Gay and Lesbian taxpayers From: Fred 9/4/2004 Lance I know this is your hair website blog, but here is some political stuff i thought you would be interested in: On September 1st, AB 849, the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act was passed through the CA Senate. This was an historical moment because it was the first time a state legislature had passed a same-sex marriage bill without being ordered by the courts to do so. Some brief background: this bill was originally called AB 19, but failed on the Assembly floor by four votes. A month later, the bill’s author, Mark Leno, gutted a bill on fisheries (with the permission of the author, Assemblymember Patty Berg) that had already passed the Assembly and was on its way to the Senate. He inserted the language of AB 19. Now that this amended bill has passed the Senate, it must obtain concurrence on the Assembly floor. This time, we must fight harder to ensure that equality prevails. Please contact the offices of the legislators listed below unceasingly to remind them of the following: •This is a civil rights issue. Fifty years ago, interracial marriage was prohibited by law. As California marriage laws currently stand, they violate California’s doctrines of equality, privacy and freedom from discrimination. •This bill specifically states that the government may not interfere in a religious institution’s refusal to perform a same- sex marriage. This bill only applies to government- issued marriage licenses. •Gay & lesbian taxpayers in California contribute to society equally. Hence, they should have equal rights, if they are to assume equal responsibilities. •Legalizing same-sex marriage would result in a net gain of $22.3 to $25.2 million each year. In the current state of our economic crisis, these revenues would be helpful in balancing the budget and ensuring more money for education, housing and medical programs. Please take 5 minutes out of your day to write an email or make this very important call. Please forward this message and ask your family and friends to do the same. Let's make this happen once and for all! Sincerely, Fred Mariscal, SYD Vice President of Communications Comment on this posting.

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