Shirley Tan, a California mom who was nearly deported in April because her  same-sex partner could not legally sponsor her for citizenship, has been invited to testify by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) in the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) hearings starting June 3. If passed, UAFA would extend same-sex couples the same immigration rights enjoyed by married couples, creating a legal path to citizenship.

Tan’s partner Jay Mercado and their twin sons will make the trip to Washington with their lawyer Melanie Nathan. From Nathan’s blog:

When I spoke to  Jay today, she said that the family is very honored and extremely excited to go to DC for this historic hearing.  They are looking forward to a visit to their representatives offices, Rep Jackie Speier and Senator Feinstein, especially to thank all the staffers who worked so hard to help them.

Shirley ’s ultimate ability to stay in the USA will depend on passage of  the Uniting of American Families Act. Shirley and Jay’s trip to DC will be sponsored by Immigration Equality,  who were great to work with when negotiating the details of the family’s participation.  Shirley and the family have stated that they will do everything they can to assist in getting UAFA passed.

Nathan will have extensive coverage the hearings on her blog as will we at inlookout.com. There will also be a live webcast of the hearings starting at 10am EST on June 3.

For background on their story, please watch the video below which aired just prior to Tan’s stay of deportation:

To the disdain of of many pro-marriage equality groups, Theodore B. Olson and David Boies who argued Bush v. Gore back in 2000, are challenging Proposition 8 on the grounds the ruling creates a class of “second-class citizens” thereby violating the the U.S. Constitution. Representing two same-sex couples under the newly founded American Foundation for Equal Rights, the legal odd couple will fight Proposition 8 all the way to the Supreme Court. Video from today’s press conference.

Pro marriage equality groups are concerned that if the battle for same-sex marriage reaches the Supreme Court, a ruling in our favor is unlikely considering the conservative-leaning makeup of the court, possibly setting the movement back years. Others suspect that there is conspiracy at work on behalf of the Right to derail the same-sex marriage movement entirely by pushing same-sex marriage into the Supreme Court before gaining enough public support and before the Court is ready to rule favorably.

It will be a light posting day here at inlookout.com as we wrap our heads around today’s terrible ruling. While my marriage may have been saved, I’d rather not be a part of a special group that has rights while others do not.

Here are few more pictures from today’s rally outside the California Supreme Court…

So tell me who… who is the divisive little @#!$ carrying the GAY = PERVERT sign in the first and last photo? While I certainly disagreed with all of the “pro” Prop 8 signs… at least they were civil and not disrespectful unlike THAT ONE.

The California Supreme Court in a 6-1 ruling has decided to uphold Proposition 8 which amends the California Constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage. The 18,000 same-sex marriages performed prior to the election will remain valid however despite the ruling as most analysts expected. It’s unclear if the marriage equality victories in Iowa and several New England states had any impact on the Court’s decision.

The earliest Prop 8 can now be overturned is 2010 or 2012 provided a ballot initiative is introduced that ultimately strikes down the amendment.

There are several events throughout the country this evening to protest the Court’s decision. Please visit the Day of Decision website for a complete list of cities and events.

Photos from today’s ruling outside the California Supreme Court: