight.org for more details.

We're sure there will be more, um, events going on that day, ones that don't involve prayer. We'll keep you up to date on those events as they trickle in.

Volunteers are needed for San Francisco's Day of Decision. Want to help? Then, please contact volunteer coordinator Dolores at d_lorlor101@yahoo.com. They need assistance with peacekeepers, handing out stickers, postcards, and more.

For more information on the Day of Decision, please check out the official Facebook page. And be sure to visit Stop8.org for comprehensive coverage about civil marriage equality in California.

The Eve of Justice: Prop 8 Vigils Planned for Prop. 8 Supreme Court Ruling

Brock Keeling — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:38:41 GMT

Next Wednesday, March 4, vigils all over the country will take place the day before the California Supreme Court hears oral arguments on the validity of Prop 8, the same-sex marriage ban that passed in November. The love of couples and families across California, for lack of a better cliche, hang in the balance. And while many of you are too indie-rock to care about something as jejune marriage or faggotry, this ban, if allowed into the state constitution, splits open Pandora's Box to even more constitutional discrimination in the future.

The official site, EveOfJustice.com, has a handy map of each vigil's location. And right here you can find a map of more locations info and Facebook invites.

On Thursday, the 5th, a big crowd is expected to gather outside courthouse in SF. remember, there will be only one day of arguments. Check out 100000march.org for more info on the SF rally.

Also, Marriage Equality USA is trying to get enough money to set up a jumbotron outside the courthouse, so that the crowds can watch the arguments. They're still a long way off, but if you're in a giving mood, go here to give a few bucks. Please.

It could rain on either of those days, so be sure to plan accordingly. If you simply can't make it to the rally on the day of the hearing or are stuck to work, check out the California Channel for more details.

As always, for further info on all things Prop 8, check out Stop8.org.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Forces State Workers to Take Unpaid 'Vacation' Days

Brock Keeling — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:12:43 GMT

Going against the wishes of state workers' unions that said the governor's plan to save $1.3 billion with unpaid time off was both illegal and unconstitutional, Judge Patrick Marlette ruled this morning that Schwarzenegger can order two furlough days a month. That is to say, Arnold can now force state workers to take days off a month without pay. "The current circumstances constitute an emergency," said Marlette, citing California's budget crisis and lack of funds. The furloughs will start next week. Enjoy your days off. Or not.

BREAKING NEWS: Bernie Ward Gets 7 Years

Brock Keeling — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:36:41 GMT

That's it. Former KGO radio host Bernie Ward gets seven years and three months in the clink for sending child pornography over the Internets. A former Roman Catholic, Ward sent images where "children depicted were as young as 2 or 3 and were subjected to the most horrific torment of their lives," according to CBS 5. Ward initially claimed that his child pornography culling was all part of research for some book, but "the influence of alcohol" has gotten in the way. (What?) The disgraced radio personality will also "participate in an alcohol abuse recovery program."