Though Californians and
people across the country await the state supreme court's
decision on same-sex marriage, several activists are asking
people not to simply wait around but to come together and make
their voices heard.
If all goes according
to plan, people will gather in protest or celebration on the
Day of Decision, when California's supreme court rules
whether to uphold or strike down a marriage ban that voters
narrowly approved in November. The demonstration, spearheaded
by Robin Tyler and Andy Thayer, will likely mirror the same
events that followed the 2003 U.S. Supreme Court ruling for
Lawrence v. Texas,
which decriminalized gay sex between consenting
adults. The demonstrations in 2003 were in 50 cities across the
country.
"By organizing
now, we are also sending a message to the court that people are
watching what they do, and that if it's a bad decision, our
community will not go softly into the night," said Thayer,
cofounder of Chicago's Gay Liberation Network. "We
will react with a justified anger at one of the worst, and most
cowardly court decisions of our era. If we win, these actions
will be celebrations and an attempt to push the momentum of a
California victory to other states and regions."
The court is required
to rule within 90 days to reject or uphold Proposition
8, the measure rescinding the same court's ruling
from last May that allowed 18,000 gay and lesbian
couples to marry in California. There will be 24 hours'
notice before the ruling is released.
To stay up-to-date on
the events or to organize one in your city, visit
DayofDecision.org
.