NBJC Celebrates California Same-Gender Marriages
WASHINGTON DC --Today same-gender marriages become legal in the state of California. NBJC proudly celebrates this monumental and historic day for civil rights and we congratulate gay and lesbian couples along with their families, supporters and allies as they prepare for their wedding ceremonies.
Today is also a day of reflection. Americans have come so far in her quest to create a more perfect union. Yet our journey is not complete.
Gay Californians will join lesbian and gay couples from across the nation in pledging to love, honor and cherish one another. However many couples will return home still strangers under the law in their home states.
Although it may be tempting to sue in those states, your employer or the federal government once you've been married in California, we ask that you instead refrain from taking those actions. The fastest way to win the freedom to marry throughout America is by getting marriage through state courts (to show that fairness requires it) and state legislatures (to show that people support it).
Pushing the federal government before we have a critical mass of states recognizing same gender relationships or suing in states where the courts aren't ready is likely to get us bad rulings. And bad rulings will make it much more difficult for us to win marriage, and will certainly make it take much longer.
NBJC Partners with California Conference of the NAACP
Newlyweds benefit from the support of family, friends, colleagues and neighbors. That is why NBJC has partnered with the California Conference of the NAACP to build support within African American communities.
As we take this leap forward we pledge to stand shoulder to shoulder with our families until we are truly one nation. NBJC is your voice. With your support we will live the promise of liberty, justice and equality for all.
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