May 15, 2008

Gay marriage: Lawmakers respond

News of the California Supreme Court's gay marriage spread through the state Assembly this morning through Blackberrys, whispers and harried staff bearing printed news stories.

In the back of the chambers, many Democratic staff and members shared glassy-eyed hugs and embraces of congratulations. Republicans reacted largely in silence. As staff shared news with Assemblyman Ted Gaines, R-Roseville, and Bob Huff, R-Diamond Bar, they just shook their hands.

Here's a compilation of statements issued about the ruling, by lawmakers, elected officials and advocates on the issue.

Legislative leadership

Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles
We are delighted with today’s State Supreme Court ruling allowing marriage equality in California. It is a true testament to advancing equality and to recognizing the right of all Californians to build a future with the person they love. We recently lost Mildred Loving, the woman whose marriage to a man of another race ushered in the Supreme Court ruling that made marriage colorblind. Today’s ruling is another important reminder that love will overcome.

Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, D-Oakland:
I’m glad the Supreme Court validated what I consider a fundamental premise of our nation – that all people deserve equal protection under the law. This is a happy and historic day because all Californians, regardless of sexual orientation, now have the right to marry.

Assembly Republican leader Mike Villines, R-Clovis:
I am very disappointed that the California Supreme Court, by the narrowest of margins, would allow their own personal partisan views to get in the way of their duty to uphold the rule of law by thwarting the will of the overwhelming majority of Californians who voted in support of Proposition 22.

Fortunately, more than 1 million Californians have signed ballot petitions to place a constitutional amendment before the voters this November that will write into the state Constitution that marriage should be between one man and one woman. I am confident that the people of California will again overwhelmingly vote to preserve and protect traditional marriage.

I hope that once this constitutional amendment becomes law in November, the Supreme Court will resume its appropriate role of interpreting the law, and stop legislating from the bench.

Senate Republican leader Dave Cogdill, R-Modesto:
California voters spoke loud and clear that they believe marriage is between a man and a woman. This disappointing ruling gives activist judges a louder voice than the people of this great state. A constitutional amendment to overturn this ruling will now undoubtedly qualify for the ballot, giving Californians another opportunity to maintain the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman.

Sen. Darrell Steinberg, pro tem-elect of the Senate, D-Sacramento
I could not be more proud to be a Californian than I am today.

We will look back at the struggle which led to this historic decision and ask, why the fight?

After all, California should do everything to encourage loving, stable and committed relationships.

The Court is on the right side of history.

Republican lawmakers:

Assemblyman Bob Huff, R-Diamond Bar:
Eight years ago with the passage of Proposition 22, the voters of California agreed that marriage is 'between a man and a woman.' PERIOD. The court's decision today is further proof that some activist judges value their own beliefs over the will of the people.

Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa, R-Oroville:
The Court’s ruling is an insult to millions of voters across this state who affirmed their support for the definition of marriage as the union between one man and one woman.

The people had spoken loud and clear, the issue had been settled. That’s what I and just about every Californian thought years ago. Now four judges have decided that their opinion is more important than that of the millions of Californians who continue to support traditional family values.

This is a highly sensitive issue, but it is not a complicated one. The law is clear. Proposition 22 is only 14 words: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.

The court’s decision is the worst possible outcome for the people of California, who have already made their feelings on this issue known. Fortunately, more than 1 million Californians have signed ballot petitions to place a constitutional amendment before the voters this November that will write into the state Constitution that marriage should be between one man and one woman. I strongly believe that this fall, California’s voters will once again overwhelmingly support the traditional values that our working families live by each day.

Sen. Bob Dutton, R-Rancho Cucamonga:
I’m very disappointed in the Supreme Court in their decision to allow same sex marriage in California. The people spoke clearly in 2000 when they overwhelmingly passed Proposition 22 that defined marriage as union between a man and a woman.

Those of use who embrace family values are confident that when the issue is put before the voters of this state again in November that they will once again speak loud and clearly that marriage is reserved for only a man and a woman.

Assemblyman John Benoit, R-Palm Desert
Proposition 22, which I strongly supported, passed just eight years ago by an overwhelming 61% of voters in California. I am saddened to see a small group of judges replace the longstanding values of our society with their own personal views.

I stand with the people of California in affirming the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman. The institution of marriage should not be redefined by the activism of four judges.

Assemblyman Ted Gaines, R-Roseville:
I am extremely disappointed that the California Supreme Court ruled in favor of gay marriage. This ruling subverts the will of the people, who eight years ago overwhelming approved the definition of marriage to be that of one man and one woman.

The court’s decision today further erodes the necessary institution of marriage. I stand strongly opposed to this ruling, as it radically underminds the will of the people. This truly is a sad day for California.

Democratic lawmakers:

Assemblyman Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, and author of gay marriage legislation
Today’s ruling is a supreme affirmation of the sanctity of the love that two people share with one another without regard to their gender, and a victory for all Californians who believe that people should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams on equal footing.

I applaud the Supreme Court today for erasing hundreds of years of unconstitutional discrimination against loving and committed same sex couples. I also congratulate the brave couples who brought the case to court, as well as Mayor Newsom, City Attorney Herrera and the amazing legal team that successfully argued this historic case.

I will continue to review the legal implications of today’s ruling and, if it is determined to be necessary, draft any implementing legislation that may be needed or appropriate.

With the conviction of its highest court and its legislature, California continues to lead the way in favor of the conservative principle that society is best served when loving couples who want to settle down with one another are all able to do so through the civil institution of marriage.

Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, D-Van Nuys
I am absolutely elated by the California Supreme Court’s decision. We live in 2008 and there is no place for discrimination in any way, shape or form. All people in California have equal rights under the law. I look forward to the day when all people can marry the person they love. This is a great day for equality in California.

Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco:
Today our state’s supreme court reaffirmed the highest ideals of our republic. I am proud to be a Californian today as we stand on the right side of history. This is a victory for all people committed to equal justice and equal opportunity. For far too long, our nation has unfairly denied fundamental rights to individuals simply because of their sexual orientation. Today, we finally begin to heal those wounds and end state-sanctioned discrimination. At last, we fully recognize and honor all loving relationships and all families with the rights, privileges, and joys of marriage. We also celebrate the perseverance and courage shown by so many in this latest march towards equality, justice and happiness.

Assemblywoman Sally Lieber, D-Mountain View:
I am elated by the court’s decision. It is a victory for all Californians who cherish fairness and opportunity. The court did its job today – ensuring that all Californians are treated fairly and equally under the law.

I joined in a brief that argued to the Court that the State Legislature did not intend to preserve the “traditional” definition of marriage by creating a “separate but equal” institution of domestic partnership. The Court’s review of the legislative history shows that domestic partnership was intended to be an intermediary step to full marriage equality. With today’s decision we have achieved that goal.

Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, D-San Francisco:
During San Francisco’s Winter of Love, I was proud to serve as a San Francisco Supervisor when San Francisco extended marriage rights to our City’s same-sex families. There was such incredible joy for these couples, to ensure that they were able to enjoy all the rights and responsibilities we expect in a modern society.

Justice was delayed, but today the California Supreme Court decided it would not be denied. More than 100,000 California families will be able to enjoy all the rights and responsibilities of marriage, if they choose. We must work as hard as we can to protect their rights against future attacks.

I expect local county clerks in California to act without delay to make marriage equality available to their residents.

Sen. Carole Migden, D-San Francisco
This is one fine day that believers always knew was coming. We applaud the good sense and legal fairness of our very well-educated and open-minded California Supreme Court. LGBT people will long herald this moment as an obliteration of old ideas and the birth of a new day of sunshine.

Assemblyman Mike Feuer, D-Los Angeles
It’s a proud day to be a Californian. Our Supreme Court took an historic step to ensure that all people, regardless of sexual orientation, finally receive equal treatment when it comes to the fundamental right to marry. I applaud the Court’s decision, and am absolutely delighted for the thousands of our fellow citizens who can now legally validate their loving relationships.

Assemblywoman Noreen Evans, D-Santa Rosa
Today we move closer to living out the spirit of our nation’s creed that all people are created equal. My heart goes out to the men and women who can now live out their lives in dignity with their loved ones with equal rights under the law.

Assemblyman Fabian Nunez, D-Los Angeles:
In the legislature we twice passed marriage equality bills, so I am obviously pleased to see this ruling by the California Supreme Court recognizing and respecting the rights of all Californians. The plaintiffs and their supporters in this case deserve our congratulations and our thanks for advancing the cause of civil rights. On a personal level, it is the biggest victory for love and persistence I have seen since I convinced my wife to marry me the second time.

Statewide officials:

State Controller John Chiang
Every single citizen of this State deserves equal treatment under the law, and as an elected official I have the honor of serving all Californians regardless of their sexual orientation.

I have enjoyed my working relationship with the gay and lesbian community – helping domestic partners understand new tax filing requirements, and moving to provide property tax protections to surviving partners when one passes away.

I welcome the Court’s decision, because it is time for our laws to recognize that all households, same-sex or otherwise, contribute to the success and the greatness of California.

State Treasurer Bill Lockyer:
The court has made its decision and ended a lengthy state-court battle. Now, the debate likely will return to the ballot. Conservatives are pushing an initiative to place a ban on same-sex marriage in the California Constitution. I strongly oppose this initiative.

Gay and lesbian couples should have the legal right to live in loving and committed relationships, and to share the joy and challenges of those relationships. The initiative is an attempt by a few to permanently shut the door on that fundamental right. It’s anti-civil rights, anti-family and anti-family values.

Lt. Gov. John Garamendi
Today, the California Supreme Court made the correct decision in affirming the rights of gay couples to wed, and affirming California’s commitment to fairness and justice. It brings California one step closer to the ideal of equality under the law for every person in our great state. This ruling is strengthened by the fact that the majority of Supreme Court Justices who voted to affirm the right of all Californians to marry the partner of their choosing, were appointed by Republican Governors.

Outside advocates:

Karen England, executive director for Capitol Resource Institute:
This is a very sad day for our nation and the democratic process. The people of California decided eight years ago that marriage in our state will be defined as between one man and one woman. 4 arrogant, elitist, activist judges decided that they know better than the people how marriage should be defined.

Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California:
Today is a day I will never forget.

It is with unimaginable joy that I write to tell you that the California Supreme Court just ruled in our favor, declaring that each of us has the freedom to marry the person we love.

This is a landmark victory for our community. It’s a victory for fairness and justice. And it’s an incredible victory for California—a land of opportunity. For 10 years, Equality California has worked tirelessly to bring us to this moment. Today, for the first time in history, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Californians are truly equal. It is an amazing feeling.

I wish we could simply celebrate and enjoy this incredible victory.

But the truth is, this is just the beginning of the fight of our lives. Anti-LGBT hate organizations are already hard at work trying to pass a constitutional amendment this November in an attempt to take away our freedom to marry. And they have already raised millions of dollars to fund their discriminatory effort.

We can’t let that happen. We won’t let that happen.

Brian Brown, executive director of the National Organization for Marriage California:
“Thanks to the more than 1 million Californians who signed petitions, these out-of-touch California judges will not have the last word on marriage. California voters will."

Art Torres, chairman of the California Democratic Party:
The California Supreme Court’s ruling is a momentous decision for our state and nation that marks a giant step toward in our march toward true equality for all our citizens.

We all owe Mayor Gavin Newsom a debt of gratitude for his visionary leadership on this crucial civil rights issue, along with the courageous plaintiffs in this case.

But our march for justice and equality is far from over. We now must re-focus our efforts on fighting the divisive and discriminatory proposed constitutional amendment that would take away marriage equality for same-sex couples.

Working together, we can ensure that once again, justice and equality will prevail.

Ron Nehring, chairman of California Republican Party:
Once again, the California Supreme Court has substituted its own will for the will of the people, this time with its controversial decision discarding the mandate for traditional marriage granted with Proposition 22 and thrusting this issue back into the national spotlight. Support for traditional marriage transcends partisanship.

The state Republican Party has consistently supported traditional marriage and Proposition 22. In September, the state committee will formally take a position on the November initiative reversing this ruling by state constitutional amendment.

James Vaughn, director of California Log Cabin Republicans
We commend the Court for carefully reviewing this case and reaffirming the principles of liberty and justice for all. This ruling is a conservative one. The justices have ensured that the law treats all Californians fairly and equally. This decision is a good one for all families—gay and non-gay. Two people in a loving and committed relationship deserve the support and dignity that come with marriage.

Ron Prentice, executive director of California Family Council:
This shocking decision is a wake-up call for the majority of California’s citizens, whose votes have been rendered worthless by the Supreme Court’s disregard for the democratic system. In November, the people will have an opportunity to overrule the Court’s decision by passing a constitutional amendment – and California’s voters must respond in strength and number.

Posted by Shane Goldmacher on May 15, 2008 11:40 AM