Just yesterday, the California legislature (again) passed AB 43, a bill legalizing same-sex marriage.
Schwarzenegger has already said that he would veto it like he did last time. But hopefully this can at least send a message that this is an important issue.
It seems like one of the main objections is Proposition 22, which was passed by voters in 2000 and defined marriage as between a man and a woman. Well, I don’t know if you’ve checked your calendars, but this is 2007. A lot has happened. Plus, even if a majority of voters still want to restrict marriage, since when have civil rights been determined by majority rule? Don’t minorities have rights, too?
Another argument the Republicans are using is, “As a Christian, I believe it is immoral.” But what makes *your* beliefs the ones we have to go along with? And morality and legality are separate issues — or else we would have laws telling us to go to church and punishing those who take the Lord’s name in vain.
I plan to write a letter. If you also want to do something, you can write one directly or go to Equality California’s web site. Hand-written letters carry more weight, though, so consider writing and signing yours by hand.
Do you think it’s a good idea? Bad idea? Let’s talk this one out.
UPDATE: text and photo of letter below the fold
Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:
As you know, our state legislature has recently passed AB 43, a bill enabling same-sex couples to marry. You have said that you would veto it. I strongly urge you to reconsider.
Marriage is important to couples of any gender, both to affirm and commit their love, and to be able to enjoy legal benefits from being a family.
You have mentioned a concern about Proposition 22. But this initiative was passed (by 61% of votes) in 2000, and between then and 2007, the climate surrounding acceptance of gays has changed a lot. Portrayals of gay characters are more common in film and television, and more well-known actors and public figures have come out of the closet.
In addition, it is not the law’s place to judge moral standards. The U.S. Constitution states its purpose as “to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.” The law is meant to protect people and maintain order, not to make sure that we do good deeds and stay morally upright. It is also meant to uphold justice and liberty, especially for the 39% of people who don’t agree with the majority.
Who does gay marriage hurt? Some people may find it uncomfortable to accept, and they may have to do more explaining to their children, but it does not impinge on their rights to live and work freely. If my neighbor was Sikh, and I was a Christian, his religion would conflict with my beliefs, but that does not mean that Sikhism should be outlawed, or that our families cannot live peacefully with each other.
This is an issue of equality, and of protecting the households and families of people in committed same-sex relationships. History will remember the efforts of people who worked to pass this bill. Please consider being remembered as part of that effort, and not as an obstacle to it.
Please choose not to veto AB 43. Thank you for your time.
Yours sincerely,
George Wang
