By Amber Davis Cavalier Daily Associate Editor California, known for its definitely progressive actions on many political and social issues, has yet again lived up to that reputation: This past Tuesday, the California Assembly, after heated debate, voted in favor of same-sex marriages. The approved legislation, the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act, redefines marriage as any union between two people, angering conservative opponents who believe this ruling undermines the sanctity of the family and the ritual of matrimony.
According to The Washington Post, the state legislature, in passing the bill, set another national precedent -- making California the first state to grant this right to gay couples through a ruling by the state assembly, and without the presence of a specific court order.
Second-year College student Steven Young, a volunteer at the University's Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center, said he believes the efforts that the California Assembly is taking on this issue could potentially have large implications for the gay community.
"This legislation has been one of the best things to happen to the gay rights movement in the U.S.," Young said. "The approval of this legislation without the backing of a court order shows that the people are actually behind this cause. Eleven states have amendments right now against gay marriage; however, if California rejects this proposal, it's a bad signal for the rest of the nation."
Fourth-year College Student Pavithra Ramani also said she understands the pivotal role that California has played in bringing forward issues that other states tend to set aside.
"California is a state that serves as a leader in bringing up tough policy issues," Ramani said. "This state's role in pushing forward gay rights legislation will serve to make other states more aware of the issue."
Other students, such as fourth-year College student Laura Efford, said they find that previously passed legislation in California, which has allowed civil unions to experience nearly all the same rights as married couples, have been a sufficient gain for most same-sex relationships.
"I'm for the idea of gay rights, but I don't see it as a demanding issue," Efford said. "I have a gay friend who is satisfied with her gay relationship now simply in a civil union. The fact that they can be recognized as a couple is the most important thing to her."
Opponents of this legislation, however, often base their arguments on their religious values and understand the institution of marriage to be a valuable union between a man and a woman.
Third-year College student Rebecca Richards said she holds this view.
"Marriage is a divine institution intended to be between a man and a woman, so that by their love for one another, they help each other grow closer to God, and bring children into this world," Richards said.
Even though the State Assembly has accepted this legislation, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has announced that he will veto this act and allow the ultimate decision to rest in the hands of the state courts and voters, the Post reported.
Second-year College student Michael Cary said he wonders how Schwarzenegger will be able to stick with this final decision.
"Although he's a conservative, he tends to have a liberal view of many issues," Cary said.
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