Boies and Olson Challenge Prop 8

A day after California Supreme Court upheld Prop 8, David Boies and Theodore B. Olson, two prominent lawyers that fought against each other during Bush vs Gore 2000 General Election. Boies represented Al Gore, and Olson represented George Bush. Even though these individuals disagreed in many issues, Boies and Olson agreed that Prop 8 was unconstitutional.

Olson stated,

"[gay marriage] is not something that is a partisan issue. This is something that is a civil rights issue.” (nytimes.com)

In other words, the opposition to Prop 8 is not about being conservative or liberal. Overturning the Prop 8 is about giving equality to same-sex couples, and equality is fundamental rights for every citizen given by the American constitution.

Hence, Olson and Boies filed the lawsuit at Federal Court on behalf of this one same-sex couple. Neither Olson or Boies had personal connection to same-sex couples. However, both individuals were emotionally moved by the story of same-sex couple who are not able to get married after California has passed Prop 8. Reacting to the story, Olson stated,

“If you look into the eyes and hearts of people who are gay and talk to them about this issue, that reinforces in the most powerful way possible the fact that these individuals deserve to be treated equally,” (nytimes.com)

For this reason, Olson and Boies is planning to bring the issue to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Many gay right activists might be thrilled by Olson and Boies intervention, but some are rather annoyed mostly because of the timing of the lawsuits. Currently, the U.S. Supreme Court is leaning toward Conservative. Therefore, there is a high chance that Supreme Court might ban same-sex marriage across the America.

source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/us/28marriage.html?hp

Related Posts:

• California Court Upheld Prop 8
• New Hampshire Legalizes Gay Marriage
• Cheney Reveals His View On Gay Marriage

Get Involved:

• Overturn Prop 8 Campaign
• Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance
  

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Comment By Taka Laka:
This news was totally a surprise to me. As I stated before on article about California Court upholding ban on gay marriage, the best way to overturn Prop 8 is to take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. But I did not expect the movement to happen this quickly. As a supporter for a same-sex marriage, I will hope the best for Boies and Olson.

But like the campaign strategist for same-sex marriage stated, the timing of the lawsuit is concerning me too. If the issue goes all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, and if Boies and Olson loses the case, it will take decades for the activists to undo all the changes.

Either way, we will probably witness the nation wide battle for the same-sex marriage earlier than we have expected.