Protect Same-Sex Couples In California From Prop. 8

  • by: Care2.com
  • recipient: Governor Schwarzenegger

Ever since Proposition 8 was approved in California, same-sex couples have been under attack -- forced to untangle confusing, irrational and unequal situations regarding the status of their marriages.

Once Prop. 8 was passed, the legal certainty of all same-sex marriages for couples living in California was in jeopardy. Thankfully, a new bill is in the California legislature that will guarantee that couples who married outside the state prior to the passage of Prop 8 are still married, and those who marry out-of-state in the future won't be treated as legal strangers within California.

Don't let Prop 8 continue to destroy the lives of LGBT families in California. Help keep the pressure on Governor Schwarzenegger until the freedom to marry is restored for same-sex couples.

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger,

I am writing today to strongly urge you to support the Marriage Recognition and Family Protection Act (SB 54) introduced by Senator Mark Leno. As you are well aware, on November 5, 2008 the state passed Proposition 8. But currently, California is failing to recognize valid out-of-state same-sex marriages, creating a confusing and unequal situation for LGBT families in California.

[Your comment will be inserted here]

The Marriage Recognition and Family Protection Act is consistent with existing laws which state that California cannot treat marriages differently based on whether they were performed in or out-of-state. Additionally SB 54 also affirms that same-sex couples married outside of California after November 5, 2008, must be given all of the rights, protections and responsibilities of spouses under California law, with the only exception of the designation of "marriage."

The current view of marriage under Proposition 8 is not only unequal for all same-sex couples in California, but it is also irrational and incredibly confusing for couples that married outside of the state. By passing the Marriage Recognition and Family Protection Act, the state of California can effectively eliminate the confusion around marriage that many same-sex couples face and better clarify the rights and protections afforded to LGBT couples and families.

This bill is designed to eliminate the confusion and uncertainty that face many same-sex couples in California. I strongly urge you to support the Marriage Recognition and Family Protection Act (SB 54) and take a bold stance to extend the same freedoms that opposite sex couples have in California to LGBT couples and families.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my comments. I eagerly await your response.

Sincerely,
[Your name here]
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