Plaintiffs challenging Proposition 8 in Perry v. Schwarzenegger have filed a letter with the Ninth Circuit today asking the federal appellate court to deny the defense's request for an en banc appeal.

We have plenty of reasons for which to thank the American Foundation for Equal Rights and the brave couples fighting for equality this year (and fingers crossed we'll have even more reason to thank them in 2012!). Follow the jump for a special Thanksgiving message from AFER and the couples serving as plaintiffs in the Prop 8 suit.

Updated Wednesday, 3:10 p.m. EST

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has denied a request from Prop 8 plaintiffs to resume marriage equality in the state. Follow the jump to read the American Foundation For Equal Rights has to say in response to the decision.