Thousands gathered outside of the U.S. Supreme Court on March 26 to protest or support California’s Proposition 8 law, which restricts same-sex marriage in that state.
While people of both opinions spent the day rallying outside the courthouse, the overwhelming majority seemed opposed to the proposition, according to Corey Koppel, a freshman in the School of Communication who identifies as a member of the LGBT community.
Koppel, who attended the rally on his own, said he felt supported and appreciated by the strangers around him.
“Everyone was extremely friendly and loving,” Koppel said. “Many people carried signs in favor of same-sex marriage, all of which made me feel loved by individuals I did not even know…[it was] one of the most loving days in Washington, D.C.,” Koppel said.
Proposition 8 is in question as the Supreme Court hears the case of Hollingsworth vs. Perry, a lawsuit that contends Proposition 8 denies gay couples of their 14th Amendment right to equality under the law.
The White House filed an “amicus curiae” letter, also known as a “friend of the court brief,” with the court in late February, suggesting justices uphold lower courts rulings that found Proposition 8 to be unconstitutional based on the 14th Amendment.
Supporters of Proposition 8, however, believe the law is a state matter and that marriage should remain between a man and a woman.
However, Supreme Court justices consider themselves to be on shaky ground, describing the case as being in “uncharted waters,” according to The Washington Post.
Steven Haderer, a freshman in SOC, attended the rally following his internship on Capitol Hill and urged those who did not attend to embrace the idea of marriage equality as well.
“Marriage equality and the LGBT movement are happening, and those who are trying to stop it really don’t have a full understanding of the United States government,” Haderer said.
sgaber@theeagleonline.com
