California: Lawmakers To Press For Repeal of Prop 8

In the latest sign the battle over marriage equality is far from over, the Legislature’s gay and lesbian caucus and Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg today introduced a resolution opposing Proposition 8.

The non-binding resolution, introduced on the second day of the new legislative session, seeks to put the Legislature on record as declaring the gay marriage ban approved by voters last month was an improper revision of the state Constitution.

Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, said the resolution would restate the now-familiar argument advanced by opponents of Proposition 8 that the measure required a two-thirds vote of the Legislature before being placed on the ballot.

The state Supreme Court has agreed to consider that argument, and a ruling is expected by next June.

“It’s important to put ourselves on record (and) that we not remain silent,” Leno said at a Capitol news conference where he was joined by other members of the LGBT Legislative Caucus.

Steinberg, D-Sacramento, said the Legislature should not give any ground “when it comes to civil rights.”

“The battle for civil and human rights will continue until equal protection under the law is applied,” Steinberg said, calling Proposition 8 a “temporary setback.”

Via Sac Bee