A bill to
legalize same-sex marriage in California, which was vetoed
by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last year, will be
reintroduced on Monday by openly gay assemblyman Mark
Leno. The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage
Protection Act, sponsored by the gay rights group Equality
California, would allow same-sex couples to obtain a
marriage license from their county clerk.
"All loving,
committed couples deserve not only the legal
protections that marriage provides but also the dignity
that marriage affords," EQCA executive director Geoff
Kors, said in a statement. "The time has come to end
the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage. This
legislation validates loving relationships and
strengthens California families by honoring the commitments
of every couple under law."
The bill is
nearly identical to the one passed by the legislature in
2005, making it the first legislative body in the nation to
pass a measure allowing same-sex couples to marry.
Like that bill, the new version also protects
religious freedom and reaffirms that no religious
institution would be required to solemnize marriages
contrary to its fundamental beliefs.
"Each branch of
government must rise up out of the shadows of
inequality and be counted on this important civil rights
issue by using their powers to put an end to
discrimination against all people," Leno said in the
statement. "It is more important than ever that our
legislative branch here in California reaffirms the belief
that marriage is an institution only strengthened by
inclusiveness. Our society is strengthened by stable
and committed relationships, and our governmental
bodies should be doing all they can to help these
relationships flourish."
A broad coalition
of civil rights organizations and leaders support the
measure, including the California State Conference of the
National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People, the United Farm Workers, the Mexican American
Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Chinese for
Affirmative Action, the Anti-Defamation League, the
California National Organization for Women, and the
California Council of Churches, among many
others.
Leno's bill,
which has been staunchly opposed by several Christian groups
in the state, will be heard in policy and fiscal committees
in the assembly and senate beginning early 2007. There
was no word from the governor's office on whether he
will support the bill this time around. (The
Advocate)
