California's Prop 8 Ruled Unconstitutional. Texans Must Stand Up for Equality Here at Home.

Rallies Today in Major Texas Cities

AUSTIN, Texas (August 4, 2010) – Equality Texas celebrates today’s ruling by U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker which found California’s Proposition 8 unconstitutional. Today’s ruling affirms that the law cannot treat people differently based upon their sexual orientation and that a majority cannot strip a minority group of its fundamental rights. Today’s ruling is a victory for same-sex couples and their families who simply want the dignity and security of having the same freedom to marry as others, as well as for all Americans who believe in our nation’s bedrock principle of justice for all. Despite the ruling, the case is expected to be appealed to a higher court.

Equality Texas Executive Director Dennis Coleman says, “As we stand in solidarity with Californians, we must remember that our work is far from over. The laws in Texas are not similar to California. Existing law here allows for systematic discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Texans every single day. There is much work to be done legislatively to change the laws in Texas. And in order to change the laws, we must elect public officials who will support equal treatment under the law for every Texan.” More information about Equality Texas’ legislative lobbying and advocacy can be found at www.EqualityTexas.org

Equality Texas is supporting rallies today organized by Equality Across America Texas Regional Network. Rallies will be held at Austin City Hall at 5:30 p.m.; at the Legacy of Love Monument in Dallas at 6:00 p.m.; at Houston City Hall at 6:00 p.m.; and at San Antonio City Hall at 6:30p.m.. More information about the rallies is available at www.eaatexas.org

As a non-partisan organization with more than two decades of rich history, Equality Texas has established itself as a policy and advocacy authority at the Texas Capitol and across the state. Equality Texas has achieved bipartisan support while accomplishing a strong legislative agenda. The organization works for inclusive policies at the state and local level.