(San Diego, CA)--Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA) today for the first time pledged to oppose a proposed constitutional amendment to ban marriage for same-sex couples in California. In remarks to the Log Cabin Republicans National Convention in San Diego, Schwarzenegger predicted Californians would reject the amendment and said, “I will always be there to fight against that.”
“It’s a great day for the Republican Party and for all California families,” said Log Cabin President Patrick Sammon. “Gov. Schwarzenegger is a strong Log Cabin ally and a great friend for gay and lesbian people. His opposition to any anti-marriage amendment is great news. He will be an important voice against this effort.”
Governor Schwarzenegger has twice vetoed same-sex marriage bills, stating the courts or the people should decide the issue. A decision by the California Supreme Court is expected by June 5th. Anti-gay groups are working to gather signatures to put a same-sex marriage constitutional ban on the November ballot.
Schwarzenegger’s remarks to Log Cabin members came during a public discussion with Log Cabin President Patrick Sammon about the future of the Republican Party. Sammon asked the governor whether he would oppose the effort to ban same-sex marriage. Transcript below:
Sammon: "Our organization started here in California in 1978 and grew out of a ballot initiative--the Briggs Initiative--which would have prohibited gay and lesbian people from teaching in California public schools. And during that campaign, former Gov. Reagan spoke out against it. And here we are 30 years later and we're looking ahead to November, where there very well could be a ballot initiative that's meant to forever ban same-sex couples from having the same responsibilities through marriage that other couples do. Can we count on your opposition to this effort to ban gay people from having marriage equality?"
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: "Well, first of all, I think that it would never happen in California because I think that California people are much further along with that issue. And, number two, I will always be there to fight against that. I think we need a constitutional amendment so that foreign-born citizens can run for president, but not about gay marriage. That's a total waste of time."
