Equal Marriage Rights for all Citizens of California

On September 6, 2005 the California State Legislature passed CA AB 849, the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act, which provides an exciting means for progressing equal rights within that state. This Act calls for the elimination of gender-specific language within current legislation, which in the past has allowed the opportunity of marriage to particular citizens while forbidding the opportunity to others.

AB 849 is the first such legislation to be passed by a state legislature, calling for equal rights and responsibilities in marriage for all adult citizens. The governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has the option to sign the bill into law, to veto or to allow the bill to pass into law without his signature. If no action is taken, the bill will in fact become law in early October.

This petition urges Governor Schwarzenegger to stand for equal rights within his state, to provide equal protection and opportunity for all families. Those who have added their names to this petition, citizens of California and those who wish to show their support from beyond the state, stand together in advocacy of allowing the same rights and responsibilities to all citizens, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

It is our vision that equal rights in the United States is a possibility within our time. Let CA AB 849 be the first such measure brought into law by the voices of the common citizens through their elected representatives.




This petition is sponsored by www.RainbowWeddingNetwork.com, the nation's leading resource for GLBT weddings & families. As always, the founders and staff of RainbowWeddingNetwork.com applaud businesses and individuals who stand for non-discrimination, and continue to endorse the separation of church and state within any legislation passed concerning equal marriage rights.