Photo /

The Haas, Jr. Fund has been a leader in the fight for equal marriage rights and other protections for gays and lesbians.

Gay and lesbian Americans are asking for basic freedoms available to others, including the freedom to marry the person they love.

In May 2008, the California Supreme Court overturned the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, making it legal for gay and lesbian couples to marry.

The first wedding, performed by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, took place on June 15 at 5:01pm, bringing together long-term partners and lesbian activists Del Martin and Phylis Lyon. Del Martin passed away several months after their wedding.

Beginning on June 16, 2008, more than 18,000 same-sex couples were married across the state.

San Francisco City Hall was crowded with newlyweds and their families and friends, who celebrated the joyous new marriages.

In November 2008, California voters approved Proposition 8, denying same-sex couples the right to marry in the state. Prop 8 was upheld by the California Supreme Court in May 2009.

The approval of Prop 8 was an obvious setback for the movement for equal marriage rights.

Gays and lesbians and their families deserve the right to marry, raise a family, and live in a place where they are welcomed as neighbors and as equal participants in community life.

The movement for equal marriage rights has gained momentum in recent months with victories in other states.

The Haas, Jr. Fund is continuing to work to support equal marriage rights.

Public education is key to making progress on this issue.

Working with our partners at the local, state and national levels, the Haas, Jr. Fund is planning ahead for the day when all Californians can share in the right to marry the person they love.