Politics & Government

Berkeley Flies Rainbow Flag

A rainbow flag fluttered from the city hall flagpole in Berkeley Tuesday, the day that the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in the challenge to California's Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriages.

The City of Berkeley is flying the rainbow flag in front of city hall this week to show support for same-sex marriage.

On Tuesday morning in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in the legal challenge to California's Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage.

The legal challenge began as a lawsuit filed by two couples – including Kristin Perry and Sandra Stier of Berkeley – in federal court in San Francisco four years ago. It is one of two marriage cases being heard by the high court this week.

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"We are proud to fly the rainbow flag in support of marriage equality," Mayor Tom Bates said in a statement. "Berkeley has a long tradition of support for human and civil rights. We were among the first cities in the nation to recognize domestic partnership 30 years ago and look forward to the day when the right to marry the one you love is available to everyone."

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