January 27, 2010
CALIFORNIA FAITH FOR EQUALITY APPLAUDS AND URGES SUPPORT FOR NEW MARRIAGE BILL INTRODUCED BY STATE SENATOR MARK LENO
Democratic Senator Mark Leno of San Francisco introduced a bill Monday to amend California's family code to "reaffirm" the separation of church and state. This bill declares that no clergy person is required to solemnize a civil marriage that is contrary to his or her faith. Leno says this bill should put to rest fears from religious groups that say they'll be forced to perform same sex marriages one day in California. Leno's bill, SB 906, is called the Civil Marriage Religious Freedom Act. The proposal also assures churches they won't lose tax-exempt status if they refuse to perform marriages contrary to beliefs.
"While there has never been any real possibility that anyone would be forced to marry same sex couples against their will, we believe this bill will take away that false argument in an upcoming political campaign." said Pastor Samuel M. Chu, interim Executive Director of California Faith for Equality. "This bill will further define the separation bewteen church and state."
CALIFORNIA FAITH FOR EQUALITY APPLAUDS AND URGES SUPPORT FOR NEW MARRIAGE BILL INTRODUCED BY STATE SENATOR MARK LENO
Democratic Senator Mark Leno of San Francisco introduced a bill Monday to amend California's family code to "reaffirm" the separation of church and state. This bill declares that no clergy person is required to solemnize a civil marriage that is contrary to his or her faith. Leno says this bill should put to rest fears from religious groups that say they'll be forced to perform same sex marriages one day in California. Leno's bill, SB 906, is called the Civil Marriage Religious Freedom Act. The proposal also assures churches they won't lose tax-exempt status if they refuse to perform marriages contrary to beliefs.
"While there has never been any real possibility that anyone would be forced to marry same sex couples against their will, we believe this bill will take away that false argument in an upcoming political campaign." said Pastor Samuel M. Chu, interim Executive Director of California Faith for Equality. "This bill will further define the separation bewteen church and state."
Leno said, "While we know that religious freedom is protected under our Constitution, this legislation eliminates any confusion or doubt under state law, reaffirming that no member of clergy or church will be penalized for refusing to solemnize marriages that violate their religious tenets."
"We are confident that one day, same sex couple will be able to marry in California and we urge our clergy, faith leaders and all those who support equality for all to support this bill and contact their state representative to enlist their support, said Chu.
For more information contact:
Samuel M.Chu
Interim ExecutiveDirector
California Faith for Equality
213.500.1084
California Faith for Equality is a statewide network of clergy and lay leaders from a diversity of faith traditions who are committed to equality
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