Senate committee passes same sex marriage bill

Photo(s) by Luke Thomas

Bay City News

July 10, 2007

The California Senate Judiciary Committee today voted 3-1 in favor of legislation that would legalize marriage for same-sex couples.

Assembly Bill 43, also called the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act, would end the exclusion of same-sex couples from the protections and responsibilities that come with marriage, according to Equality California, a nonprofit civil rights group.

The bill was sponsored by Equality California and authored by Assemblymember Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, the group said.

Assemblymember Mark Leno (file photo)

"Marriage is universally recognized and respected around the world and for many people is one of life's most significant milestones," said Geoff Kors, EQCA executive director.

The Assembly passed AB 43 on June 5 with a 42-34 vote, according to EQCA. Once it passes policy committees in the state Senate, the bill will go to a vote on the Senate floor.

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