A bill that was once thought dead, the alive, has now passed The California State Senate. It is a HUGE and historic milestone as this is the first time any legislature in the nation has voted in favor of equal marriage rights for gay and lesbians.

Equality California released the following:

Sacramento, CA: The California Senate made history today by becoming the first legislative body in the nation to pass equal marriage rights legislation for same-sex couples. Equality California-sponsored Assembly Bill (AB) 849, The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act, authored by Assemblymember Mark Leno (D-Francisco), Assembly Speaker Fabian (D-Los Angeles), and 30 co-authors passed with 21-15 and now heads for an Assembly floor vote. If passed, California will become the first legislature in the country to pass equal marriage rights legislation for same-sex couples. In Massachusetts, the state Supreme Court ruled that nothing less than marriage rights would be considered equal. The Massachusetts legislature then outlined how they would implement this ruling, but did not pass marriage equality legislation. California will have passed marriage equality without any court involvement, but as the people's legislative body to treat all Californians equally.

Today represents another milestone toward the fulfillment of the American dream for thousands of lesbian and gay couples in California, stated Assemblymember Leno. Society is strongest when it upholds the basic civil rights of all its citizens, including the right to marry the person you love. I'm grateful that a majority of my colleagues stood up against discrimination and in favor of allowing same-sex couples who want to devote their lives to one another, raise families, and protect themselves and their children with the same rights and responsibilities as different-sex couples with the same goals and dreams.

"Today is an unforgettable moment in California history that marks the courage of brave legislators and demonstrates the strength of our democracy," said Geoffrey Kors of Equality California. The state Senate of the largest state of the nation just took a bold and giant step in the direction of equality and respect for all families by voting to end discrimination against tens of thousands of same-sex couples and their children."

"This is an incredibly monumental turning point in the history of a movement", added Kors. "With over 200 organizations supporting this legislation, we have demonstrated that marriage equality is a value supported by California's major civil rights organizations as well as a diverse group of political, community and religious organizations. We applaud our state Senators for their leadership and the other members who took a stand for equality by voting yes."

"Now is the time to answer for ourselves, what is the right thing to do?", said Senator Nell Soto (D-Ontario). For me my higher power tells me, love one another, not judge one another, that is embedded in my inspiration, let us be judged as a group of tolerance and of hope.

With the passing of AB 849, my family is brought one step closer to the equality and dignity that is long overdue us, and that we so desperately need", said Marina Gatto, 16, daughter of Ramona and Arzu Gatto. "There are countless families like ours that live without basic rights and protections. AB 849 will give hope to all families, our children and to generations of youth who deserve the right to grow up in a world where they are treated as equal people. This win in the Senate sustains the hopes, the dreams and the reality for a community of people, families and children that equality is now within our reach in California.

"This is a historic and wonderful moment for our state and for all people who believe in the institution of marriage," said Rabbi Denise Eger from Koi Ami Congregation. "This bill provides for the freedom of religious institutions to follow their beliefs while insuring that the state does not discriminate in issuing [marriage] licenses. We celebrate the courage of our legislators this day."

"What I like most about this bill is that it guarantees religious freedom," said Reverend Rick Schlosser of the California Council of Churches. "This bill is about people not being able to impose their religious beliefs on other and enables me to perform my ministry freely, how God wants me to."

"I think marriage is important because the state will recognize and validate the love I share with my partner," said Baltimore Gonzalez, who has been with his partner Robert Flanagan for three years and currently live in Fresno. "The state recognition of our relationships will make easier for families to accept us."

"This is a historic day for our family. When we heard the good news, our kids started cheering, which set the dogs to barking and we all had a spontaneous group hug", stated Christine Allan, a grandmother from Nevada county who has been with her partner, Ann, for over 20 years. Finally, our granddaughter can go through with her plans for our wedding! What a moment to cherish today!"

"My wife and I are ecstatic to hear of the passing of AB 849 and we look forward to the state Senate and the Governor signing off on this legislation", said Alma Hawk, Los Angeles resident and lives with her wife BJ Hawk. "It is due time that our marriage is respected. Nine years and everyday our love grows deeper with respect and admiration of one another. Our family will have the same securities that are afforded to other couples in California and we look forward to have the same legal responsibilities as any other family."

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 01, 2005 at 1:57 PM. Want to discuss? Leave a comment below.