The court will enter its order on the motion to stay judgment pending appeal (docket number 705) in Perry v Schwarzenegger, C09-2292, between 9 am and noon on Thursday, August 12 PDT. The order will be posted on the court’s web page devoted to the Perry case, will be available through PACER and will be available in hard copy at the San Francisco courthouse in the hallway outside the ADR courtroom (16th Floor) and in the Press Room on the 18th Floor.

While rally’s were held and crowds gathered together in the streets across the nation, we were filled with thoughts of wedding cakes, rings and most importantly having the right to marry in the near future. Judge Walker has done something for his community that up until now no other single person has been able to do. He conducted the trial like a finely thought out drama, leaving no end untied.

San Diego has a lot to be proud of and so do the GLBT community, our leaders and allies. This is going to be a long journey and will most likely not be over in 2010, possibly taking us up to 2013. With a ruling on whether the stay will be lifted this week or next, we are then off to the 9th Circuit Court and all we can do is be patient. However, there is a good chance that it will at least stop there temporarily, as the proponents may simply not have any legs to stand on anymore, as made clear by Judge Walker. Both sides are dedicated to seeing this go to The Supreme Court if they lose. With that being said it is even more important to stand up for your rights and the organizations who are working so hard to ensure every person in California and in other states can marry.

Everyone in the whole country who supports gay marriage is counting on California breaking ground for the other states that do not allow gay marriage, sending a clear message that California will protect not only its heterosexual citizens but every citizen. Nothing drove this point home more than Governor Schwarzenegger and the Attorney General calling for the stay to end. Moreover the Attorney General, who is sworn to uphold any law as much as he might oppose it, said that when it comes to this case he will not. This is the same official that vetoed gay marriage the last time it sat on his desk. If that isn’t progress what is!

Governor Schwarzenegger had this to say on the Judge’s decision, “Judge Walker had the great responsibility of deciding whether Proposition 8 violates the Constitution of the United States. He heard in-depth arguments from both sides on fundamental questions of due process, equal protection and freedom from discrimination. There are strong feelings on both sides of this issue, and I am glad that all viewpoints were respected throughout the proceedings. We should also recognize that there will continue to be different points of view in the wake of this decision.

For the hundreds of thousands of Californians in gay and lesbian households who are managing their day-to-day lives, this decision affirms the full legal protections and safeguards I believe everyone deserves. At the same time, it provides an opportunity for all Californians to consider our history of leading the way to the future, and our growing reputation of treating all people and their relationships with equal respect and dignity. Today’s decision is by no means California’s first milestone, nor our last, on America’s road to equality and freedom for all people.”

That is some support. But by no means is he the only supporter. In fact, across the board, we have had the support of well over half of the elected officials. But there is more to do and now is the time to all come together to finally achieve our civil rights.

If you would like to help you can donate time or money to Equality California at http://www.eqca.org, Freedom to Marry at www.freedomtomarry.org, The Harvey Milk Foundation at milkfoundation.org, No on Prop 8 at www.marriageequality.org, NoH8 at www.noh8campaign.com Campaign and The Center www.thecentersd.org to name just a few. Please remember it is not over yet and having come this far we cannot and will not stop here. l