Sacramento, CA–(HISPANIC PR WIRE – BUSINESS WIRE)–December 8, 2004–Assemblyman Chuck DeVore (R-Irvine) issued the following statement today regarding AB 19 (Leno, D-San Francisco), which would legalize same sex marriage in California:
“It was only four years ago that California voters overwhelmingly passed Prop. 22. If that initiative were up today it would pass again by an equal if not greater margin. Eleven similar laws passed in this last election across America, while another 12 states have proposed similar ballot measures. AB 19 ignores the will of the voters. They have already spoken forcefully on the matter.
“The people understand the institution of marriage is special. Marriage is not just a relationship. It has to mean only a man and a woman. If we do what this bill asks – that is change the definition ofmarriage to include people of the same sex – the term marriage loses all meaning.
“Furthermore, the law recognizes and elevates matrimony because it is the foundation of family, and family is the foundation of society. Society, therefore, shouldn’t recognize anything that doesn’t encourage marriage’s primary purpose: Building strong families.
“Government should encourage and reinforce marriage, not redefine it into meaninglessness.”
–30–ST/np*
CONTACT:
Assemblyman Chuck DeVore
Brian K. O’Neel, 916-319-2070
or
Leisa Brug, 949-413-4447
