NFL's Ayanbadejo and Kluwe File SCOTUS Briefs Opposing Prop 8

Very nice. Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo and Minneapolis Vikings punter Chris Kluwe are perhaps two of our strongest straight allies in the fight for equality. The two pro football players are among the hundreds of legislators, politicians, employers and government agencies who submitted briefs to the Supreme Court opposing Proposition 8. The Obama Administration has also submitted an amicus brief.

The brief reads in part:

"In short, just as application of the labels “gay” and “queer” in derogation indicate that one class of people is inferior, deprival of the label and status “married” equally indicates that the class is inferior. Even a fifth grader knows that words have very serious meaning, and even a fifth grader can see that the proponents of Proposition 8 provide no reasoned, evidence-based rationale for taking away that label and that all-important status. In America, there truly is no freedom until we’re equal."

And:

"When we advance the idea that some people should be treated differently because of who they are, demeaned in public as lesser beings, not worthy of the same rights and benefits as others despite their actions as good citizens and neighbors, then we deny them equal protection under the laws. America has walked this path before, and courageous people and the Court brought us to the right result. We urge the Court to repeat those actions here."

The brief can be read HERE.

On March 26, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the challenges to California's Proposition 8, the voter-approved same-sex marriage ban passed in November 2008. The court will also hear a challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act. DOMA oral arguments begin March 27.

Brendon Ayanbadejo announced that he would leverage his appearance at the Super Bowl into a platform for equality. Looks like he has more than delivered. Kluwe has also been a strong supporter for equality and was a vocal advocate in the successful fight against Minnesota's proposed marriage amendment.

Brendon Ayanbadejo Coverage on R20:
Ayanabdejo to Speak Out for Equality at Super Bowl [EBONY]
Brendon Ayanbadejo Models Nipple Rings on the Field
Ravens LB Brendon Ayanbadejo Supports Marriage Equality
WaPo on Brendon Ayanbadejo's Support for Gay Marriage
Ravens LB Ayanbadejo for Maryland Marriage Equality
Ayanbadejo: "Being Gay is No Big Deal"

Comments

[vince]

Proves you don't have to be gay to be pro equality. Thanks gentlemen