Integrity Press Release on Prop 8 Court Decision

"Today is a great day for all who believe that the protections in the US Constitution extend to all Americans,” said Louise Brooks, Integrity's Director of Communications and a resident of California who worked on the No on Prop 8 campaign. Here is a brief summary of Judge Walker's decision: 'Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license. Indeed, the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite-sex couples are superior to same-sex couples. Because California has no interest in discriminating against gay men and lesbians, and because Proposition 8 prevents California from fulfilling its constitutional obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis, the court concludes that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional.'"

" This is not our final victory. The arc of history bends toward justice and we are one step closer today. Still, there is much work left to do. The victory today in California did not happen without religious communities putting their faith into action, stepping out of their pews and into the streets, witnessing to friends, neighbors and foes alike.

"Integrity is committed to the same principle within the Episcopal Church. Our 'Believe Out Loud' campaign is aimed at increasing acceptance and support of LGBT persons, not only on the national level, but also in dioceses and parishes as well. We have been holding BOL workshops across the country to resource attendees to changes hearts and minds and votes. Now is the time to Believe Out Loud wherever your parish finds itself on its journey of faith. Nothing short of full inclusion is good enough for Jesus or for us. "