Senator Mark Leno Issues Statement Regarding Prop 8 Decision

SAN FRANCISCO – Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) issued the following statement today in response to U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision regarding Proposition 8, the statewide initiative approved by voters in 2008 that prevents same-sex couples from marrying in California.

“Today the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, reiterating the California Supreme Court’s 1948 comment in ending the ban on interracial marriage that marriage is a ‘fundamental right of all citizens,’ upheld what we have long held to be true and just – that no loving couple shall be denied the opportunity to marry in California,” said Senator Leno. “This decision is a monumental victory for same-sex couples in California who wish to honor their love and commitment, and provide security for their families, through marriage. It affirms our fundamental freedoms as human beings, which for too long have been denied and invalidated.

“In today’s triumph, I hope our community finds renewed spirit and momentum to continue the important work of helping to ensure that all people receive the respect, dignity and validation they deserve.”

Senator Mark Leno represents California’s 3rd Senate District, which includes Marin and portions of San Francisco and Sonoma Counties. He is the first openly gay man elected to the California Senate and one of the first two openly gay men elected to the Assembly. As an Assemblymember, he authored California’s first bills that would have given same-sex couples the freedom to marry. The Legislature passed Senator Leno’s marriage bill in 2005 and again in 2007, but both measures were vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.