A second showdown between the California legislature and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger looms following the Senate passing a second bill to allow same-sex couples to wed. The measure has already passed the Assembly and now heads to the Governor's desk. Schwarzenegger vetoed the first bill in 2005. It is deja vu for Mark Leno of San Francisco, the bill's author: “Two consecutive legislatures have now boldly and proudly affirmed the full, first class, and equal citizenship of all of Californians in loving and committed relationship who want their bond recognized and honored by the state in which they live and to which they contribute,” he says. “My Senate colleagues recognised what an ever increasing number of fair-minded Californians also see - that marriage strengthens our society and singling same sex couples out of this important institution hurts us all." The legislation is nearly identical to the bill passed in 2005. It would amend the Family Code to define marriage as a civil contract between two persons instead of a civil contract between a man and a woman. The measure also reaffirms that no religious institution would ever be required to solemnise marriages contrary to its fundamental beliefs. "We call on the governor to rise above right-wing ideology, as he has on many other issues, by signing this bill," said Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors. “By a new Legislature passing this bill with an even larger margin than in 2005, our elected representatives have shown that the people of our state strongly support equality and fairness.The governor should keep up with the will of the people and show the kind of bold bi-partisan leadership on this issue that will define his place in history." California law already permits same-sex couples to register with the state as domestic partners, affording them hundreds of protections. However, same-sex couples in California and their families still are not eligible for more than a thousand federal protections offered to married couples, including family and medical leave, social security benefits, long-term care insurance and the ability to sponsor a partner for immigration benefits. Schwarzenegger has until October 14th to sign or veto the bill. Meanwhile, the California Supreme court is expected to hear oral arguments late this year or early in 2008 challenging the state's refusal to recognise same-sex marriage. Ref: 365gay.com (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 8th September 2007 - 9:54am