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The Connecticut Supreme Court Legalizes Gay Marriage

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Emphasizing the urgency ofCalifornia's Proposition 8-ProtectMarriage.com, today the Connecticut Supreme Court legalized gay marriage by a narrow margin, 4-3. Close votes also defined gay marriage in the states ofMassachusetts andCalifornia. TheState of Iowa was also scheduled this week to hear arguments on same sex marriage.

In answer to today's decision, the Protect Marriage Coalition and its volunteers are stepping up efforts and continuing their unprecedented grassroots campaign across the state ofCalifornia. This weekend hundreds of thousands of lawn signs will appear on lawns in every community. Church services in some African American ministries will cut their meetings short to allow their members to get out into neighborhoods and post signs. The Protect Marriage campaign is sending its message out on radio and television stations throughout the state and informing voters about the profound consequences Californians will face if traditional marriage laws are not restored.

TwoLos Angeles ministers who have been strong advocates for Proposition 8 Protect Marriage spoke out today onConnecticut's court decision.

Pastor Dudley Rutherford of Shepherd of the Hills Church inLos Angeles:

"What's happening inConnecticut and in other parts of the U.S. is a travesty and a tragedy for our young people and future generations. What happens inCalifornia sweeps across the country. On November 4th when we make this stand, the country will know that Californians stand for marriage as it has been known through all generations," said Reverend Dudley Rutherford.

Pastor Ed Smith of Zoe Christian Fellowship Church, a predominantly African American congregation, ofWhittier:

"I am very disappointed in what I heard today withConnecticut legalizing gay marriage. Our crisis in our government as well as in our economic system is a result of a moral failure and that is why now more than ever we need Proposition 8 and the strength of marriage, families and protections for children."

Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell, responding to the decision, said today that she personally disagreed with the court.

"I do not believe their voice reflects the majority of the people ofConnecticut."

To contact Pastor Rutherford: (818) 831-5137

To contact Pastor Smith: (562) 299-3566

CONTACT: Chip White, 916-446-2956,Northern California & Sacramento Press Office

Sonja Eddings Brown, 818-993-4508, inLos Angeles orSouthern California

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To contact Pastor Smith: (562) 299-3566

SOURCE ProtectMarriage.com