On the night before the California Supreme Court hears oral arguments concerning Proposition 8, thousands of demonstrators gathered in candlelight vigils across the state.
In Los Angeles, the “Eve of Justice” was marked by several hundred people, who gathered at the Mexican-style plaza at the southern end of historic Olvera Street downtown.
Wednesday’s vigils were an effort to “light the way” for the justices as they prepared to deliberate on the fate of same-sex marriage in California, speakers at the L.A. event said.
Three separate lawsuits were filed to overturn the proposition, which passed in November and amended the state constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman.
At the Olvera Street vigil, newly re-elected Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa performed recommitment ceremonies for several couples who married between May and November 2008.
After a series of musical performances, two of the co-founders of the Equal Roots Coalition, an all-youth LGBTQ movement, led the crowd in a pledge by candlelight.
“I pledge to remain steadfast in our united fight for universal equality under the law,” Sara Pollara said.
Chris Smith repeated her words with the crowd: “When the Supreme Court overturns Proposition 8, I pledge to protect the justices from any backlash, as they will have protected me and my loved ones.”
The two also echoed the crowd in their encouragement to keep fighting for gay rights even if the Supreme Court does not rule in their favor.
After the pledge, organizers led the crowd on a march southwest on Main Street, past Los Angeles City Hall.
There, Rabbi Denise Eger and the Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas spoke briefly.
“People of faith are not the enemy!” Eger said through a bullhorn, citing the large number of religious groups that filed briefs of amicus curiae in favor of overturning Proposition 8.
The seven justices will hear oral arguments beginning at 9 a.m. A decision is due in 90 days.
Listen to the oral arguments live at www.calchannel.com. The cases will be heard from 9 a.m. to noon.