UPDATE: THE COURAGE CAMPAIGN REPORTS THAT THEY COLLECTED 51,2444 65,634 SIGNATURES AS PART OF THEIR DRIVE TO ASK JUDGE WALKER TO ALLOW THE TRIAL TO BE TELEVISED. GO HERE TO ADD YOUR NAME. WE WILL BE SENDING THIS BLOG AND ALL THE COMMENTS IN TO THE JUDGE, AS WELL. 
As Ted Johnson at Variety’s WilshireandWashington.com reported earlier – US District Court Judge Vaughn Walker received so many letters for and against broadcasting the Jan. 11 federal challenge to Prop 8 that he decided to hold a hearing on the issue. That hearing is set for Wednesday in San Francisco.
The legal team of Ted Olson and David Boies support opening the courtroom to a pool TV camera (operated by In Session TV, formerly Court TV) – while Prop 8 supporters argue against it. HOW they argued against it set me off since they suggest that any pro-Prop 8 witnesses would be subject to possible harassment and intimidation if their faces were broadcast. I noted that gays have been the ones who’ve suffered actual hate crimes in the post-Prop 8 era.
Meanwhile, the court decided to ask for public comment and the Prop 8 proponents are reaching out to antigay supporters nationwide via Focus on the Family’s newsletter, CitizenLink.org. Here’s their story:
“Public Can Weigh in on Marriage Debate in California
The federal judge overseeing a challenge to California’s marriage protection amendment is suggesting opening the court room to TV cameras. The court is seeking public comments on the proposal. Comments must be in by Friday.
The Proposition 8 trial is set to begin Jan. 11. Following a short public-comment period – only five business days – the battle could bring a circus-like atmosphere. Chief Judge Vaughn Walker is considering allowing video cameras in the courtroom.
Ron Prentice, executive director of Protectmarriage.com, is concerned Walker’s decision could cause problems for proponents of Prop. 8 who have already come under attack.
“Intimidation and harassment will continue,” Prentice said. “And, those who are put on the stand or are seen in the courtroom may very well be recognized and further intimidation or harassment may continue.”
California voters approved Prop. 8 in the November election. It defines marriage as between a man and a woman. Opponents are challenging the constitutionality of the amendment.
The trial is expected to last between two and three weeks.”
Letters from LGBTs, allies and transparency advocates are needed, too. Comments are due Friday and should be sent to:
Hon. Phyllis Hamilton
Chair of the Rules Committee
United States Courthouse
1301 Clay Street
Oakland, CA 94612
Hon. Vaughn Walker
Chief Judge
United States Courthouse
450 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
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Yes, this trial should be shown on television. It affects the fundamental rights of a large group of Americans. This is about equal rights for people who pay the same taxes as those who are heterosexual. If you tax the same, you should get the same rights.
Thank you.
It should definitely be shown on television. No matter the outcome, we will be able to have an idea of how the decision is reached. It could make it easier for us to understand the process.
I def. think it SHOULD be televised to show the Bigotry & Devisiveness of this whole Issue – that in and Of itself, shouldnt even be an issue…Equality should be An America RIGHT!
Freedom of Information Act. Those of us whose future is affected by this court case and those of us who just want to see history made as concerned citizens have a constitutional right to hear and watch the live event in California’s Supreme Court and see what our judiciaries determine to be just.
Of course it should be televised. What do the Pro-8 supporters have to hide? Oh wait, lies, perceptions of old archaic stereotypes, fear mongering (should I REALLY continue?)
I agree with the above comments, this case involves an outcome that concerns much more than just a mere 10% of Americans. California’s corny method of “adjusting and amending” the state’s constitution, (i.e. a majority voting on a minority’s rights), should never have happened. It was a sad dark day in the Golden State.
I honestly believe love will prevail, and fear mongering on the side of the pro-8 teams will be revealed for what it is: bigotry.
I agree that this case should be open to all. As stated above we are equal enough to pay taxes and serve on jurys we should be able to watch how something as important as this since our lives are affected by it.
Here is what I sent:
Re: Challenge of Proposition 8, Should be Open To the Public
Please open the court proceedings on Proposition 8 to the public. The public can only benefit by learning the back ground and motives of everyone involved with Proposition 8. The argument that the pro-Proposition 8 side would be in danger is unfounded. It is true their views will be public and will have to face their friends and family members who might find their comments hateful, but there is absolutely no evidence that they would be in any danger.
Those people who tend to be racist or bigoted like to hide in the shadows, they don’t want people to see who they really are. Not because they are afraid of violence, but because they are afraid of friends and family members pushing them away and distancing themselves from such hate.
Peer pressure has its place in society and one of those places is keeping extremism from becoming more than just a nuisance. If people are embarrassed by their values, maybe they need to reevaluate their values.
Make the proceedings public.
Sincerely,
Of course something this important and controversial should be televised. I’ve posted a link to this page on our twitter page: http://www.twitter.com/EyeOnWeho for the benefit of our followers.
Please open the court proceedings on Proposition 8 to the public. The public can only benefit by learning the back ground and motives of everyone involved with Proposition 8. The argument that the pro-Proposition 8 side would be in danger is unfounded. It is true their views will be public and will have to face their friends and family members who might find their comments hateful, but there is absolutely no evidence that they would be in any danger.
Those people who tend to be racist or bigoted like to hide in the shadows, they don’t want people to see who they really are. Not because they are afraid of violence, but because they are afraid of friends and family members pushing them away and distancing themselves from such hate.
Peer pressure has its place in society and one of those places is keeping extremism from becoming more than just a nuisance. If people are embarrassed by their values, maybe they need to reevaluate their values.
Make the proceedings public.
Sincerely,
Marc de la Garaza
Since this trial concerns the taking away of Constitutional rights of a specific minority it should be televised .It would be important for all to hear why the Constitutional rights of a specific minority should be taken away.
The Prop 8 trail should be televised. What are Prop 8 supporters afraid of? It’s telling that they would rather proceed behind closed doors.
Please telvise this trial!!! I want to see it unfold!!!
I believe the trial should be televised. Proposition 8 supporters have used their religious beliefs to pass the bill. They also lied in advertising for Prop 8. The Mormon church & the Roman Catholic church encouraged their followers to support this bill. By passing Proposition 8, they repressed the rights of many taxpaying GLBT Americans.
Whatever happened to the constitutional separation of church & state?
As a California taxpayer (& gay man) who is affected by Prop 8, I have the right to know what is going on with this case.
Please review the false advertising used by the Prop 8 campaign. I will never understand why it is legal to lie in promotional advertising for candidates or for the passage of a bill, such as Prop 8. For the sake of country, this should not be allowed to continue. The public has a right to hear the truth.
YES! Please televise this trial. Justice has a better chance in the light. The issue before the court is a no-brainer. Some citizens have rights that other citizens do not. That’s where it begins and ends. Fix this miscarriage of justice, and let there be no shadows, no deals, no politics nor religion involved. Let us see, on the TV screen, an end to the Prop8 mockery of our US constitution.
I pay the same tax as my sister and her husband. They and their kids want me the same right also and all want to watch on TV out in the open when they talk about our rights equally. Thank you for putting it on TV.
Re: Challenge of Proposition 8, Should be Open To the Public
I believe that on the issue of Proposition 8, the court proceedings should be open to the public. Since this trial concerns the taking away of Constitutional rights of a specific minority it should be televised. It is important for all to hear why the Constitutional rights of a specific minority should be taken away.
Televise this. Both sides should be shown, giving their arguments, warts and all. I’m convinced that rational people will prevail and will start the ball rolling toward LGBT equality. A Democratic Republic should encourage open discussion on important issues. Anything less endangers our Republic.
The best way to inform the public on issues like Proposition 8 is to televise from the court room with the facts. Watching democracy in action is needed for everyone.
Yes it absolutely should be televised!! Only reason not to, would be to hide some truths.
Nothing to hide??? Then televise!!
Courage Campaign has a website which I presume they willl use to forward the comments on to Judge Walker…
http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/s/TeleviseTheTrial
As an attorney and advocate for equal access to marriage to any who seek that right, I would welcome the opportunity to view this important trial. Please open the courtroom via a public service TV hookup that does not proselytize or do more than let the courtroom be seen by all.
Yes we need to have video/TV coverage of this issue. If they are going take a stand against my rights I want to see their faces as they do it!!!!
[...] marriage to opposite-sex couples.” Federal Prop 8 trial judge Vaughn Walker is also seeking public comment on televising it. Olson and Boies support the broadcast of the trial while Prop 8 backers [...]
Don’t even THINK about televising these hearings and turning this trial into a media circus! How DARE you allow these witnesses to be subjected to intimidation and harrassment like this! I know about that because my name STILL appears on half a dozen so-called ‘hate’ websites because I donated to support Prop 8. I won’t even tell you the disgusting harrassment I was subjected to at my own home because I had a ‘Yes on 8′ sign in the window! These witnesses, based on my own personal past experience, WILL definitely face harrassment and there will be attempts to intimidate them. This is completely unconscionable! Besides that, this broadcast was supposed to be a litle pilot project. How DARE Judge Walker, who seems only to want his own personal 15 minutes of fame – use this on what is arguably one if the most important cases ever to come before him! He needs to get a clue that this is totally outrageous and stop this immediately!
Well, Karen Grube – I’m glad you feel comfortable enough to leave your comment here.
I am not holding my breath over overturn of illegal Prop 8—- still no Habeus Corpus for Guantanamo detaines- 2 dozen captured as children(by scumbag lying Northern Alliance/warlords for USA bounty) their parents wait w/baited breath for their humanatarian release—USA constitution a nirvanic document never in the history of the country fully and correctly implemented.Who are the real terrorists??? If constitution correctly implemented then Bush,Cheney,Rice and co. would be clapped in irons and handed over to the Hague to stand trial for war crimes…. ahhh sweet dreams…
Ms Grube ,How dare Judge Walker uphold the US Constitution(hopefully!)How dare you spew your unconstitutional hate on this site. In my relativly short time on this earth I have found that my all abiding respect and love for a man that was all about love,compassion and inclusion(Christ) does not extend to most of his psuedo-followers who have somehow managed to twist a message about love into twisted vengeful and judgmental hate.
Yes, the proceedings should be seen on TV. What are the Anti-Gay Marriage groups afraid of? Perhaps the truth.