WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Since its incorporation in 1984, the City of West Hollywood has been one of the most ardent advocates for the legal rights of same-sex couples and the right to marry. Tonight the members of the West Hollywood City Council will join with other leaders from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) community to celebrate the California Supreme Court’s historic ruling today which grants same-sex couples in California the right to marry. The celebration will take place tonight (Thursday, May 15, 2008) at 7 p.m. at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and San Vicente Boulevard in West Hollywood.
The City of West Hollywood was one of the first cities in the country to pass a resolution in support of same-sex marriage. The City, along with a number of other cities in California, filed an amicus brief in the case in support of same sex-marriage rights. The City of West Hollywood is known throughout the world for its pioneering efforts on behalf of LGBT civil rights and established one of the first domestic partnership laws in the country in 1985.
The following are comments from members of the West Hollywood City Council on today’s California Supreme Court’s ruling in support of same-sex marriage:
West Hollywood Mayor Jeffrey Prang: “This is a historic day, not only for California, for but the nation,” said West Hollywood Mayor Jeffrey Prang. “With this decision, the LGBT community can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel in our civil rights movement, at which equal opportunity and full civil rights will be extended. We still have many challenges ahead, including a November ballot measure by the foes of equality. However, Californians and the American people continue to demonstrate, more and more, their fundamental belief in fairness to all people, no matter their status,” he continued.
West Hollywood Mayor Pro Tempore Abbe Land: “We are overjoyed at the Court’s ruling,” said Mayor Pro Tem Abbe Land. “The City of West Hollywood has long been an advocate for marriage equality, and we’re thrilled that so many of our residents who have been in loving and committed relationships, in many cases for decades, will finally be afforded the dignity and support that comes with marriage,” she continued.
West Hollywood Councilmember John Duran: “This is a historic day for all Californians as we witness the notion of equality under the law expand,” said West Hollywood Councilmember John Duran who also serves as statewide President of Equality California. “Why would any government attempt to prevent two persons in love from marrying and making a lifetime commitment?” he continued.
West Hollywood Councilmember Sal Guarriello: “This decision by the California Supreme Court is a giant step for the LGBT community and the rest of us who support same-sex marriage. Congratulations to all who worked so hard to make this happen,” said West Hollywood Councilmember Sal Guarriello.
West Hollywood Councilmember John Heilman: “This is a historic day for the LGBT community,” said West Hollywood Councilmember John Heilman. “Not just with respect to marriage, but because the California Supreme Court has recognized us as fully entitled to all of the rights that everyone else takes for granted,” he continued.
