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Campus celebrating marriage ruling on Sproul at noon

By Public Affairs

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A similar rally took place exactly two years ago — June 26, 2013 — when the Supreme Court issued its first history-making rulings on same-sex marriage. Today, Berkeley’s LGBT community and friends will take to the Sproul steps again.

Joyful members of the UC Berkeley community are throwing a party on the Sproul steps today at noon to celebrate this morning’s historic Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in the United States.

A microphone for impromptu speakers and music will be provided. Lavender Cal, the campus organization of LGBT faculty, staff and allies, was spreading the word via email and social media Friday morning.

“My husband called me just after the decision dropped,” said Gar Russell, director of operations at Berkeley Law. “We cheered and wished each other a good day at work. After I hung up, I thought to myself, ‘My marriage to the man I’ve loved for 21 years is now legal from sea to shining sea.’ And I cried a little. This is a huge day.”

Said Caroline Boyden, a web developer in IST (Information Services and Techonology), “Before I decided to propose, more than seven years ago, I was a bit hesitant about marriage. As an institution it comes with a lot of baggage. Then I decided that I *wanted* the baggage. To participate in it and maybe reclaim it a bit. Very happy that today, same-sex couples now have equal rights to baggage!”

People in the campus community are invited to share comments on the ruling and photos using #CalOnMarriageEquality on Twitter. Look for your comments on the NewsCenter later today.