SR-091608-13H
September 16, 2008
Council Meeting: September 16, 2008 Santa Monica, California
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE -MEMORANDUM
To: City Council
From: Councilmember Genser and Mayor Pro Tem Bloom
Date: September 16, 2008
13-H: Request of Councilmember Genser and Mayor Pro Tem Richard Bloom that
the Council support equality, freedom and fairness for everyone and
oppose Proposition 8, on the November 4, 2008 ballot. Proposition 8 would
re-write our California Constitution to provide that only marriage between a
man and a woman is valid or recognized in California -- denying gays and
lesbians the respect, dignity and responsibility that come with marriage.
Ballot argument against Proposition 8
OUR CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION -- the law of our land -- SHOULD
GUARANTEE THE SAME FREEDOMS AND RIGHTS TO EVERYONE --
NO ONE group SHOULD be singled out to BE TREATED DIFFERENTLY.
In fact, our nation was founded on the principle that all people should be
treated equally. EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW 1S THE
FOUNDATION OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
That's what this election is about -- equality, freedom and fairness, for all.
Marriage is the institution that conveys dignity and respect to the lifetime
commitment of any couple. PROPOSITION 8 WOULD DENY LESBIAN
AND GAY COUPLES that same DIGNITY AND RESPECT.
That's why Proposition 8 is wrong for California.
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September 16, 2008
Regardless of how you feel about this issue, the freedom to marry is
fundamental to our society, just like the freedoms of religion and speech.
PROPOSITION 8 MANDATES ONE SET OF RULES FOR GAY AND
LESBIAN COUPLES AND ANOTHER SET FOR EVERYONE ELSE. That's
just not fair. OUR LAWS SHOULD TREAT EVERYONE EQUALLY.
(n fact, the government has no business telling people who can and cannot
get married. Just like government has no business telling us what to read,
watch on TV or do in our private lives. We don't need Prop 8; WE DON'T
NEED MORE GOVERNMENT IN OUR LIVES.
REGARDLESS OF HOW ANYONE FEELS ABOUT MARRIAGE FOR GAY
AND LESBIAN COUPLES, PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE SINGLED OUT
FOR UNFAIR TREATMENT UNDER THE LAWS OF OUR STATE. Those
committed and loving couples who want to accept the responsibility that
comes with marriage should be treated like everyone else.
DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS are NOT MARRIAGE.
When you're married and your spouse is sick or hurt, there is no confusion:
you get into the ambulance or hospital room with no questions asked. tN
EVERYDAY LIFE AND ESPECIALLY IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS,
DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS ARE SIMPLY NOT ENOUGH. Only
marriage provides the certainty and the security that people know they can
count on in their times of greatest need.
EQUALITY UNDER THE LAW IS A FUNDAMENTAL CONSTITUTIONAL
GUARANTEE. Prop 8 separates one group of Californians from another
and excludes them from enjoying the same rights as other loving couples:
Forty-six years ago I married my college sweetheart, Julia. We raised three
children -- two boys and one girl. The boys are married, with children of
their own. Our daughter, Liz, a lesbian, can now also be married -- if she
so chooses.
September 18, 20430
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All we have ever wanted for our daughter is that she be treated with the
same dignity and respect as her brothers -with the same freedoms and
responsibilities as every other Californian.
My wife and I never treated our children differently, we never loved them
any differently and now the law doesn't treat them differently, either.
Each of our children now has the same rights as the others, to choose the
person to love, commit to and to marry.
Don't take away the equality, freedom and fairness that everyone in
California -- straight, gay or lesbian -- deserves.
Please join us in voting NO on Prop 8.
Samuel Thoran
Former President, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbiae~s and
Gays
Julia Fitter Thoron
iVtORE ItVFORM.4TlO~t: http://www.noonprop8.com
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