Thirty More Groups File Briefs to Overturn California Marriage Ban  | News | Advocate.com

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September 27, 2007
Thirty More Groups File Briefs to Overturn California Marriage Ban

Thirty amicus briefs were filed by several California human rights groups in support of a pending case that would allow same-sex marriage in the state.

During the span of the case, more than 90 groups have filed these friend-of-the-court briefs to lift the ban, asking the state supreme court to apply the 1948 decision that struck down laws banning interracial marriage.

A wide range of organizations contributed to the case, including the state chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Asian Pacific American Legal Center, California Council of Churches, and the California district of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

"We are not treating all Californians equally if some can marry and others cannot," Alice Huffman, president of the California Conference of the NAACP, said in a statement. "The law should protect all people equally, and all Californians should have the choice to marry. I am honored to join other civil rights leaders in calling on our state to end its ban on marriage for lesbian and gay couples."

The California legislature passed a bill earlier this month that would allow same-sex marriage, but Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has vowed to veto it. He has until mid October to finalize his decision. (The Advocate)

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