And, as I stated in the OP, this isn't a matter of public opinion or popularity. This is a Constitutional issue plain and simple. It must go before the courts to decide based on the 14th Amendment.
No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
We either have equality for ALL citizens in this country or we have mob rule. For once, there is no gray area.