By a vote of 41-35, the California Assembly approved a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in that state on Tuesday, making the California legislature the first in the country to approve gay marriage. The bill, introduced by San Francisco Democrat Mark Leno (above, celebrating with Sen. Sheila Kuehl) had failed by four votes in June but Leno got it through this time. “Do what we know is in our hearts,” he told the Senate. “Make sure all California families will have the same protection under the law.”
The bill now heads to the desk of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who had no comment last week after it cleared the Senate. What the Governator will do is anyone’s guess:
Randy Thomasson, president of Campaign for Children and Families: “Schwarzenegger can’t afford to sign the ‘gay marriage license’ bill. He’ll actually become a hero to the majority of Californians when he vetoes it. The Terminator should announce without delay that this bill is dead meat.”
Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California: “He will determine whether he will be the first governor to do a little heavy lifting and support equality for all or whether he will become the first governor to terminate our rights. We know in his heart he wants to do the right thing.”
California Legislature Approves Gay Marriage Bill [ny times]
California Lawmakers Pass Gay Marriage Bill [ap]
Governor’s Office
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-445-4633
