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Dianne Feinstein comes out against Proposition 8

by Rex Wockner

National News Briefs

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., came out Sept. 12 against Proposition 8, the Nov. 4 ballot initiative that would amend the California Constitution to undo the state's legalization of same-sex marriage.
"I oppose it as a matter of equality and fairness," Feinstein said. "The right to marry is fundamental. It provides social stability, economic equality and the ability to make decisions for a spouse in a time of crisis. If Proposition 8 were to pass, not only would it eliminate the right to marry for gay and lesbian couples, but it would also create a complicated legal quagmire for those who have exercised this right under the California Constitution."
The state Supreme Court legalized marriage for same-sex couples in May and the ruling took effect June 16. The court said the state constitution contains a fundamental right to marry and that the ban on same-sex marriage violated the document's guarantee of equal protection under the law.
Four recent polls have found that between 51 percent and 55 percent of California voters oppose re-banning same-sex marriage by amending the state constitution and between 38 percent and 42 percent support it.
The newest poll, a Field Poll released Sept. 17, found the lowest level of support to date for the proposal: 38 percent.
"The views of Californians on this issue have changed over time, and as a state, I believe we should uphold the ability of our friends, neighbors and co-workers who are gay and lesbian to enter into the contract of marriage," Feinstein said. "I urge Californians to oppose Proposition 8."
Meanwhile, The Los Angeles Times reported Sept. 17 that actor Brad Pitt has given $100,000 to the campaign against Prop 8.
"Because no one has the right to deny another their life, even though they disagree with it, because everyone has the right to live the life they so desire if it doesn't harm another and because discrimination has no place in America, my vote will be for equality and against Proposition 8," Pitt said in a statement.

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Topics: News
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