"Proposition 8 serves no purpose and has no effect other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples." And with this final verdict, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals found Proposition 8 unconstitutional.

Proposition 8 was a California constitutional amendment that passed in the November 2008 state elections. Through Proposition 8 same-sex marriages became illegal. Prior to this, however, same-sex marriages in California were legal from May 15, 2008 until Proposition 8 passed. More than 18,000 California same-sex couples obtained marriage licenses and ultimately married in those six months; after the institution of Proposition 8, these 36,000 people were able to still legally claim that they were married. Couples wanting to marry during Proposition 8’s time, however, were unable to obtain marriage license.

Debate over this topic led to several lawsuits. On February 7, 2012 a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel found this proposition to be unconstitutional.

Proposition 8 and, ultimately, the court ruling demonstrate the ongoing controversies over lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights in America. Same-sex marriages have caused disagreements and discussion for many years. While several groups have formed to advocate for same-sex marriages, other groups have also formed to oppose these movements.

High school and college students have formed groups across America to advocate for equal rights and to fight against bullying.

Revere Middle School librarian Kathy Harris holds meetings for the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) that meets at the high school. This group, virtually student-run, advocates for equal rights of people in the LGBT community while also trying to eliminate bullying of people, and especially students, in the LGBT community.

"I was approached in January 2009 by [a student] who had an interest in starting a GSA.　 He needed an adviser for the club and asked me if I was interested.　 [This student] had friends in other high schools that were members of GSAs and felt that RHS [students] could benefit by having one also," Harris said.

Junior Ruth Ackermann has become involved in GSA to help promote equal rights. While the topic of gay rights may seem taboo at times, Ackermann feels that, even through adversity, it is her duty to stand by her beliefs and to fight for what she deems morally correct. She believes that group exists to face obstacles that some students might experience due to their sexual orientations.

"I just feel like it’s not right to just sit here and keep quiet while people’s lives are being ruined. I can’t just sit back and let it happen. . . . Bullying happens a lot in every school, not just ours. We need to send a message that it is not okay to bully people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity," Ackermann said.

Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is a national organization that provides support to LGBT families. Rabbi David Horowitz, the National President of PFLAG, feels that GSAs are vital for the health and safety of LGBT students.

"All minority groups are helped when they have a place to feel accepted by their peers and by those around them," Horowitz said.

These student-led groups advocate treating everyone as equals. The GSA meets about twice a month, and the members discuss how to make the school a more accepting place to be.

"Usually we try to educate people on what it means to be an ally and to stop bullying when we see it," Ackermann said.

Ackermann’s mother Kathy Hayes supports her daughter in her leadership with the group. She feels that the GSA is an important group for students at the school.

"I think it is incredibly　important to have an organization like GSA. . . . Gay　teenagers are　incredibly vulnerable to bullying and are much likelier to attempt suicide than other kids. It is vital that students who are gay or questioning their sexuality know that　not only are there other students who think　they are ok, but who will also stand up for them if others are　harassing them," Hayes said.

Ackermann followed the Proposition 8 controversies; she was excited when it was overturned on February 7.

"We really need to educate more people about this because there are a lot of myths out there. There are a lot of people spreading vicious lies about LGBT people that just aren’t true, and people who are uneducated about these things believe them," Ackermann said.

Brian Jackson attends school at the University of Akron. While he went to high school at Firestone, he previously attended Revere Middle School. Jackson said he experienced bullying during his middle school years, so therefore he transfered. Jackson supports the GSA groups and has even given presentations to the group to show his support.

"I am an active member of the LGBT group at Akron University, and I do show my pride on a regular basis. . . . I spoke to the GSA . . . once, and it went very well, so that’s something I’d love to do at more schools. I would love to go around and just share my story because I feel like it’s one that needs to be heard. If I can save just one life with my story, I would be satisfied," Jackson said.

Jackson thinks that LGBT affiliations and GSA groups present much value to people. He feels that these bring about a support system to people who are in need.

"I would love for these kinds of groups to just be a support system for people. They help people to see that they’re not alone and that they have a safe place to go to. Everyone needs a safe place, and LGBT groups are a great place for that," Jackson said.

Adam Hoover started the Support Gay Marriage in Ohio group on Facebook. He has been advocating for equal rights for years, and he hopes that one day Ohio will legalize gay marriage.

"I would like to see the repeal of the Ohio constitutional amendment banning gay marriage that was passed back in 2004. . . . Our government is out there to protect us. Our government is not like other countries’, we are the land of the free. I don’t think we should stop two loving adults from being able to [marry]," Hoover said.

On March 24 there will be a March for Equality taking place in Cleveland. The organizers of this march hope to engage their allies in stopping hate and intolerance towards LGBT people of all ages.

"The March for Equality is an attempt to raise awareness in the general public about the basic civil rights that are due to all citizens of this country. . . . Organizers of this march want to engage all of their allies in stopping the hate and ignorance aimed at the LGBT community and support the right for all people to marry the person that they love," Harris said.

While same-sex marriage is still a controversial topic in today’s society, supporters of gay marriage have been increasing in number steadily over the past few years. From young students to full-grown adults, people everywhere are becoming involved in these issues to show their support for equality and to fight against bullying that students and others face.