DOMA Gone, Gay Marriage In California To Stay, And A Moment Of Silence For Harvey Milk

     The Supreme Court has just struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), ruling that it is unconstitutional for the federal government to discriminate between straight and same sex couples.  This is a broad sweeping decision that will allow gay couples that are married to have equal recognition by the federal government and access to the same federal benefits that straight married couples have .  In the proposition 8 case, the Supreme Court ruled that the plaintiff, simply being a voter in California, has no standing to appeal the broad decision handed down by a state court which reinstated gay marriage in California.  We have reason to believe that Justice Kennedy would be willing to join a 5-4 decision to strike down discrimination between straight and same sex couples at the state level, were such a case to be brought before the Supreme Court.  I remain hopeful.  I'm proud to have been a part of this movement and to witness history.  I can't help but think of Harvey Milk.  I suggest that each of us remember why this happened.  It is because of people like Harvey Milk who agitated for homosexuals to stand up and be recognized.  He argued that when the gay community comes out that society changes, that when they know you it is harder for them to discriminate against you.  Sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends, co-workers, and many others who let their families and communities know who they were made this possible.  It was Harvey Milk and those who followed him and stood up who made this day possible.  It is up to them and the rest of us to keep this conversation moving towards equality under the law.

“All men are created equal. No matter how hard they try, they can never erase those words. That is what America is about.”                                       -Harvey Milk

 Justice Kennedy, four other justices, all of those who came out, and those of us who fought for their cause have written our words within democracy.  I watched as the news broke and wept tears of gratitude for Harvey Milk and the hope he gave us, a man who lost his life in the service of this cause.  I think it is poetic that today had direct ramifications for the state in which he fought so hard to make a difference.  I have to go my phone is blowing up with texts.

Thanks Harvey.