Support Our Freedom to Marry - Write the Governor

EQUALITY CALIFORNIA

Action Alert! Urge the Governor to Support Every Californian's Freedom to Marry


February 21, 2007

Dear Karen,

Once again, your basic rights are on the line.

Last week, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he will not sign legislation this year
giving same-sex couples the freedom to marry in California.

Before debate has even begun on AB 43, the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage
Protection Act, the governor has said "no" to treating same-sex couples with the
same dignity, respect and support that every other California couple can get through
marriage. Sponsored by Equality California (EQCA) and authored by Assemblymember
Mark Leno, AB 43 is the same bill the Legislature passed in 2005 granting same-sex
couples the freedom to marry.

Write the governor today and remind him that all Californians deserve the freedom to
marry.
While the Legislature is standing up for fairness, the governor continues to duck
the issue - hoping the ballot measure process or the courts will decide. Remind the
governor that every Californian deserves a fair chance to realize his or her hopes
and dreams without going to court or having them put to a vote.

Our message to the governor is clear. Excluding same-sex couples from marriage
denies them a basic freedom every other Californian enjoys. The governor should show
true leadership by standing up for all couples, all families and all Californians.

If you are a member of Equality California's advocacy center, simply reply to this
email to send your letter. Or join EQCA's advocacy center
(http://www.eqca.org/takeaction) today to take action.

Sincerely,

Seth Kilbourn
Political Director
Equality California


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Four Ways
To Protect Your Freedom

1. Call the Governor
Urge him to support freedom to marry and AB 43. 916.445.2841

2. Write the Governor
Reply to this email if you are a member of our action center. Or join
(http://www.eqca.org/takeaction) the action center today.

3. Spread the Word
Forward this email to three friends.

4. Learn More
See how EQCA is expanding LGBT equality through legislation. Visit the 2007
Legislative Center (http://www.eqca.org/legislation/2007).



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Mark Your Calendar

Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007
Monday, March 26
Sacramento

Hundreds of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and straight youth from
across California gather at the state Capitol to advocate for safe schools. Youth
advocates encourage an end to discrimination and harassment in schools based on
sexual orientation and gender identity. The event is co-sponsored by Equality
California (EQCA), GSA Network and BIENESTAR.
Register at http://www.eqca.org/qyad/2007 (http://www.eqca.org/qyad/2007)

Support LGBT youth as a QYAD fiscal sponsor. Contact Lai-San Seto at
advocacy [at] gsanetwork.org (mailto:advocacy [at] gsanetwork.org) or 415.552.4229.

******

2nd Annual Transgender Leadership Summit
Leaders Working Together for Equality

March 23-25
University of Southern California
Los Angeles

Join transgender community members, families and allies for the 2nd annual
leadership roundup. This event is FREE and open to individuals of all skill levels
who are interested in advancing civil rights for transgender people in California.
For more information, visit http://www.transgenderlawcenter.org/summit2007
(http://www.transgenderlawcenter.org/summit2007) or c ontact Cecilia Chung at
415.865.0184 or cecilia [at] transgenderlawcenter.org
(mailto:cecilia [at] transgenderlawcenter.org).


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Sample letter to the governor

(Month) (Day) (Year)

From: (Sender Name)
(Sender Address)

RE: Please Support Marriage Equality (AB 43)

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger,

Like every Californian, I want a fair chance to realize my hopes and dreams, and I
believe my family, friends and neighbors deserve that too. That is why, as a
constituent and a supporter of equality for all Californians, I urge you to please
reconsider your position on Assembly Bill 43, sponsored by Equality California.

Excluding same-sex couples from marriage denies them recognition as a family. Every
day that exclusion continues, more committed, loving couples and their families are
hurt.

In early February you said a same-sex couple's freedom to marry should be decided by
voters, not by the governor or the Legislature. Governor Schwarzenegger, how would
you feel if your freedom to marry First Lady Maria Shriver had been put to popular
vote?

Please support an individual's freedom to marry and be a leader in making it
possible for every Californian to realize his or her hopes and dreams.

Sincerely,

(Sender's Name)

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Equality California | http://www.eqca.org

Contributions to Equality California support EQCA's political work and are not tax
deductible as charitable contributions under IRS-162(e).