On September 7, I wrote to Governator Schwarzenegger pleading him not to veto the Gender Neutral Marriage Bill.  Of course, in the end, he did veto the bill.  Today, more than two months later, Schwarzenegger finally wrote back (presumably from his Blackberry while in China.  He said::

Thank you for emailing to express your position regarding Assembly Bill 849 (Leno).  I understand the importance of this piece of legislation and the outcome it would have on our State and nation as a whole.  After extensive consideration and thorough deliberation from proponents and opponents of this issue, I have decided to veto this bill.

I am proud California is a leader in recognizing and respecting domestic partnerships and the equal rights of domestic partners.  I believe that lesbian and gay couples are entitled to full protection under the law and should not be discriminated against based upon their relationships.  I support current domestic partnership rights and will continue to
vigorously defend and enforce these rights and as such will not support a rollback of these rights.  

California Family Code Section 308.5 was enacted by an initiative statute passed by the voters as Proposition 22 in 2000.  Article II, section
10 of the California Constitution prohibits the Legislature from amending this initiative statute without a vote of the people.  This bill
does not provide for such a vote and I do not believe the Legislature can reverse an initiative approved by the people of California.

The ultimate issue regarding the constitutionality of section 308.5 and its prohibition of same-sex marriage is currently before the Court of
Appeal in San Francisco and will likely be decided by the Supreme Court.  If the ban of same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, this bill is not
necessary.  If the ban is constitutional, this bill is ineffective.

While I was not able to sign this bill in particular, I did sign legislation to extend the rights of domestic partners.  Last legislative
session I signed SB 1234 (Kuehl), the most comprehensive extension of
domestic partner rights.  This sessions I signed AB 1400 (Laird), which clarifies that marital status and sexual orientation are among the
characteristics that are protected against discrimination by business establishments under the Unruh Civil Rights Act.  I also signed AB 1586 (Koretz) which adds additional language to already existing anti-discrimination provision to clarify that State law prohibits insurance companies and
health care service plans from discriminating on the basis of gender in the creation or maintenance of service contracts or the provision of benefits or coverage.  

Thank you again for taking the time to voice your opinion.  Taking the time to communicate your opinions and concern shows that California’s
people are engaged in issues that affect the well being and future of our State.  

Sincerely,

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Why did it take the Governator two months to respond?

Is it just me, or does this letter scream “separate but equal is good enough for me”?  

(Very funny… thanks dood… – promoted by SFBrianCL)

Beijing, China (UPSI) – Recent noted Republican losers California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and President George W Bush crossed paths in China as both embarked on Asian tours. Governor Schwarzenegger was there purportedly to promote trade with Asian nations, take a stance against pirated DVD sales, and promote the International Special Olympics, which he has supported for decades. President Bush was there for a brief stop to also promote the Special Olympics, for which he was a gold medalist during his college days at Yale.

Bush, checking an opponent in the Yale Special Olympics shot-putting event, circa 1969

Political analysts have been left to wonder over the attraction that China has for these two recent losers in their quest for political rehabilitation. There were some tense moments as both leaders and their first ladies seemed to be overwhelmed by adoring Chinese paparazzi. It was especially tense when the chants of “Ah-no” erupted, and it was unclear as to whether they were meant as condemnation of president Bush or adoration of governor Schwarzenegger.

Former Special Olympian Bush seemed to become a little peeved when he realized that the adoration was deferentially towards Schwarzenegger. He was notably temporarily confined to a wheel chair after yet another bicycle accident in Alaska yesterday. First lady Laura Bush stepped in and seemed to smooth over ruffled feathers, and the president brightened considerably when he was presented the Special Olympics torch in a ceremony by governor Schwarzenegger.

Schwarzenegger will continue his tour and attempt to promote trade with California as well as DVD anti-piracy attitudes and legislation in China. Bush will be left with the embarrassing task of addressing the impending ownership of the United States by the Chinese government with officials there. Both camps hold steadfastly to the belief that these trips in some way will address sagging poll numbers for both leaders at home.