FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Contact: Mayor’s Press Office
415-554-6131
MAYOR NEWSOM ASKS COUNTY CLERK TO END DISCRIMINATION WHEN ISSUING MARRIAGE LICENSES
Mayor: Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation is a Violation of California Constitution’s “Equal Protection” Clause
Newsom says Codified Discrimination Will Not Be Tolerated
San Francisco, CA – Mayor Gavin Newsom asked San Francisco’s County Clerk today to determine the necessary changes to the “forms and documents used to apply for and issue marriage licenses…in order to provide [them] on a non –discriminatory basis.” Newsom’s request, which was done in the form of a letter, was sent following a review of the California Constitution’s equal protection clause, which states unequivocally: “[a] person may not be…denied equal protection of the laws.”
“A little more than a month ago I took the oath of office here at City Hall and swore to uphold California’s Constitution which clearly outlaws all forms of discrimination,” said Newsom. “Denying basic rights to members of our community will not be tolerated.”
“California’s Constitution is clear: discrimination is immoral, it is illegal and it is antithetical to our most cherished values – liberty and freedom,” Newsom continued.
Denying gays and lesbians the right to marry denies them more than a marriage license; it precludes millions of couples from obtaining health benefits, hospital visitation rights and pension privileges. Newsom noted that gay citizens pay taxes and protect our communities as firefighters and police officers, among other occupations. Newsom concluded: “There is no rationale for discrimination against any individuals in California.”
A copy of the letter Mayor Newsom sent to the County Clerk is attached.
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