Press Release *FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:* *CONTACT: * Anne-Marie Williams Jordan Rustin Coalition 213-618-9468 FAX 323- 822-3831 williams@jordanrustincoalition.org http://www.JordanRustinCoalition.org <http://www.jordanrustincoalition.org/> *Jordan Rustin Coalition Applauds CA Supreme Court Same-Sex Marriage Case Ruling Recognizing "Equal Standing For All"* (Los Angeles, CA, May 15, 2008) Barbara Jordan / Bayard Rustin Coalition (known as the Jordan Rustin Coalition), the primary organization devoted to organizing African Americans for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in Southern California applauds the state's highest court for recognizing the rights of same-sex couples to marry today. Almost exactly 60 years ago in *Perez vs. Sharp,* the California Supreme Court became the first in the nation to recognize that laws against inter-racial marriage offended the principles of fairness and equality present in the state and federal constitutions. Today's equally historic decision is a victory for all Californians who cherish these values. By ruling in favor of the plaintiffs, the Court has made it possible for everyone in California to have the opportunity to marry the person they love, be they couples where the couples are of different races or religions or of the same sex. "What the Court has done is simply recognize that two people in a committed and loving relationship deserve the dignity and support that comes with marriage," said Jordan Rustin Coalition board member Vallerie Wagner. "We applaud the Court for issuing an opinion that ensures that all Californians are treated fairly and equally." As one of our namesakes, former Congresswoman Barbara Jordan said in her keynote address at the 1976 Democratic National Convention, "We believe in equality for all and privileges for none." The California Supreme Court in its ruling today has echoed these sentiments. *ABOUT the Barbara Jordan / Bayard Rustin Coalition* The mission of the Barbara Jordan / Bayard Rustin Coalition (or Jordan Rustin Coalition) is to empower Black same-gender loving, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and families in Greater Los Angeles, to promote equal marriage rights and to advocate for fair treatment of everyone without regard to race, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.