Video commercial campaign urges the affirmation of gay marriage rights in California
by
Nick Langewis
Equality California Institute, in conjunction with over 40 coalition partners, has launched Let California Ring, a public outreach campaign to encourage equal marriage rights for all Californians.
Says EQCA Director Geoff Kors:
"You meet someone special. You fall in love and vow to spend your lives together. Maybe you want to get married. Yet every day, lesbian and gay people in California are denied the freedom to marry the person they love.
Like many Californians, you want a fair chance to realize your hopes and dreams and you want that for your family, friends and neighbors. You probably believe that everyone should be treated fairly and not singled out for exclusion. The Let California Ring campaign is about engaging people like you to talk to other people you know."
Assembly Bill 43 (.PDF), also known as the Religious Freedom And Civil Marriage Protection Act, was recently passed, marking the second time marriage rights legislation has reached Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk. Also marking the second time this legislation has been passed: A second veto promise from Schwarzenegger.
Citing a 2000 ballot issue banning same-sex marriage in his 2005 veto message, Schwarzenegger said: "I do not believe the Legislature can reverse an initiative approved by the people." The constitutionality of that law is currently being questioned in the California Supreme Court.
"To deny any citizen the fundamental right to marry the person that he or she loves is wrong," says champion of AB 43 Assemblyman Mark Leno (D) to the Sacramento Bee, "and in my opinion, un-American."
While California does have domestic partnerships for same-sex couples, they are not federally recognized, leaving those committed couples and their children legally, medically and financially vulnerable.
The following commercial, entitled "Garden Wedding," is airing in major California markets, starting this week.
