California bill redefines marriage

By Jon Dougherty

Under cover of a series of terrorist attacks in New York City and at the Pentagon, California lawmakers have passed a bill that will redefine traditional marriage in the state and convey new marriage rights on homosexual couples, says a conservative women’s group.

“You’d think they would have had the decency to wait a few days before launching this reckless assault on society’s premiere institution,” said Robert Knight, director of Concerned Women for America’s Culture and Family Institute. “On one coast, terrorists are committing acts of war against American citizens. On the other coast, California politicians are overturning 5,000 years of Judeo-Christian tradition and openly sponsoring sinful behavior.”

Knight said that the California Assembly, on a vote of 42-29 last Wednesday, passed AB 25 – a measure that conveys 13 new rights and benefits on homosexual “domestic partners.” The bill now goes to Gov. Gray Davis, who has indicated in the past that he would like to sign such a measure, though he has yet to commit to this one, the group said.

Last year, Californians approved Proposition 22, the “Defense of Marriage” initiative, which was aimed at preserving the institution of marriage as one between a man and a woman.

“AB 25 is a direct attempt to overturn a decisive vote by Californians to protect marriage,” Knight said. “If Gov. Davis has any respect for the people he represents, for our system of government, and for marriage, he must veto AB 25.”

The last major revisions of the bill occurred Sept. 7, according to the California Assembly’s website. The bill was introduced by Assemblymembers Carole Migden and Robert M. Hertzberg, both Democrats, in the Assembly, and Sen. Sheila Kuehl, D-Los Angeles, in the state Senate.

Jon Dougherty

Jon E. Dougherty is a Missouri-based political science major, author, writer and columnist. Follow him on Twitter. Read more of Jon Dougherty's articles here.