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The West Hollywood Decision Day rally certainly had a more tame feel than those that covered these same streets a year ago. But with tame also came celebration!
Aside from some politicos, celebs, activists and a thousand or so attendees, the stars of the rally were the very people responsible for the historic case in the first place: Plaintiffs Kris Perry & Sandy Stier, Paul Katami & Jeff Zarrillo; and (pretty fucking awesome) lawyers David Boies and Ted Olson.
*Plaintiffs Kris & Sandy
The crew jumped on a plane after spending the early afternoon in San Francisco for the decision and each one of them addressed the crowd. The four plaintiffs each echoed what the case and fight is all about at the end of the day: their desire (and right!) to love and the desire for the love to be honored by the government. Their stories were emotional, heartfelt and beautifully simple.
The crowd gave both Olson and Boies thunderous applause as each lawyer spent a good chunk of time sharing their thoughts on the case, the judge’s ruling, and, particularly for Boies, what the experience has meant to them.
“This has been the most satisfying case of my career,” Boies said to a great reaction.
“They [the defense] was forced to admit they had no evidence. No evidence what so ever!” Boies said. “It’s kind of an absurd idea that two people who are in love are going to decide not to get married because their gay neighbor can…and today the court found that!”
Olson touched on the vast amount of change he believes the public has gone through in just the last year and a half: “I’m convinced people would vote differently today. Minds have changed and hearts have changed and it’s because people like you.”
Another telling moment from Olson came while recounting what the judge’s ruling meant to him, stating that it was the most conscious example of justice in America in the 45 years that he’s been in law. “The man took this seriously,” Olson said, referring to Judge Walker.
He summed up his take by reiterating the point that every person in America should read the judge’s actual ruling in the case.
*Plaintiffs Paul & Jeff
A recurring theme was pride in America, seen both in the large number of American flags (many wrapped with Pride flags) and in the numerous times speakers pointed out their renewed sense in America.
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