As you know, from time to time I can’t resist passing along to you, whole cloth, the emails I get in my inbox from folks like Kate Kendell.  So, here’s her missive summing up yesterday’s historic closing arguments in the Prop 8 trial, and NCLR’s coverage of it. You can find this whole thing also on her blog at NCLR, Out for Justice. I wasn’t able to be outside the courtroom or at the press conference afterward, and was only able to piece together events of the day toward the close of it, via her (and a raft of other smart people’s) live Tweets. Very compelling stuff.  (Some gems of hers here, here, and here. “SO” being short for “sexual orientation.” And Cooper’s the pro-Prop 8 attorney, by the way. Not his finest day in court, by all accounts. Nic Nolte baked out of his brains and his hair straggling in 360 directions — picture the mug shot! — would probably have done a better job. Not like I’m complaining.)
My favorite, probably, among so much news of that day: both Boies and Olson said, in the press conference afterward, that this has been “the most important case of their lives.” Â Yes, that Boies and Olson. The they fought over who got to be the 43rd President of the United States Boies and Olson.
Many have said — history has shown — that the brilliance of the reasoning on behalf of justice is not what determines whether and when it is administered. True enough. But damn, it’s nice to hear how hammer-loud and how clarion-clear its bell was rung yesterday.
Dear LD,
Yesterday we heard compelling closing arguments in Perry v. Schwarzenegger, the federal challenge to Proposition 8. NCLR was in the courtroom live-tweeting, making sure that you shared this historical moment with us. During the trial we gave you daily analysis of the testimony, and today you can read our analysis of closing arguments on Pam’s House Blend.
I was in the courtroom and had the honor of watching this highly-skilled legal team in action. This trial has been a truly historic moment for our community. It is the first time a federal court has heard, first hand, from real live witnesses, about the harm that the denial of marriage equality causes same-sex couples and their families every day. It is also the first time a federal court has heard the arguments in favor of marriage equality presented live in court by an array of internationally renowned scholars who are truly experts in their respective fields. Check out my vlog on yesterday’s closing arguments, which were as powerful as the testimony heard at the trial.
Judge Walker will announce his ruling soon, and as we’ve been there for you during the trial, NCLR will be with you at the end to discuss what the ruling means for our community and our fight for equality. I am so excited to announce our newest benefit to NCLR members: a members-only live chat with NCLR attorneys on the day of ruling where you can discuss the results with our legal experts.
If you’re not yet an NCLR member (membership starts at just $40), I hope you’ll join today—not only will you not want to miss this important web chat, but NCLR couldn’t do what we do without the support of donors just like you. We couldn’t have live-tweeted this entire trial without the support of our donors. And you can trust that your support will be put to use right away to fight for equality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and families.
No matter what happens next, this was a landmark moment in history. I hope you will continue to stand with us as the next chapter unfolds.
In Solidarity,
Kate Kendell
Executive Director, NCLR
P.S. If you’re already a member, the day before the ruling, I’ll send you an email with your registration information and all the pertinent instructions so you can get your questions about the trial answered by our attorneys. I am so glad we are able to offer this new benefit to you—this is one small way we can say, “thank you!†for your vital support.
