The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 on Feb. 9 that California’s Proposition 8 was unconstitutional.
In the 2008 general election, Proposition 8 was passed, which banned same-sex marriage, leaving some Californians excited and some upset.
Since then, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community has been struggling and pushing for equal rights.
Because of the appeal of Proposition 8, the LGBT community is another step closer to equal rights and many people are in favor of the decision.
“I think it’s great that Prop. 8 got overturned because I have family who wants to get married who couldn’t before but can now,” said Monique Reveles, a medical administration major.
Gov. Brown said in a statement that he agrees with the court’s decision.
“The court has rendered a powerful affirmation of the right of same-sex couples to marry,” Brown said. “I applaud the wisdom and courage of this decision.”
Idrese Baskerville, a 20-year-old psychology major, said that the overturning of Proposition 8 will have a positive effect on society because it shows that people can be comfortable in public, and it will give them a “sense of acceptance.”
However, some students are against the overturning of Proposition 8, such as Cathy Chao, a 19-year-old early childhood education major. Chao said that marriage should stay between a man and a woman because it is stated in the Bible.
“I have nothing against gay people,” Chao said. “I have some gay friends, but it’s what I believe.”
One of the arguments in favor of Proposition 8 is that gay marriage will have a negative effect on children.
“I don’t think that gay marriages will affect children,” said Devin Munn, a 21-year-old computer science major. “It’s the parents who will affect and influence their children.”
History professor Jason Newman predicts that those who are against gay marriage will continue to fight the issue.
“What will happen next is that those who are pledged against gay marriage will take the case to the Supreme Court,” said Newman in one of his recent lectures. “So it won’t be a vote by the people. It will be a Supreme Court decision.”