Same-Sex Marriage

The California Senate passed a bill aimed at providing certain limited rights to domestic partners (May 26). Supporters of the bill defended themselves against charges that the bill would pave the way for same-sex marriages. That defense, although accurate, should not have been made. Sen. Richard Mountjoy, in attacking the measure, stated that the bill would weaken the institution of marriage and violate God’s will. Assumptions of “God’s will” should have no place in the legislative process in a nation that made religious freedom one of its cornerstones.

Denial of marriage rights means that same-sex couples are disadvantaged under tax law, the 5th Amendment, insurance coverage and in other ways too numerous to mention. Existing legislation grants broad protections against discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender and physical disabilities. Somehow, gender orientation has been denied the same protection. While the current measure provides some improvement, the Legislature, Gov. Gray Davis and the people should pass a same-sex marriage provision.

DAVID HOLLAND

Northridge