Oct 2, 2008 3:19 pm US/Pacific
Sides Clash At Hearing On CA Gay Marriage Measure
LOS ANGELES (AP) ―
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A lesbian couple takes marriage vows.
CBS4
The only public hearing to be held on California's most contested ballot initiative turned into a de-facto debate Thursday on gay marriage.
Advocates and opponents clashed on Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment on the Nov. 4 ballot that would ban same-sex unions.
"Proposition 8 proposes to enshrine discrimination into the constitution of the state of California," John Perez, a labor organizer who is gay, said at the hearing.
The initiative is backed by a coalition of religious groups and the California Republican Party. Opponents include gay rights advocates, the American Civil Liberties Union, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and director Steven Spielberg.
The hearing by the state Senate and Assembly judiciary committees attracted about 150 people.
A parade of speakers addressed the panel chaired by state Sen. Ellen Corbett, D-San Leandro, who repeatedly warned the crowd to refrain from applauding and shouting comments.
Jennifer Roback Morse, former president of a pro-family organization, said same-sex marriages violate the "child-centered institution of marriage."
"Mothers and fathers are not interchangeable," she said.
Samuel Thoron, former president of the group Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, said he doesn't see any difference between his gay child and his two heterosexual children.
"We think they should be treated equally. Nothing conveys the same dignity and respect for that as marriage," he said.
Several speakers were bothered by the California Supreme Court ruling earlier this year to legalize gay unions, even though a ban was approved by more than 61 percent of California's voters eight years ago.
Rick Deland said allowing same-sex marriage was akin to forced social experimentation.
"It shows a disturbing disconnect between the will of the people and the will of the elites," he said.
Other speakers in favor of Proposition 8 included a retired Catholic priest and other members of the clergy
The state Senate and Assembly judiciary committees were required to hold the joint hearing because the initiative proposes a Constitutional amendment.
Proposition 8 is one of three proposed gay marriage bans appearing on ballots around the country this November. It would amend the state Constitution to overturn the California Supreme Court decision.
It will be the first time a marriage amendment goes before voters in a place where same-sex couples have legally wed.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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