RESOLUTION URGING THE EXPANSION OF THE CIVIL MARRIAGE LAWS TO BE INCLUSIVE REGARDLESS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER
http://www.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us/cc/archives/03/2-11meeting/2-11rpt/cm012.htm
DATE:
February 5, 2003
AGENDA OF:
February 11, 2003
DEPARTMENT:
City Council
SUBJECT:
RESOLUTION URGING THE EXPANSION OF THE CIVIL MARRIAGE LAWS TO BE INCLUSIVE REGARDLESS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt a resolution supporting Assembly Bill 205 and urging the expansion of civil marriage laws to be inclusive regardless of sexual orientation or gender, and authorizing the Mayor to communicate the City’s position to its State legislators and Governor Davis.
DISCUSSION: Under existing law, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people do not have the rights, privileges, and protections afforded by legal marriage. These families deserve the same rights and legal protections as other families under the law, including the protection of their spousal rights and privileges and protection of their children’s economic interests by insuring their access to the resources of both parents. The opportunity to publicly and legally commit to share one’s life with a person of one’s choice is for many people one of the most central aspects of human experience, and denial of marriage to couples is a denial of fundamental civil rights. Assembly Bill 205 would extend the rights and duties of marriage to persons registered as domestic partners.
Santa Cruz has by local policy and ordinance shown its commitment to fair and equitable treatment of all persons regardless of gender or sexual orientation. I am requesting that the Council demonstrate that commitment by adopting the attached resolution in support of AB 205 and urging the expansion of civil marriage laws to be inclusive of gay and lesbian couples.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
Submitted by:
Tim Fitzmaurice
Councilmember
Attachments: Resolution
AB 205 Legislative Counsel’s Digest