California Mayors Support Freedom to Marry
Mayors from diverse political persuasions, from red states and blue states, from cities and towns, have stepped forward to talk about why same-sex couples should be able to marry, joining Mayors for the Freedom to Marry, a bipartisan group of more than 100 mayors who have pledged to support the freedom of same-sex couples to marry.
The nationwide effort to get mayors from all over the country to sign up to support the right for same-sex couple to marry was launched Friday, Jan. 21 by Freedom to marry, and include many of California's mayors.
“It takes real courage and conviction to stand up for what’s right, and Mayor Cabaldon has never shrunk away from doing what’s best for California and our country,” said Stonewall Communications Chair Neil Pople in a released statement. “We need hundreds more Christopher Cabaldons in local and state government to help ensure equality for ALL citizens. We’re delighted to hear Mayor Kravoza standing with us as well in this latest chapter of civil rights. Their help is going to go a long way.”
Acting Stonewall Club President Sam Catalano added “We’d like to encourage Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson to take this pledge to ensure the rights of ALL Sacramento citizens. This is a pivotal moment in the history of our country, and we know Mayor Johnson has the ear of the White House. His support for marriage equality could really help sway this administration’s stance on and change the course of history.”
Among the other California mayors who signed the pledge:
Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles; Jerry Sander, San Diego; Tom Bates, Berkeley; Richard Bloom, Santa Monica; Stephen Cassidy, San Leandro; John Duran, West Hollywood; Larry Forrester, Signal Hill; Bob Foster, Long Beach; Laura Friedman, Glendale; Debora Fudge, Windsor; David Glass, Petaluma; Marie Gilmore, Alameda; Mike Gin, Redondo Beach; Don Lane, Santa Cruz; Edwin Lee, San Francisco; Jan Marx, San Luis Obispo; Steve Pougnet, Palm Springs; Jean Quan, Oakland; Helene Schneider, Santa Barbara; Ann Schwab, Chico; and Nick Tell, Manhattan Beach
