Californians to celebrate #LoveWins decision with rallies, parties

Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia, right, the city's first openly gay mayor, prepares to raise a Rainbow Pride Flag over the Civic Plaza in response to the Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage.

June 26, 2015 12:34 PM PT

The landmark ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry was met with cheers and joy in California, where gay marriage was already legal.

Celebrations have been planned across the state to mark Friday’s historic decision. Here’s some that have been scheduled:

Los Angeles County

--West Hollywood will host a Decision Day celebration rally at 6 p.m. Festivities will begin at West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd., where dozens of community organizations and LGBT leaders plan to gather.

“Today is a proud moment in our nation’s history,” Mayor Lindsey P. Horvath said in a statement. “Marriage equality is now the law of the land, bestowing upon all couples the legal benefits and protections afforded by our government. We celebrate this important victory for LGBT rights as we continue the struggle for full equality among all people.”

For more information, call West Hollywood City Hall at (323) 848-6400.

--In Long Beach, hundreds of people will gather at the Civic Center at 5:30 p.m. The LGBTQ Center Long Beach is hosting the rally in the plaza of the Long Beach Civic Center, off Broadway just outside City Call.

At noon, Mayor Robert Garcia raised a rainbow pride flag over the Civic Plaza in downtown Long Beach.

Garcia, who is gay, said in a statement that he “could not be more proud of our country today. Love won, freedom won, and equality won. Millions of Americans -- including myself and my long time partner -- will finally be treated equally under the law.”

--Pasadena will host a rally at 6 p.m. on Lake Avenue to celebrate the Supreme Court decision. The Pasadena Pride Center said, “We are happy that #SCOTUS acknowledged the humanity of all Americans with the legal advantages of marriage. Not an end, but a step on road.”

San Francisco

A rally is planned at 6 p.m. in the Castro neighborhood. The celebrations are sure to continue this weekend as thousands attend San Francisco Pride. On Friday, Pride organizers said, “I don’t know if you’ve heard, but marriage equality is the law of the land.”

On the decision, San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi said, “Love wins – finally!! Marriage equality for all! The Supremes are really bringing it in this week. Something tells me that Supervisor Harvey Milk and LGBT pioneers no longer here, who strove for equal rights, are dancing with Pride.”

San Diego

At 6:30 p.m., revelers will attend a celebration at the San Diego LGBT Community Center at 3909 Centre St.

San Diego Councilman Todd Gloria, who is gay, said, “We’re going to celebrate like never before.”

Central Valley/ Central Coast

-- In Fresno, the Gay Central Valley is celebrating #DecisionDay at 6 p.m. at Score Sports Cafe & Lounge.

-- The Gay and Lesbian Alliance is hosting festivities at 4:45 p.m. outside the San Luis Obispo courthouse, 1050 Monterey St.

In a statement, the alliance said the Supreme Court “has once again honored the truth that separate is not equal and discrimination of any kind has no place in the United States of America. Now, all couples in loving and committed relationships who choose to marry may do so.”

High Desert

Bakersfield LGBTQ is celebrating the court’s decision by gathering from 5 to 7 p.m. at California Avenue and Stockdale Highway.

Times staff writer Tony Perry contributed to this report.

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