Prop What?

In November 2008 proposition 8 was passed during state elections in California. The proposition, which was passed via ballot proposition, restricted the definition of marriage to strictly the union between members of the opposite sex. Such limitations overturned the California Supreme courts decision that marriage was the constitutional right of same-sex couples.

In reaction to it’s passing, the NOH8 Campaign was born. NOH8 features photographs of protestors against a white background with their mouths taped shut and the words NOH8 printed on their cheek. Created in 2009, the campaign that started with everyday individuals reached Hollywood. Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, FeFe Dobson and Perez Hilton are only a few of the starlets that posed for photographer Adam Bouska.

The campaigns for and against Prop 8 have raised $39.9 million and $43.3 million respectively, making it the highest-funded campaign on any state ballot and surpassing every campaign in the country in spending except the presidential contest

On Wednesday of last week District Judge Vaughn Walker overturned Proposition 8 on the grounds that it was unconstitutional, finally giving justice to the thousands of Same-sex couples who reside in California and beyond. Although an appeal is currently being filed, we can temporarily rejoice in the fact that equality in America is no longer impossibility. And in reality we all win, as admittedly following news of Prop 8’s death Lady Gaga “instantly began to write music”.