Proposition 8 Ruling Prompts Outpouring Of Political Reaction (PHOTOS)

A federal appeals court ruled on Tuesday that Proposition 8, California's same-sex marriage ban, is unconstitutional and the decision prompted an outpouring of reaction from within the political community.

(Click here for a look back at recent gay rights achievements.)

The AP reports:

A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled 2-1 Tuesday that a lower court judge interpreted the U.S. Constitution correctly in 2010 when he declared the ban, known as Proposition 8, to be a violation of the civil rights of gays and lesbians.

The measure, which passed with 52 percent of the vote in 2008, outlawed same-sex unions just five months after they became legal in the state.

Below, a slideshow of reaction to the Prop 8 ruling.

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Comments

[Americanwoman55]

08:57 PM on 02/10/2012

Why can't people let people be married and live in peace.

[Contact1972]

12:00 PM on 02/12/2012

What would the GOTP run on then?

[Hrover]

12:00 AM on 02/13/2012

Because it bring in the money at churches.

[Americanwoman55]

12:10 PM on 02/13/2012

I guess. Hate brings money to churches. Never thought about that before.

[jerdan25]

08:11 PM on 02/10/2012

I am so happy that my gay friends, family members, and same sex neighbors can legally be married in the eyes of the law. They are the most wonderful, caring loving people I know. God is good and loves us all equally!!

[Contact1972]

12:03 PM on 02/12/2012

I thank you for the support but we will not be equal citizens until DOMA is done away with. Currently even if we marry in any one of the six states plus the District of Columbia we are barred from the 1138 Federal rights and protections.

[Hrover]

12:04 AM on 02/13/2012

Laws are not the same for gays. My social security, if I die will not go to my partner.

[truth be told again]

10:16 AM on 02/09/2012

Since marriage isn't under attack from people wishing to join in it, "protecting" marriage is a lost cause, Mr. Sanctorum.

[truth be told again]

10:14 AM on 02/09/2012

Wow! Even the Log Closet Republicans are on board. Whodathunkit?

[Contact1972]

12:03 PM on 02/12/2012

I wonder what GOProud is going to come up with.

[truth be told again]

10:11 AM on 02/09/2012

Tony Perkins duplicity must also be highlighted:

He speaks of "This Hollywood-funded lawsuit" and wilfully ignores this Mormon- and Catholic-backed battle against equality, liberty and justice for all.

[Contact1972]

12:05 PM on 02/12/2012

OMG my head nearly explodes everytime I hear that man. And why doesn't ANYONE call him on his BS. We want 'special rights'? Really? Shame on MSNBC that gives this guy a voice.

[truth be told again]

10:08 AM on 02/09/2012

Loved that finger-pointing picture of the judgeMENTAList James Dobson who only wants to "Focus" on SOME people's families.

But his spokesthingy's statement is so laughable...

"Opponents of Prop 8 insist on changing the definition of marriage for everyone, including children who deserve the opportunity to grow up in a home with their own married mother and father," Bruce Hausknecht, judicial analyst at Focus on the Family, said in a statement after the ruling."

Not sure how OTHER people's marriages prevent the children of heterosexual couples from "grow[ing] up in a home with their own married mother and father". There's less than ZERO logic in that statement.

What buffoons. May they stew in their hatred.

[truth be told again]

10:02 AM on 02/09/2012

A friendly amendment to Dan Choi's "Love wins" comment: JUSTICE wins.

[truth be told again]

10:01 AM on 02/09/2012

I hope and pray that Newt Gingrinch rots in Hades for his hate and lies.

[Contact1972]

12:05 PM on 02/12/2012

You know what would be even better? Having him have to live in a world with marriage equality.

[Franklin Robinson]

01:32 AM on 02/09/2012

Equal protection under the laws strikes again! Im proud of California.

Did anyone else find it funny that Romney bashed unelected judges and quickly follows by saying he will "appoint" judges to defend the constituition...which blatantly states " nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."

[Contact1972]

12:06 PM on 02/12/2012

Yeah I caught that as well. Contradiction much Mittens?

[Omar The Tentmaker]

09:34 PM on 02/08/2012

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness! It's that simple!

[Nardac]

08:24 PM on 02/08/2012

Day 2. My marriage hasn't been ruined by the gays yet.

[Nardac]

08:21 PM on 02/08/2012

Isn't there something ironical about a Mormon giving lessons about marriage?

[Michael J OConnell]

08:00 PM on 02/08/2012

I laugh at Romney's promise to appoint judges who will uphold the constitution. In case he hasn't read it lately, the constitution is silent on the question of marriage but makes it abundantly clear that everyone has equal rights. So which constitution is he speaking of?

[nevernot]

03:17 PM on 02/08/2012

Why won't Santorum get it over with and come out of the closet. Anyone who spends that much time, effort, and emotion on a subject like this is compensating for something or just plain old deflecting.

[Contact1972]

12:07 PM on 02/12/2012

I know you're probably right but the thought of Frothy Mix on my team makes me ill.

[nobodyzprincess]

09:31 AM on 02/08/2012

The repubs keep saying that rights were stripped away by this decision...but I dont understand how anyones rights were stripped away. The ruling doesn't say that men can't marry women or women can't marry men...that right is just as protected as it ever has been. The only thing that this decision changed was the rights of those who aren't given equal rights. Gays aren't trying to take your rights, they are only asking for equal rights. You lose nothing by giving them something that you already have...FREEDOM to be themselves.

[madisgp]

02:36 PM on 02/08/2012

When they say rights are being stripped away they mean Their right to make the rest of us do as they say. In their minds unless you are white, straight, christian and wealthy you don't deserve any rights.

[Nardac]

08:19 PM on 02/08/2012

Which one of your rights was ever taken away by gays? What did they say that you were made to do? Come back when you've come up with something real.

[deltap4]

10:24 PM on 02/08/2012

Why do the regressives pontificate about rights when it comes to gay marriage or providing birth control to someone, but completely turn their collective backs on women when it comes to their right to choose?