The Cali Garmo

"This week, the California Supreme Court will hear a case challenging the validity of Proposition 8 -- a ballot initiative that eliminated the existing right of same-sex couples to marry. On Tuesday (March 3) before the court hearing, Dalia Hashad, Amnesty International USA Policy Director on Identity-based Discrimination, released the following statement:"

'"Amnesty International opposes discrimination in civil marriage. But this case is not just about same-sex marriage. It is about the basic human right to be treated equally under the law, without regard to an individual's sexual orientation, race, religion or gender. States should never withhold rights based on minority status. Denying equal civil recognition of same-sex relationships compounds the effects of discrimination, undermines other rights, such as the right to housing or social security and tragically, stigmatizes those relationships in ways that can fuel further discrimination. The message that the court needs to give is clear: allowing discrimination against any group, puts all groups at risk. Discrimination by any means, even majority vote, is unacceptable. The court should put this right by striking down Proposition 8 and affirming equality."

Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 2.2 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied.'

-Amnesty International