ERA Celebrates Defeat of Proposition 8

“We stand firmly and proudly at the cusp of a tidal wave of progress toward our Constitutional ideal of equality for all.” – Arcelia Hurtado, Executive Director

Judge Vaughn Walker’s courageous decision in Perry v. Schwarzenegger to overturn Proposition 8 as unconstitutional signals a fundamental shift in the national understanding of same-sex marriage. In the decision, Judge Walker wrote, “Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license. The evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite sex couples are superior to same-sex couples.”

“All women, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, have the fundamental right to marry the person of their choosing”, said Hurtado. “Proposition 8 singled out certain women and denied us this right. With the help of this decision, we stand firmly at the cusp of a tidal wave of progress toward our Constitutional ideal of equality for all.”

ERA was among the organizations that petitioned the California Supreme Court to invalidate Proposition 8 because of its potentially disastrous implications for women and other groups that face discrimination.

Today, we simultaneously rejoice with our colleagues as we prepare to defend the cherished principles of equality for all that are enshrined in this decision and make them a reality for all people.

In Memoriam

The ERA family was profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of Joannie Chiung-Yue Chang on July 31, 2010. Joannie was a treasured part of the ERA family. She joined us as the Ruth Chance Law Fellow in 1996 and 1997 where she educated women about the importance of affirmative action. We were fortunate to continue to work with Joannie while she at the Asian Law Caucus and beyond on ground-breaking civil rights issues, including the passage of California's Paid Family Act, the first paid family leave law in the country.

Managing Attorney Noreen Farrell remarked, “What struck me immediately about Joannie was her unique combination of qualities that made her a trusted leader in the civil rights community,” said Managing Attorney Noreen Farrell. “She had an obvious and dogged passion for justice for the poor and disenfranchised that was an inspiration to all of us. Joannie was also an incredibly kind and gentle soul. She could be counted upon for thoughtfulness and strategic thinking when it was needed most for our work. We will continue the fight for social justice in Joannie's honor, but she will be sorely missed."

Co-workers from her year at ERA, including former Executive Director Irma D. Herrera, recalled her love for her dog, Jack, who often joined Joannie at the ERA office, and the wonderful baked goods—a trademark quality—that she readily shared with others. Her commitment to social justice extended beyond the workplace. Through participation in multiple AIDSRides, Joannie raised awareness and money for those living with HIV and AIDS.

ERA extends its deepest sympathies to her family. Her many friends, ERA staff among them, will continue to work for equality in her memory.

If you would like to make a donation in her memory, please visit this site.

Equal Rights Advocates is a nonprofit legal organization dedicated to protecting and expanding economic and educational access and opportunities for women and girls.

Until equality is secured for all

Real progress has been made in recent decades toward securing equal rights for women. But women and girls continue to face unfair practices and policies in many workplaces and schools. Women in minimum wage jobs, women of color, and immigrant women are often among the most affected by this discrimination, which comes in many forms. Women are denied equal rights when they are:

• Paid less than men for the same or comparable work
• Denied promotions and training opportunities
• Shut out of high paying jobs and occupations
• Subjected to sexual harassment
• Penalized for taking time off to care for their families

ERA works to eliminate these forms of gender discrimination so all women can realize their full potential.

Advice and Counseling Hotline

Free, discreet, individualized advice is available if you are facing:

• Sex discrimination
• Sexual harassment at work or at school
• Pregnancy discrimination
• Problems with family/medical leave

If you have a question about your legal rights, call the Hotline, or review ERA’s Know Your Rights brochures for information on the legal aspects of your situation.