CALL TO ACTION: Opponents of California Bill Recognizing Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriages Flooding Capital Phone Lines

California Senate Bill 54, sponsored by Sen. Mark Leno and Equality California (EQCA), would rectify one of the many inequities caused by Proposition 8 if passed. It would allow the state to recognize as marriages same-sex couples who legally got married outside of the state before the initiative passed and would extend all the rights and benefits to couples married after Proposition 8's passage, except their relationships would not be given the name "marriage."

“Proposition 8 not only creates a separate and unequal category for one minority group of Californians, but also creates confusion for same-sex couples who married outside of California,” said Senator Leno. “Since we cannot remedy this confusion by restoring full marriage equality for all Californians, we are forced to clarify the rights and protections afforded to these couples and their families in state law. As defined by the Court, Proposition 8 only denies same-sex couples the official designation of the term 'marriage.'”

However, supporters of Proposition 8 are having a fit over the bill.

Marc Solomon, Marriage Director for Equality California told Unite the Fight, "Our opponents are barraging the legislature, and especially the governor, with phone calls to the point where the governor's office has a phone line set up to handle calls about this bill specifically (as well as the Harvey Milk Day bill). So calls are really necessary right now!"

Another pressing issue. EQCA has learned that the Governor may use his line-item veto power to cut funding for essential HIV/AIDS health services. If he does, thousands of people will be left without the care their lives depend on. Contact the governor and urge him not to! Tell him not to “blue pencil” any funds that would support state HIV/AIDS programs.

ACTION

You can take action by contacting the California legislature and Gov. Schwarzenegger and expressing your support for SB 54 through EQCA's Action Center.

OR

Contact the legislature and the governor directly.

Gov. Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-558-3160 (new number)
Email Form

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