Fwd: Prop. 8 News: George Clooney, Appeals Court Timing & More

In This Issue:   Court of Appeals set to Rule on Prop. 8 The American Lawyer Honors AFER's Legal Team "8" across the Country George Clooney to Star in "8" West Coast Premiere Volunteer with AFER 2012 is off to a promising start with AFER's federal Prop. 8 challenge back on the fast track. The new year also marks the launch of our newest national program. In addition to its West Coast premiere starring George Clooney on March 3, AFER and Broadway Impact are bringing Dustin Lance Black's incredible new play "8" to communities across the country to spark understanding and action for marriage equality. Based on the actual transcripts of the historic Prop. 8 federal trial, "8" gives an intimate look at the legal and personal arguments for equality—and the baseless assertions used to justify discrimination. The play will continue to show Americans—one by one—that prejudice and fear cannot stand up to truth and justice.  Try as they might, the anti-marriage proponents of Proposition 8 cannot hide their discriminatory arguments from the American people. This is just the beginning of what we will accomplish this year. Please take a few moments to read the January update of our work here at AFER. Until every citizen can equally enjoy the freedom to marry, AFER will continue to fight in the courts of law and the court of public opinion—and we will win. Sincerely, Chad H. Griffin Board President American Foundation for Equal Rights ___________________________________________________________________ Court of Appeals set to Rule on Prop. 8 AFER's federal challenge to Prop. 8 is back on the fast track. The anti-marriage forces appealed the historic Federal District Court decision that overturned Prop. 8 and now the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to rule at any moment. Be the first to know. Get breaking updates from AFER, the sole sponsor of the federal challenge to Prop. 8. Sign up > Spread the word. Make sure your friends and family know what is happening with Prop. 8. ___________________________________________________________________ "Best of the Year"  The American Lawyer Honors AFER's Legal Team The lead attorneys and law firms representing the plaintiffs in Perry v. Brown, AFER's landmark federal lawsuit challenging California's Proposition 8, were awarded "Litigator of the Year" and "Litigation Department of the Year" by The American Lawyer. Read more >      ___________________________________________________________________ "8" across the Country With more locations being added each day, so far over 40 local colleges and community theaters across the nation will perform "8" this year to spur understanding, dialogue and action for marriage equality nationwide. The new play by Academy Award-winning screenwriter and AFER boardmember Dustin Lance Black is an unprecedented account of AFER's landmark challenge to Prop. 8 and is based on the actual court transcripts, media interviews, and first-hand observations. Read the Associated Press exclusive announcement > Check out the map of upcoming performances > If you are a college group or community theater, sign up to stage a reading > ___________________________________________________________________ George Clooney to Star in "8" West Coast Premiere Academy Award-winning actor George Clooney will star in the West Coast premiere of "8" on March 3. The one-night-only, all-star benefit reading at the historic Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles will raise critical funds for AFER's lawsuit challenging Prop. 8 and the effort to win full marriage equality for all. Be sure to follow "8" on Facebook and Twitter for more cast announcements this week. Read more > Event and ticket information > ___________________________________________________________________ Volunteer with AFER Lend a hand for marriage equality! AFER could use your help at special events in the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas. Sign up to volunteer > American Foundation for Equal Rights ©2011|  Stay Connected

nonprofit software