Molly Ivins wrote, "It is possible to read the history of this country as one long struggle to extend the liberties established in our Constitution to everyone in America."

History may one day recognize the August 4, 2010 Perry vs. Swartzenegger ruling in the US District Court for the Northern District of California...

...as a crucial step in that struggle.  

The ruling overturns "Proposition 8," a successful 2008 California Ballot Initiative to amend the "Declaration of Rights," Article I of the California State Constitution, by adding a new section stating, "Only marriage between a man and a woman is recognized in California" (page 2).  The court ruled Proposition 8 unconstitutional because "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." (page 137).

Although this ruling clearly appears as a victory for human and civil rights, the fact that so many Californians would vote against the civil rights that found our nation is unfortunate and suggests that many Americans remain unfamiliar with not only America's Constitution and its Amendments, but also the system of government and freedoms they advance.

Useful Links

United States Constitution

Fifth Amendment

Fourteenth Amendment

California Constitution

Article 1, Declaration of Rights

Groff Schroeder

Vice President

Freethinkers of Colorado Springs

August 10, 2010