By Meghan Doran

San Francisco, CA (OBSNews.com) – NARAL Pro-Choice California today hailed last week's federal judge’s decision that will allow same-sex couples in California to get married. State Director Amy Everitt called the judge’s action another sign of progress following the recent landmark decision in Perry v. Schwarzenegger that overturned Proposition 8.

“The pro-choice community shares a common bond with the LGBT community as we fight to be free from political interference in our most personal and private decisions, including marriage and the right to choose whether and when to have children,” Everitt said. “We celebrate this victory now and will stay committed to protecting reproductive rights and marriage equality, as demonstrated by our support for progressive candidates.”

NARAL Pro-Choice California’s political action committee, PrivacyPAC, recently endorsed John Laird (SD 15), one of California’s first openly gay legislators and former chair of the California Legislative LGBT Caucus. In a special election on August 17, Laird will face Sam Blakeslee who opposes anti-discrimination legislation and has never voted for a pro-choice or pro-LGBT bill.

In addition, PrivacyPAC endorsed Dr. Richard Pan (AD 5), who is running against Andy Pugno, the purported author of the recently overturned Proposition 8 and general counsel for ProtectMarriage.com.

“Dr. Richard Pan exemplifies the united front of the pro-choice and LGBT communities as evidenced by his work to help pass a resolution in support of marriage equality and his public opposition to three burdensome parental-notification ballot measures,” Everitt said.

Upon receiving the PrivacyPAC endorsement, Dr. Pan said, “The LGBT and women’s reproductive rights causes are united in the core values of freedom and progressive policy and we must all join together in a collective voice to fight for equal rights for all.”

Both Laird and Pan addressed supporters at a recent PrivacyPAC event, The Choice Connection, aimed at tapping into the pro-civil rights energy of the Millennial generation.

As the case moves through the court system, NARAL Pro-Choice California stands in solidarity with advocates for marriage equality and the LGBT community to protect our most fundamental right to privacy.

About NARAL Pro-Choice California:

NARAL Pro-Choice California is a statewide organization that works through the political and legislative systems to fulfill our mission:

To develop and sustain a constituency that uses the political process to guarantee every woman the right to make personal decisions regarding the full range of reproductive choices, including preventing unintended pregnancy, bearing healthy children, and choosing legal abortion.

California's nationwide influence is unquestioned; maintaining the state's strong pro-choice orientation is a national priority. NARAL Pro-Choice California works on both the state and national levels to protect and defend a woman's right to choose.

Meghan Doran is the Assistant State Director for NARAL Pro-Choice California.