Sunday, February 15, 2009

Gay Rights “Lobbyists” to Descend on CA Capitol

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From SFGate

Gay rights supporters have won key victories in the state Legislature in recent years, including two approvals of a law giving same-sex couples marriage rights. Both were vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

On Tuesday, thousands of those supporters will come to Sacramento from around the state for what they are calling "lobby day."

Their goal: win support of lawmakers for a resolution opposing the legality of Proposition 8, the constitutional amendment passed by voters in November that bans same-sex marriage.

The resolution states that the Legislature "opposes Proposition 8 because it is an improper revision, not an amendment, of the California Constitution."

That is one of the arguments being made to the California Supreme Court in a bid to overturn Prop. 8.

Both houses will hear the resolution Tuesday. It was written by Assemblyman Tom Ammiano and state Sen. Mark Leno, both San Francisco Democrats.

Equality California, a statewide gay rights organization, is sponsoring the lobbying day as it has in the past and expects the largest crowd ever, said Vaishalee Raja, a spokeswoman for the group.

She said the goal of the day is not to persuade the court, but that the passage of Prop. 8 "is one of those things that how could the Legislature not go on the record about?"

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From
Beetle Blogger

The Digital Network Army, United Families International and Capital Resource Institute are joining forces this Tuesday to rally for families at the Capitol Building in Sacramento.  Both state houses are drafting official resolutions condemning the passage of Proposition 8 and urging the Supreme Court to overturn the will of the people AGAIN.

Two statewide elections with the majority voices of millions were not loud enough to turn the heads of our representatives in Sacramento, so we’re bringing the voice of the people to Sacramento.  Come Rally with us for Marriage and Families!  Help remind the Senators and Assemblymen that we are watching…because there’s nothing more important to our nation than its families.

Protect Marriage!  Protect Families!  Protect Democracy!

If our representatives are going to turn their backs on the people who voted for them, let them do it to our faces in the light of the cameras, not in a silent corner.

Stop! CA Voted! 

From
DNA Team Captain

Team,

Ok, so the most recent word is that the opposition is going to be busing people in from San Francisco for the hearings so seating at the actual hearing may be limited, come early. If you have kids, bring water bottles and a few snacks, comfortable shoes. Security is tight there, so remember, no pocket knives etc.

If we have more people come to the hearing than we can fit in the room, we’ll hold a concurrent rally outside the capitol building with a petition signing.  No body will be wasted!  Kids and families are welcome!  Come and be heard!  Wear your yellow shirt if you like!  If it rains, bring an umbrella, we’ll rally in the hallways!

Proposition 8 Hearings will be held in these rooms:

HR 5
Tuesday, February 17
10:30am
State Capitol
Room 4202

SR 7
Tuesday, February 17
12:30pm
State Capitol
Room 4203

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Pearl’s take:

Looks like it’s going to be “fun.”  I remember my Prop 8 sign waving days with No on 8 sign wavers and adherents harassing, intimidating, threatening, hollering, cussing out, and goading Yes on 8 folks.  Let’s hope that this time protestors on the No side are a bit more civilized.

Please don’t forget that even if you cannot make it to the Capitol to personally represent your Yes vote, you can still phone your legislative reps to let them know exactly how you feel about these resolutions.  Kingfisher has an easy-to-read list here.

And join the “Support Prop 8 Rally” Facebook Event here!

See you at the Capitol on Tuesday!
~Pearl

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