For immediate release:

May 15, 2008, San Francisco, CA. COLAGE is thrilled to celebrate with our community a historic occasion. Today, the California Supreme Court struck down the state's discriminatory marriage laws banning marriage for same-sex couples. This historic decision is a huge victory for all Californians who cherish fairness and opportunity.

As the national movement of children, youth and adults with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer parents, COLAGE intimately knows that children are most able to thrive when their families receive equal respect and protection from individuals and institutions. By recognizing the right of all Californians to be treated equally and fairly under the law, the Supreme Court of California has affirmed the hopes and dreams of our youth and families who wish to marry.

"This decision will be felt deeply by COLAGE's thousands of youth and family members. We applaud the Supreme Court for affirming that equal rights, recognition and protection under the law are what children and families need and deserve," said Beth Teper, adult daughter of a lesbian mother and Executive Director of COLAGE. "We celebrate this milestone for our community and look forward to the day that all families are legally protected and culturally celebrated."

There are community events being held across the state to celebrate our historic victory in our fight for equality and fairness for all. Join COLAGE and the entire community for a Celebration of Love and Family at the event closest to you.

COLAGE also celebrates the dedication and hard work of the National Center of Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal, the ACLU and Equality California as well as the courageous plaintiff couples in the case who led us to this exciting win!