(California)Senate OKs domestic partners' benefits--Davis backs bill to gi

[davidinalameda]

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2003/08/29/BA48487.DTL

Sacramento -- In an emotional debate filled with discussions of God and lawmakers' families, the Senate approved a bill Thursday that would give domestic partners many of the same rights of married couples.

Gov. Gray Davis reaffirmed that he would sign the measure, which would put California second only to Vermont in terms of rights for same-sex couples.

The bill, which was approved 24-14, would allow domestic partners to ask for child support and alimony and the ability to make funeral arrangements for a partner.


WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Demobrat]

1. Just under the wire too.

The Repukes would never have let Arnie sign this.

[RedSox02]

2. Great News!

Does it take a lame duck politician to do the right thing sometimes? Although hopefully Gray Davis would not be the only governor who would sign this, and hopefully he will not get recalled either. Remember the outgoing Republican Governor of Illinois putting a moratorium on the death penalty last year?

Gee a bad week for the Fundamentalist Christian God. First the Ten OCmmandments monument, now this! Meanwhile the REAL God smiles in approval.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

3. Congrats, all!

It's been a long time coming -- and there's still a long way to go -- but it's a good start. :)

[goobergunch]

4. This is very good news

As long as the Assembly passes this, it will be another GLBT victory! :toast: :bounce: :party:

The bill, AB205, now goes back to the Assembly for a final vote before hitting Davis' desk. The bill's author, Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg, D-Los Angeles, said she expected the bill to be approved as early as next week.

[LeftCoast]

5. WooHOO! This is excellent!!!

The most ironic thing...the right-wingers have turned a remarkably MODERATE governor into a good ol' fashioned LIBERAL governor with their stupid recall.

No on Recall / Yes on Bustamante!

[davidinalameda]

11. I know

isn't it wonderful!

:bounce:

[David__77]

6. I laugh because the opposition is so muted.

Arnie is pro-domestic partnership, so many of the usual suspects are totally silent about this. Only McClintock's supporters are making noise. If I were McClintock, I would make this an issue. Aside from that, I'm glad that ONE positive derivative of this recall nonsense is that good legislation is going to become law, and the GOP is otherwise occupied. In fact, their standard-bearer, Arnie, is going to literally destroy the party if he ever gets in. The funny thing is that it's not the right-wingers that have made the GOP invalid. It's "centrists" like the Wilsonites who support raising taxes, abortion rights and some gay rights. That said, all out for NO RECALL - YES BUSTAMANTE!

[David__77]

10. And my spouse and I are domestic partners here, so it really means a lot!

Only Vermont will be closer to the goal of marriage equality. This will be a long fight, but I'm very confident about the end result. We need to intensify our educational efforts.

[Demobrat]

14. Pro-domestic partnership?

He said right out loud on the tee vee the other morning that he was against gay marriage. I took that to mean civil unions also. Am I to understand that he supports equal rights for gays?

[MaryBear]

16. Cool beans. It's the "M" word that riles

folks up. It even riles a few heteros that I know. While not all support domestic partnership it is less inflamatory terminology than the "M" word for many.

[twilight]

7. Good news for Gray Davis!

If it weren't for Gray Davis this would have never become a reality. It takes what it takes as the old saying goes - in this case, trying to thwart a good man from his job is what did the job.

I am glad for those that will benefit from this.

All people in caring relationships deserve rights be them gay or straight!

:dem:

[bushisanidiot]

8. YAY CA! :)

Chalk one up for the good guys! :)

[JI7]

9. remember the "anti gay" bill ?

remember a few years ago the anti same sex marriage proposition which passed. gray davis was opposed to that so i'm not surprised he signed this. sadly, the proposition passed with the bigots making it seem like it's some bill to "protect" hetero marriage, as if the high rate of divorce has to do with gays. glad davis is signing this,will be interesting to see how the right wing reacts considering AHnull supports it also , at least claims to.

[mitchtv]

12. I think that was prop23"save marriage amendment"

passed in all counties save SC, SF, marin, alameda,Sonoma; better known as the Knight Amendment. (Knight hates is gay son)

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

13. Prop 22

[mitchtv]

17. thx nsma

i wasn't sure there are so many props. I should know, I pulled down enough signs(on public property)

[cally]

15. Finally!!!

Very good news!!! I love this quote:

"I have to stand up and say that I am a person of faith, and my faith and my relationship with my God tells me that I am to love my fellow human beings and grant them respect, dignity and compassion," said Sen. Wes Chesbro, D- Arcata (Humboldt County).