Proposition 8 here in California was approved by the voters in the 2008 elections and was found to be unconstitutional by Judge Vaughn Walker in 2010, because it violates both the Due Process and the Equal Protection provisions of the U. S. Constitution.

The measure added a new provision, Section 7.5 of the Declaration of Rights, to the California Constitution, which provides that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." Overnight, 1.5 million GLBTQ Californians were made second class citizens.

As a result of a motion by the Defense, the testimony was sealed and all that was released was the Judge's ruling. But thanks to FOIA, the entire transcript is available.

It makes for fascinating theater. Just using excerpts from the transcripts, a play called "8" has been written. The play is being staged all over the country in little theaters, big stages, church halls, etc., performed by amateur and professionals, church and community people.

It is particularly riveting when you realize that these were the actual words spoken, for the most part, not dramatizations. When you listen to the Defense side of the questioning, you can easily understand why they wanted the actual testimony suppressed.

I saw the play last night, and enjoyed it thoroughly. Highly recommended. The words speak for themselves.

The Supreme Court of the United States is expected to rule on Prop 8 this week.