Today the California Supreme Court overturned the referendum that was passed in 2000 to declare that only marriage can be defined as a union between a man and a woman.
in light of the conclusions we reach concerning the constitutional questions brought to us for resolution, we determine that the language of section 300 limiting the designation of marriage to a union "between a man and a woman" is unconstitutional and must be stricken from the statute, and that the remaining statutory language must be understood as making the designation of marriage available both to opposite-sex and same-sex couples. In addition, because the limitation of marriage to opposite-sex couples imposed by section 308.5 can have no constitutionally permissible effect in light of the constitutional conclusions set forth in this opinion, that provision cannot stand.
Calitics
Obama released a Statement with the following...
"Barack Obama has always believed that same-sex couples should enjoy equal rights under the law, and he will continue to fight for civil unions as President. He respects the decision of the California Supreme Court, and continues to believe that states should make their own decisions when it comes to the issue of marriage."
And I too believe that same sex couples should have the same rights and protections that many opposite sex couples take for granted in their legal marriages. There are so many things that I know I take for granted, such as being able to visit my wife in the case of her being hurt in an accident. There are so many things that as a family we rely upon and we receive from having married each other almost ten years ago. I believe that when two people decide to form their own family, regardless of sex, they should also get the same protection and benefits.
But, Assemblywoman Mimi Walters, most likely the Republican I will be running against in November, does not believe todays rulings supports "family values". She believes this is a direct affront on the institution of marriage and the sanctity of family life. Walters released a statement on the ruling from her assembly office, here it is...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Gina Zari
Thursday, May 15, 2008 (916) 319-2073
Mimi Walters Calls Supreme Court Ruling on
Gay Marriage a Travesty for Family Values
SACRAMENTO -- Today, in response to the California Supreme Court ruling that struck down Proposition 22 on a 4-3 vote, Assemblywoman Mimi Walters called the decision a travesty for family values.
"The Supreme Court today blatantly disregarded the will of Californians to protect the sacred institution of marriage. The Court stated that it could not 'find that the retention of the traditional definition of marriage constitutes a compelling state interest,'" Walters said. "I could not disagree more strongly with the Court's ruling today. Marriage between a man and a woman is the foundation of our society, and the Court's action is a travesty for family values."
"Today's decision completely ignores the will of over 60% of California's voters who approved Proposition 22 eight years ago," Walters continued.
The California Marriage Protection Act, an initiative in circulation that has gathered 1.5 million signatures and will appear on the November ballot, will write into the California Constitution that the only marriages recognized in this state are those between one man and one woman.
"I pledge to fight the Supreme Court's decision to allow gay marriage in California by working to ensure the passage of the California Marriage Protection Act this November," Walters concluded.
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Mimi Walters represents the 73rd Assembly District covering Orange County and San Diego County.
CAPITOL OFFICE
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 94249
Phone: 916-319-2073
Fax: 916-319-2173
DISTRICT OFFICE
24031 El Toro Rd., Suite 210
Laguna Hills, CA 94249
Phone: 949-457-7333
Fax: 949-457-7305
Do you want to help me turn Orange County blue? Would you like to see less hate in our State legislature and more sound and reasonable representation for all people, not just straight married families? And isn't it time that we get rid of the politics of hate and move all of California into the 21st Century?
Please help me fight Mimi Walters in November by donating now. I need all the help I can get and although I've been lucky enough to be endorsed by Democracy for America, the United Auto Workers and the California Democratic Party, I have many more endorsements to earn and many more voters to talk to, including declined to states and moderate Republicans who don't think that gay civil unions are a threat to their way of life.
My wife Heather, who blogs here as Ellinorianne has set up a special page so she can raise $5,000 for my campaign in the month of May. This money is directly needed for a handful of immediate needs, such as stationary to request donations, professional photos for mailers and our very own campaign worker. And all these things will allow us to raise a great deal more money to make Mimi Walters fight for her Senate Seat.
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