Prop 8 Ruled Unconstitutional – A Milestone for Gay Marriage and Civil Rights

Chief U.S. Judge Vaughn Walker’s recent ruling signaled a significant milestone in our collective efforts to protect civil rights for all. Judge Walker deemed that the legislation unduly targeted a class of people and attempted to justify discrimination against them by stripping same-sex couples of the right to marry. Social justice is a core value of The San Francisco Foundation, and as such, we are uplifted by this important ruling and the possibilities for closing the gaps of disparity and enhancing the quality of life for all. This is a momentous point in the ongoing effort The San Francisco Foundation is proud to be a small part of, together with the vast community support from plaintiffs Kristin Perry, Sandra Steir, Paul Katami, and Jeffrey Zarrillo, the Equality for All Campaign, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, all of you who made your voices heard.

To read Judge Walker's complete ruling, click here to download the PDF.

In November 2008, The San Francisco Foundation decided that Proposition 8 directly challenged our values and principles, including valuing diversity and equality in all of our actions. Our Board of Trustees, along with our senior leadership, unanimously supported this direction and action in recognition of the gravity of the issue and the potential assault on civil rights.

We recognize that not all of our donors, partners, and other members of the Foundation’s community may share our position on this issue. We value the Bay Area’s diversity, and we respect that people may have different opinions on this issue.