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 'Civil Unions Have Been Put on the Map' Assemblyman Paul Koretz Believes Significant Progress Made Seeks Full Legal Recognition of Committed Same-Sex Couples |
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Compiled by GayToday Marriage Equality California
"We know that sometimes the most profound changes in our society have taken place over time. I knew when I introduced this historic legislation that it would be a challenging, multi-year process for it to pass," said Assemblyman Koretz. "We scored a huge victory this year. We put civil union on the map in California and began the dialogue. We opened many eyes to the need for full legal recognition of committed same sex couples," he said. "I am very impressed with the progress we made this year. The term 'civil union' is now more familiar to Californians. The mainstream press has thoroughly covered the issue. Elected officials at all levels of government and from all political parties are talking about it. "We are fortunate to have a strong domestic partnership system in the state, but we absolutely must do more. Californians are beginning to see the injustice suffered by some families in the state who are wrongfully denied equal, legal recognition of their long term committed relationships. The children in those families are at a disadvantage. Many are realizing how destructive the status quo is. "Civil union is not marriage - in fact it's far from it. In addition, several legal scholars have said unequivocally that civil union does not violate Proposition 22. I truly believe that once Californians understand the details, that they will embrace civil union. "Ironically, the more shrill our ultra-conservative opponents become as they harshly speak out against civil union and the families it would benefit, the stronger our case becomes. They are so out of touch with California that they can't even acknowledge that gay and lesbian couples are raising children. They need a major reality check and I'm hoping that we can educate them too," he said. "Even Richard Riordan has said that he has an open mind about civil unions. To me, that demonstrates tremendous progress and a sweet victory for this legislative session. "AB 1338 may have stalled, but the issue of civil union is still very much alive in California. The battle may be over, but the war has only just begun. Polling shows that a majority of Californians, while still supporting Prop. 22, support the concept of a system of rights and responsibilities parallel to marriage for same sex couples. Otherwise I wouldn't be pushing it so hard.
"As I continue to serve in the Assembly, I intend to bring the California Family Protection Act back. I'll be here for at least five years. These families are here to stay. This issue is here to stay. And whether it's this year or next year, the bill will be back," Koretz concluded. AB 1338 was introduced in February 2001, modeled after successful legislation in Vermont. The Assembly Judiciary Committee held two informational hearings during the fall last year on the issue of civil unions as they compare to marriage and domestic partnership. In addition, Assemblyman Paul Koretz conducted two town hall meetings in San Diego and Oakland on the topic. The legislation has been the topic of dozens of news articles, radio programs, letter-writing campaigns, television interviews and Internet discussions. This bill is supported by a broad coalition, including health organizations, women's groups, civil rights organizations and labor groups. Fourteen legislators were co-authors of the measure. |
