FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | February 25, 2004

NCLR Praises Introduction of Resolution Opposing Discriminatory Constitutional Amendment

Equality California Sponsored Resolution by LGBT Caucus Would Put California on Record Against the Proposed Amendment

(San Francisco, CA, February 25, 2004) — NCLR's praises today's introduction of a resolution that would, if passed, put California on record as opposing the proposed anti-gay federal "marriage" amendment. The resolution is sponsored by Equality California, California's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ("LGBT") civil rights advocacy organization, and was introduced by the LGBT caucus. The proposed amendment would mandate that every state in the nation discriminate against same-sex couples by prohibiting the issuance of marriage licenses to same-sex couples and, as currently draft, may also prohibit states from granting more limited forms of protections for same-sex couples, such as civil unions or domestic partnerships. The resolution is jointly authored by the five members of California's Legislative LGBT Caucus and was drafted by the National Center for Lesbian Rights

"The proposed Constitutional Amendment seeks to forever change our nation by dismantling the Constitution's requirement of equal protection for all Americans and replacing it with a requirement that every state discriminate against lesbian and gay couples and their children," said Equality California Executive Director Geoffrey Kors. "California must stand up to this effort to write discrimination into the Constitution and lead the nation in opposition to President Bush's mean-spirited attack on families."

"The resolution is an important step in fighting the proposed amendment that, if enacted, would require that each and every state discriminate against same-sex couples in the issuance of marriage licenses," said NCLR Legal Director Shannon Minter, who drafted the resolution. "The proposed amendment may also prohibit any state from providing same-sex couples with particular rights given to married couples - including even very basic rights such as hospital visitation or domestic partner benefits. The amendment threatens California's existing protections for domestic partners, as well as the newly enacted AB 205."

Kors noted, "California can set an example by passing this resolution and going on record in opposition to this discriminatory amendment. We urge all legislators as well as Governor Schwarzenegger to support the resolution."