CALIFORNIA – Yesterday, a broad coalition of California leaders and LGBTQ+ community advocates hosted a virtual press conference to launch the Freedom to Marry ballot measure. The initiative would protect the fundamental right to marry, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity. The California Legislature approved the ballot measure language last year without a single ‘no’ vote, giving voters the chance to enshrine marriage equality in the state’s constitution this November. 

“Although marriage equality has been the law of the land, recent rulings by the Supreme Court show we must remain vigilant in protecting our hard-earned rights,” said Tony Hoang, Executive Director of Equality California. “California’s Constitution still says that same-sex couples are not allowed to marry— this ballot measure will update our state constitution to reflect current law, finally remove the discriminatory language from Proposition 8, and ensure California remains committed to protecting civil rights for all its residents.” 

“Every marriage has the right to be seen, recognized, and protected in the eyes of the law,” said Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson. “We are proud to continue our support for the repeal of Proposition 8 and to finally remove this dark stain on the history of equality in California. Ensuring marriage equality is the law of the land and that LGBTQ+ peoples’ lives, and love remain validated and supported is an enduring fight with a torch that will always be lit. As we face unprecedented assaults on our freedoms and our existence, especially among our transgender family, we must never take any of our rights for granted so that we can one day achieve full equality and liberation for our community, without exception.”

“While we live in a state that celebrates diversity and acceptance, extremist politicians across the country continue to pass laws and policies that attack the LGBTQ+ community,” said Bamby Salcedo, President and CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition. “I am proud to be part of this coalition of activists and allies working together to address not only the freedom to marry, but also the injustices the LGBTQ+ community– especially transgender people– continue to face today.” 

The ballot measure launch comes a week before the 20th anniversary of the ‘Winter of Love,’ wherein Governor Newsom, then-San Francisco mayor, ordered city officials to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and helped jumpstart the marriage equality movement.

“The fight for marriage equality is a personal one for me, and removing the remnants of unjust language from our state constitution will ensure that millions of Californians are protected for years to come,” said Jackie Goldberg, LAUSD School Board President and one of the first people allowed to marry her partner in 2004 during the ‘Winter of Love.’ 

“Enshrining marriage equality in our state’s constitution is a vital step in protecting the freedom to marry for millions of LGBTQ+ and interracial couples,” said Senator Scott Wiener (SD-11). “This initiative sends a message to the rest of the country that California is, and always will be, committed to freedom and equality for all.” 

“For many, our state serves as a beacon of hope in a sea of discriminatory policies and laws,” said Senator Susan Eggman (SD-5). “This amendment will ensure our constitution reflects our California values and protect millions of Californians from potential attacks on their right to marry the person they love regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. Together, we can reinforce our commitment to love, acceptance, and inclusivity.”  

While we have come far in the last two decades, extremist politicians and ideological Supreme Court justices are threatening to dismantle hard-fought freedoms like the freedom to marry. 

“If the Court was willing to overturn fifty years of precedent, it’s no longer safe to assume it will uphold less than a decade of precedent protecting marriage equality for same-sex couples or even interracial couples,” said Assemblymember Evan Low (AD-26). “There is a strong coalition of California leadership, LGBTQ+ community organizations, and civil rights advocates backing this amendment– as well as bipartisan support– showing that freedom and equality are important to all Californians.” 

“California should amend its Constitution to protect the fundamental freedom to marry for all Californians, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity,” said Ashley Morris, Organizing Director of ACLU Northern California. “Although marriage equality for same-sex couples has been the law of the land in the United States for years, California’s Constitution still says that “[o]nly marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” With several members of the U.S. Supreme Court stating their desire to revisit the Court’s rulings protecting the freedom to marry, the time is right to enshrine the freedom to marry in California’s Constitution for same-sex and interracial couples, groups that have historically been denied equal protection under California law.” 

“Marriage equality is a fundamental right, and everyone deserves the right to live their life with who they love as their authentic selves,” said Jodi Hicks, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. “These protections would help to safeguard against future attempts to restrict marriage rights for same-sex or interracial couples. We must continue to fight for LGBTQ+ rights, protect our Trans and BIPOC communities, and tirelessly defend against future threats in the judiciary system that undermine foundational liberties. Because let’s be clear, the same extremists who have been fighting to take away abortion rights are using the same playbook to take away rights in the LGBTQ+ community.”

The initiative is backed by Equality California, Human Rights Campaign, TransLatin@ Coalition, ACLU of Northern California, and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. Voters can go to freedomtomarryca.com for more information.