Prop 8 Ruled Unconstitutional - The Moment

[ehealthy222]

Does anyone know the name of that red-headed girl?

I've seen her in another video during the State Supreme Court ruling in 2008.

[Xeditati]

i absolutely love the main lady. she's so crazy and happy :D

[SeanChapin1]

@Xeditati, her name is Molly McKay, and she is among the most wonderful people I have met :D.

[SeanChapin1]

@RebRebel1, with respect to your comment ("f---ots should be shot..."), I sincerely believe that hatred isn't just evil; it is tragic. I hope that one day you come around. For now, as I keep my comment board toward open and respectful conversation, your comment has been deleted, and you have been blocked from this channel.

[xexixk]

@SeanChapin1 I wonder if RebRebel1 is aware that several studies have been done that show when homophobic men and non-homophobic straight men are show images and films of gay porn the homophobic men have a very high rate of sexual arousal whereas the non-homophobic men have a very low rate of sexual arousal. I think he needs to look inside of himself and deal with his own issues, b/c there is something in himself that he hates or fears.

[carlasue88]

what a joyful moment!

[hoppetosse8]

congratulations!!! congratulations!!! I feel with you - this is so great! One step forward - I hope one day all gay people everywhere on earth will have the same rights as straight people! <3 :) I cried when I herd about you.... Lots of love from Germany! :)

[xobear]

This is the perfect video to feature on my channel page to celebrate.

[u3q2v]

Great video Sean as always! I'm glad you were able to capture such an epic historical moment, and it's cool that these kind of events are out there and can be seen on a mass level.

[lithiumhoney]

I was watching the live stream of this from my office at work in southern Cali - I wish I could have been there with you. A beautiful victory - my love to you all! Stay strong, we're not quite done yet - but we'll get there!

[inasexymood]

Oh, Prop H8...

[PiPikachu206]

Its about time. Yay.

[lapizzaloca]

Yay! Was about time :D

[jsagers2008]

The people of California voted against gay marriage and politicians stepped on them. Wow way to go guys! It seems the only intolerant people are lgbt couples.

[SeanChapin1]

@jsagers2008, to paraphrase Barney Frank, "on what planet do you spend most of your time?" Prop 8 showed the intolerance of those who voted to take away gay civil rights that would have done nothing to them, and no, those people did not get stepped on, the courts concluded that this proposition is a violation of the US Constitution. Do you hate gay people, or do you think this is all a joke?

[jsagers2008]

@SeanChapin1 , just because I do not agree with gay marriage, does not mean I hate gay people. Prop 8 was allowed on the ballot and people voted on it. There is even pro-gay marriage people that are outraged by this. Overturning prop 8 is in essence saying your vote does not matter. People wanted marriage to be protected, they did not want it become something it wasn't intended to be.

[SeanChapin1]

@jsagers2008, it is this apparent extreme ideology of deciding on the rights of a suspect minority that makes the United States of today almost as ominous as the ideology and resulting prejudice that permeated throughout Germany in the early 1930's, and if it wasn't for the intelligence of our American youth, I might start to worry. To be frank (or Barney Frank), "trying to have a conversation with you would be like trying to argue with a dining room table... I have no interest in doing it."

[hoppetosse8]

@SeanChapin1 I totally agree on this. Basic rights can't be up for debate. What happened in our country (Germany) led to a new form of democracy afterwards and plebiscites are very seldom in general (I haven't witnesses any in my entire life of more than 40years).

[u3q2v]

@jsagers2008

You may not hate gay people, but actions speak louder than words

I can sort of agree that Prop 8 getting overturned was saying the vote for it didn't matter. That's the point. If discriminatory legislation has been voted for by a hateful, political, or just plain uneducated population, then justice demands that those unethical opinions are marginalized. Would you take a racist seriously? If "the people" are bigots, then that just means a lot of opinions need to be overturned

[TimmYayhooray]

@jsagers2008 That´s the dumbest claim I´ve ever heard.

[PeterFormaini]

@jsagers2008 Perhaps you should bone up on the difference between a REPUBLIC and a DEMOCRACY. Apparently you skipped that week in grammar school.

[abrashTX]

@jsagers2008 Have you never heard of the phrase "the tyranny of the majority"? No one has the right to vote on whether another person's marriage is legitimate. I wouldn't want the residents of my state to vote on whether my marriage is real or not. Hell, 150 years ago, perhaps the majority of Americans would have voted to keep slavery, but that wouldn't have made it right.

[u3q2v]

@jsagers2008

Um yeah, the I'm a poor victim stance, "EVERYBODY ELSE is intolerant not meeeeeee" stance is played out and transparent. In any vote, "the people" consists of those who vote for or against, not just the eventual winners of a vote. Plenty of people got "stepped on" when Prop 8 was passed, but you didn't care. In fact, you've already concluded "the people" are only the narrow majority that got it passed in the first place. You betray your own selfish thinking and ignorance.

[LaReinaDelBarrio]

@jsagers2008 Intolerant is one thing, jsagers20089. Raping your kids and beating them and aborting them is the STRAIGHT way and YOUR way. I hope you catch fire and that it hurts, really fucking hurts!!!!

[LaReinaDelBarrio]

Its great if we can marry but it doesn't change the fact that Barney Frank and all gay men rolled every transsexual and drag queen and crossdresser under the bus with the ENDA bill. So you gay men are next on our list!!

[abrashTX]

Thanks for sharing this emotional moment with us. It seems to me that Prop 8 may prove to be a blessing in disguise for civil rights--This ruling thoroughly shows that there are NO sound legal arguments against gay marriage and sets a very powerful precedent against discrimination.

[SeanChapin1]

@abrashTX, if you ask me, a massive blessing from Prop 8 is how it galvanized so many people to help push our LGBT civil rights movement forward, including me. And you're absolutely right, there are no sound legal arguments against gay marriage.

[abrashTX]

@SeanChapin1 ITA, Sean. It is sad that so many homophobes are showing up to leave ignorant, hateful comments on a video showing people's joy at being recognized as actual human beings.

[SeanChapin1]

@notsaved2011, I do not tolerate profane and disrespectful comment on my videos such as yours ("f*g"). You have been blocked from my channel, and this comment has been deleted.

[jfitguru08]

7 million votes just cast aside like voters mean nothing. They are all screaming with joy while their own liberties are going down the toilet with marxist ways.

[SeanChapin1]

@jfitguru08, the United States is a constitutional republic, and that means that our fundamental civil rights are set in stone and can not be voted upon to take them away from others. It is not a matter of the meaningfulness of the voters, it is a matter of violating the US Constitution. With all due respect, your comment appears to paint you as ignorant to this issue.

[mistifers]

Aww I cried. Yay for human rights!

[jfitguru08]

@mistifers and should have weeped for loss of democracy.

[SeanChapin1]

@jfitguru08, though I've already mentioned this, again, our form of government is a constitutional republic, and our US and state constitutions are the supreme law of the land - this is different from a pure democracy. At this point, I am curious to know if you hate gay people.

[zerackid]

hopefully they don't get marry in church or i swear i go to Mosque for the rest of my life , they can change the government but not or bible .

[maverick9026]

@zerackid they have changed the bible.  thousands of times.

[mistifers]

@zerackid Ever heard of the separation of church and state? It means that religion has no place in the government. Just as all people should be free to worship their own god (or worship none at all), all people should be free to marry a partner of their choice.

[zerackid]

@mistifers atually one of my friends is gay and i thing they are ok , the only thing that i'm against it is gay people trying to change our church's and bibles which are thousand's years old .

[waterisgood555]

I like how there's so many ignorant comments from BOTH sides. Learn about what you're talking about before you go crazy.

[SeanChapin1]

@waterisgood555, what are your thoughts about Prop 8?

[waterisgood555]

@SeanChapin1 Against it. Not going to debate about it over YouTube though.

[GinnyinCO]

Having read Amendment 14 several times this week, I just verified that the actual wording in it is

"life, liberty, or property"

I think the Judge did himself (and all of us) proud.

[tnichlsn]

we used this in WGLB Sean, great job! Thanks!!

[SeanChapin1]

@tnichlsn, I'm very honored :^). I started reading the column this morning, can't wait to finish it when I get a chance this afternoon, so far it's outstanding! What an amazing week it has been for us!!

[humanrightslover1]

Beautiful!

Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who has worked so hard on defending and supporting the rights of all! Hope that the nonsense that may follow is over in a flash.

Hope that the USA catches up SOON to the other progressive countries in the world who offer equal rights to ALL. I am so thankful to live in Canada, where same-sex marriage is protected by law, and same-sex partners are given the same legal benefits as hetero partners.

Again: WOOHOO and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

[ThatDailyWoWGamer]

While i am against gay marriage as i believe that it is wrong because i am Christian (Hate if you want to, i could give a shit less), It is unconstitutional to ban it, and i love my country and respect it, therefore i love and respect it's constitution, and everyone else that lives in the US should too......

[SeanChapin1]

@ThatDailyWoWGamer, thank you for your comment. I hope that as times marches on more of us can agree to disagree, live and let others live, and build bridges above our differences towards treating each other with dignity and respect.

[TotalBlank]

@ThatDailyWoWGamer your against it because your christian? stupid comments like that is why i hate religion.

[ThatDailyWoWGamer]

@TotalBlank Like i said, hate if you want too, i'm against it because of my religion, but i support the ruling because i love my country, no need to bash me or my religion because i am agreeing with the video...

[abrashTX]

@ThatDailyWoWGamer With all due respect, Christianity does NOT require you to oppose gay marriage--despite what you have heard from misguided ministers. I suggest you look into the documentary "For the Bible Tells Me So" . You may be surprised.

[KiKiandYoAh]

YESSS!!!!!!!

[daffyman32]

So its been illegal to to have gay marriages??? since 2008 so now its legal or is there going to be another voting of prop 8???

[kthankxbye]

The mormon church can suck it.

[Huriachan]

love wins :)

[yobuddave78]

Great job Sean, we got the news here in germany and it was such an emotional night. Wish i could have been back home with everyone.

[Bellita1]

This is Great Now My Wife and I can marry our femal partner. Legalize Poligamy NOW.

[ganglynerdalways]

This made me cry tears of joy.

[KingVikram]

Is there a better sight to see than when people get their rights back? Not in my book. I hope they change it all over USA and give the LGBT community their birth rights back.

[dallywinstonfan101]

Sooner rather than later, gay bashers will become the minority, and then we'll see whose waving the flag. This is such a huge step for the entire country. No matter what, we'll keep fighting. Let's show the world what a recovery really means for America!

[SeanChapin1]

@dallywinstonfan101, I have been getting a lot of hateful comments in the last two days, and I wonder if this is a sign that those against the LGBT community realize that their stance is losing more and more public support with each passing gain that the LGBT community achieves. It means to me that we're doing something right :).

[dallywinstonfan101]

@SeanChapin1 I'm not surprised. Everyone can tell who is winning and who is losing. Even if the score is 43 to 7, I have a great feeling that in a few years time, heros like Judge Vaughn Walker will pop up a lot more. We just gotta stay headstrong. Even though this is a great victory, the fight is far from over. =D

[humanrightslover1]

@SeanChapin1

I believe that hatefulness speaks of fear in those who are expressing the hate -- that fear has to be based on something, so you may well be right :-)

Those of you who are "fighting the fight" are truly inspiring. I do my miniscule part in my own way from way up here in Canada and try to keep informed about what is going on down there, and keep my teenagers and loved ones informed.

[xXMrGreenEyes24Xx]

Wow first day of school and good news all in one day yesterday was great.

[uyd]

Judge Vaughn Walker, through the application of sound logic and legal reasoning, has proven himself to be an AMERICAN HERO!!!!!

[wonderwhaz797]

Marriage from the dictionary

noun

1 the formal union of a man and a woman, typically recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife.

• A SIMILAR RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARTNERS OF THE SAME SEX.

• a relationship between married people or the period for which it lasts : a happy marriage.

Note to mental midgets: Actually look up a word in a dictionary.

[smariot]

@wonderwhaz797 I found it surprising the number of dictionaries that explicitly define marriage as between a man and a woman or husband and wife, but a few were liberal enough to generalize it to 'people'.

Now I need to find one that defines it as between consenting beings, so I can marry a space alien. Not that I have any specific alien in mind, or even want to get married, but it's always good to keep your options open.

What, why are you looking at me like that?

[progrockcoffee]

@smariot Na'vi? :D

[sorrysonofa]

@smariot cuz... could you maybe introduce me to an alien? :D

[dgvelkgrove]

Thanks for this video! I'm so happy..I wish i was in san francisco to witness all this. I'm coming back to the city this MOnday.. Hope the celebrations continue til then! Congratulations to us all!

[MrPointyarrow]

WHAT IS PROP 8

[DanceInYourRoom]

@MrPointyarrow Something to keep people busy from thinking about their kids dying in Afghanistan :-)

[MrPointyarrow]

@DanceInYourRoom youre pants are on fire, liar

[SeanChapin1]

@MrPointyarrow, Proposition 8 is a ballot proposition and California state constitutional amendment passed in the November 2008 to eliminate the right to same-sex marriage for all gay couples in the state (the CA Supreme Court granted this right in May that year). Yesterday, Federal court judge Vaughn Walker overturned Proposition 8 as unconstitutional, and we all celebrated. This video shows those in San Francisco finding out about the judge's ruling.

[MrPointyarrow]

@SeanChapin1 thanks thats good news. people should be able to love who they want straight or gay

[sssteve72]

@MrPointyarrow It was an attempt to preserve at a government level of the definition of what Marriage is as one man and one woman. Basically the definition that has always been used since the beginning of time.

[SeanChapin1]

@sssteve72, I'm not sure if we are looking at the same history, as I understand that same-sex marriage existed and were allowed during the Greek and Roman empires centuries ago.  And besides, what is relevant to government law is not definitions but the law of our constitution which guarantees the equal civil rights to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Frankly, the way Prop 8 tries to "preserve" your definition of marriage is a direct threat to the very heart of our Constitution.

[sssteve72]

@SeanChapin1 In regards to the Greek or Roman empires I am refering to what is defined as the "traditional" marriage and was viewed as such by those respective empires. Tradition by nature comes from the past or also the origin as I would say, further I think there is a difference between allowed and supported. I don't memorize the constitution but the phrase life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness is from the Declaration of Independence not the Constitution of the United States of America.

[SeanChapin1]

@sssteve72, thanks for the clarification. I would go so far as to say "legal" than "allowed. Also, the rights to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness is found in the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, and this clause was referenced by Judge Vaughn Walker in his Prop 8 decision (as well as the due process clause).

[sssteve72]

@SeanChapin1 Thanks for the note on the 14th Amendment. I would note that it only refers to life and liberty not the pursuit of happiness unless the version I refereneced was noted wrong. I'm not sure I would agree with the term "legal". To the best of my knowledge and just as today if you could find someone to marry you they didn't show up in force to stop it. But from a government/legal level it was not recognized legally as a marriage. Do you see that it was legally recognized by law?

[SeanChapin1]

@sssteve72, you're right - it's life, liberty and property (not pursuit of happiness), thanks for the catch. When you said that there is a difference between allowed and supported, what I meant was that I see it as a difference between legal and supported. Assuming Prop 8 is not appealed (which it is), same-sex marriage would be legal in California, joining 5 other states and DC, and many other countries (Argentina, South Africa, Spain, California, Sweden, etc.)

[sssteve72]

@SeanChapin1 So what is the purpose of a legally recognized marriage or I will say gay marriage in your opinion?

[SeanChapin1]

@sssteve72, you could also include the question of what is the purpose of a legally recognized straight marriage, as I find this and your question to be one and the same. To me, the purpose of legally recognized marriage in general is to afford legal protections to committed couples and their families.

[longbluefingers]

being a straight female, I know I've never had to experience a horror of not being able to legally marry a person I love, but I imagine it must e a hell.

I'm so happy for all you guys!! This world is becomming a better place!

[bearchewtoy75]

Wasn't there one marriage license given to a same sex couple before the temporary stay was issued?

[SeanChapin1]

@bearchewtoy75, I know that a couple we know tried to get one (I made a video that posted after this one).

[X69RunescapeCool69X]

California just got a little sunnier!

[Clemburke1111]

Suck it baby jesus! We WON!!!!!

[danielleoh]

@Clemburke1111 what?? you think jesus was against this?? i love jesus and i'm not against this. i'm all for equality. hurray!

[Clemburke1111]

@danielleoh New Flash according to Christian folklore Jessus and god are one in he same and The Christian god hated and advocated the death of all homosexuals.

[danielleoh]

@Clemburke1111 Thanks for the sarcasm. What you're referring to is in the Old Testament, which involves a lot of dissecting and interpretation. The New Testament offers a message of Christ's love. There are also some conflicting interpretations there too. Anyways.

[Clemburke1111]

@danielleoh Oh so we get to get rid of those old pesky ten comandments ,,,in the Old Testement?

[Clemburke1111]

@danielleoh Daniel ,,I though God was perfect and unchanging, if so why does he change is mind so often? Hmmmmmm, makes me ponder.

[danielleoh]

@Clemburke1111 He doesn't change his mind. And which of the 10 Commandments condemns homosexuality, hm?

[Clemburke1111]

@danielleoh The 10 comandments are in the old testement,,My question is should we or should we still use them????Just answer the question, The 10 commandments make zero sense as it,,they are rediculous!

[gilgameshismist]

@Clemburke1111

He even refers to the old 10 commandments, not the V2.0 presented in exodus 34

(You really have to check that passage! it is hilarious!)

[Clemburke1111]

@gilgameshismist Christians never study their own book,,its really sad.

[gilgameshismist]

@Clemburke1111

Reading the bible was what opened my eyes and made me into an atheist.

[Clemburke1111]

@gilgameshismist I was lucky I was raised by an Atheist,,and grew up in whacky Cocoa Beach Fl

[wonderwhaz797]

@gilgameshismist LOL That was a great comment! LOL What better way to become an atheist. Right on.

[gilgameshismist]

@wonderwhaz797

Thanks,

Feel free to check my channel and listen to/view the short vids I mixed last week.

I could use some feedback for improving future ones.

Regards!

[danielleoh]

@Clemburke1111 Stop making generalizations...

[Clemburke1111]

@danielleoh what generalzation?

[humanrightslover1]

@danielleoh

Here is the United Church of Canada's statement about same-sex marriage (it's our country's largest Protestant church):

ww.united-church.ca/communicat­ions/news/releases/050201

[danielleoh]

@humanrightslover1 that link doesn't work.

[humanrightslover1]

sorry about that! It will work if you copy and paste it, then take out the weird characters that appear -for some unknown reason, all by themselves OR try to open a new window and type the URL in. It will work.

Here's a short quotation from the beginning:

"Marriage will be enhanced, not diminished, religious freedom will be protected, not threatened, and Canadian society will be strengthened, not weakened, as a result of this legislation," says the Rev. Dr. Jim Sinclair, General Secretary

[danielleoh]

@humanrightslover1 I must say I agree with that statement. I believe that marriage should be completely taken out of the government's hands though. Everyone should have equal rights, and marriage should be given to the churches.

[humanrightslover1]

@danielleoh

In Canada, our laws grant equal rights to *all* based on our Charter, and churches/religious organisations are free to perform (or not perform) marriages as they want to. Nobody is forced to perform marriages, but citizens' rights are nevertheless protected, and there are religious organisations that wholeheartedly embrace equal rights when it comes to marriage :-) . I, and the majority of Canadians, think it's a win-win situation for our society.

[danielleoh]

@humanrightslover1 I wish the USA would jump on that boat!!

[amateurrevolutionary]

One little victory.

[dallywinstonfan101]

@amateurrevolutionary It may be little in size, but it's massive in scope. This is only the beginning. Soon, more people with power will have come up on our side. =D

[paulahare2]

thank you form MINNEAPOLIS MN.

[RayOtani]

Thank you for sharing this historic moment for those of us who couldn't be there! :)

[millenniumtree]

This is the most beautiful thing I've seen in years!

[JonathanSwiftUK]

So great to see people happy at just the prospect of being equal. *wipes tear from eye* :-)

[taroliw]

This is amazing, and I'm glad you captured this moment in time Sean!

[bagelboi66]

Congratulations California on this historic ruling. I am thrilled for you!

[gyllenhaalic105]

SO SO SO SO SO much excitement from South Dakota here!!

[depfox]

Man I wish I had been there Sean :O(

[SeanChapin1]

@depfox, I wish you and the entire Leffew family were there, and it felt emptier that you all weren't there. Hope you can make the future rallies.

[ThumpercubAZ]

hello from phx az

HOW ARE YOU