''The entire purpose behind the constitutional principle of equal protection would be subverted if the constitutional protection of unpopular minorities were subject to simple majority rule. This case is not simply about gay and lesbian equality....The history of California demonstrates with sobering clarity the potential for disfavored minorities to be subjected to oppression by hostile majorities.''

Portion of a brief filed by black, Asian, and Latino groups in the case being brought before the Supreme Court of California to overturn Proposition 8, a voter initiative that itself has overturned the Supreme Court's own ruling that allowed gay marriages in that state. The groups fear that if this removal of a constitutional right is allowed to stand, then any of their rights could be removed as well by popular vote. (Reuters)