At Amnesty, we welcome the decision as Proposition 8 challenged our basic human right to be treated equally under the law. In response to the ruling, Amnesty International USA Executive Director Larry Cox issued the following statement:
“The U.S. District Court has sent a clear message on Proposition 8: discrimination by any means is unacceptable. Â This affirms not only equality in civil marriage, but the basic human right to be treated equally under the law, without regard to an individual’s sexual orientation.
“Proposition 8 served only to stigmatize same-sex relationships in ways that can fuel further discrimination. Denying equal civil recognition of same-sex relationships compounds the effects of discrimination and undermines other rights, such as the right to housing or social security. Â Amnesty International welcomes today’s ruling as an affirmation of equality under the law.”