Anyone else get this letter from A-nold?

[drmom]

Thank you for emailing to express your position regarding Assembly Bill 849 (Leno).
I understand the importance of this piece of legislation and the outcome it would
have on our State and nation as a whole. After extensive consideration and thorough
deliberation from proponents and opponents of this issue, I have decided to veto
this bill.

I am proud California is a leader in recognizing and respecting domestic
partnerships and the equal rights of domestic partners. I believe that lesbian and
gay couples are entitled to full protection under the law and should not be
discriminated against based upon their relationships. I support current domestic
partnership rights and will continue to vigorously defend and enforce these rights
and as such will not support a rollback of these rights.

California Family Code Section 308.5 was enacted by an initiative statute passed by
the voters as Proposition 22 in 2000. Article II, section 10 of the California
Constitution prohibits the Legislature from amending this initiative statute without
a vote of the people. This bill does not provide for such a vote and I do not
believe the Legislature can reverse an initiative approved by the people of
California.

The ultimate issue regarding the constitutionality of section 308.5 and its
prohibition of same-sex marriage is currently before the Court of Appeals in San
Francisco and will likely be decided by the Supreme Court. If the ban of same-sex
marriage is unconstitutional, this bill is not necessary. If the ban is
constitutional, this bill is ineffective.

While I was not able to sign this bill in particular, I did sign legislation to
extend the rights of domestic partners. Last legislative session I signed SB 1234
(Kuehl), the most comprehensive extension of domestic partner rights. This session
I signed AB 1400 (Laird), which clarifies that marital status and sexual orientation
are among the characteristics that are protected against discrimination by business
establishments under the Unruh Civil Rights Act. I also signed AB 1586 (Koretz)
which adds additional language to already existing anti-discrimination provision to
clarify that State law prohibits insurance companies and health care service plans
from discriminating on the basis of gender in the creation or maintenance of service
contracts or the provision of benefits or coverage.

Thank you again for taking the time to voice your opinion. Taking the time to
communicate your opinions and concern shows that California's people are engaged in
issues that affect the well being and future of our State.

Sincerely,



Arnold Schwarzenegger

[mitchtv]

1. aren't you the lucky one

next best thing to being groped by Boobengrabber

[FreeState]

2. Yes I got it today too

I think he is trying to get his base to support him again - and not knowing what the original emails were, he sent out to the whole list (pro and con) hoping to remind the anti's that he vetoed the bill. Thats just my speculation...

[drmom]

3. Okay, that makes sense... I couldn't figure out who he was pandering to...

Not really a smart political move, IMO, to send the same letter to the pro- and anti- sides of an issue. Ah well...