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Petition approved for California's third marriage-related initiative
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Image: Yes! on Equality
SACRAMENTO — California came one step closer to voting for a third time on the issue of same-sex unions with the approval Tuesday of a "Yes! on Equality" petition.
Secretary of State Debra Bowen yesterday announced that Charles Lowe, who is the proponent of the new initiative aimed at 2010 election day voters, may begin collecting petition signatures for his measure.
The Attorney General prepares the legal title and summary that is required to appear on initiative petitions. When the official language is complete, the Attorney General forwards it to the proponent and to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State then provides calendar deadlines to the proponent and to county elections officials, and the initiative may be circulated for signatures.
Provisions are being proposed in the new initiative to counter the traditional marriage supporters claim that the legalization of same-sex marriage would infuse the state's public schools with a gay agenda. Also, the initiative states that clergy would not be required "to perform a service or duty inconsistent with his or her faith."
The Attorney General’s official title and summary for the measure is as follows:
REINSTATES RIGHT OF SAME-SEX COUPLES TO MARRY. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Repeals the current provision in California’s Constitution that states only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. Provides that the initiative is not intended, and shall not be interpreted, to modify or change the curriculum in any school. Clarifies that the initiative is not intended, and shall not be interpreted, to mandate or require clergy of any church or religious institution to perform a service or duty inconsistent with his or her faith. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Over the long run, this measure would likely have little fiscal impact on state and local governments. (09-0011.)
As the proponent for Yes! on Equality, Lowe must collect signatures of 694,354 registered voters – the number equal to 8% of the total votes cast for governor in the 2006 gubernatorial election – in order to qualify it for the ballot. The proponent has 150 days to circulate petitions for this measure, meaning the signatures must be collected by November 19, 2009.
The Yes! on Equality focus as outlined on the campaign Website states:
1) Provide a timely, basic tool to advance equality in California by gathering signatures for a 2010 ballot initiative.
2) Help established progressive networks and community organizations to motivate a diverse network of interested volunteers around grassroots efforts to broaden equality in California.
A response from the Yes on 8: Protect Marriage campaign has not been issued as of the time of article publication.
Sources: Lavendar Newswire, Yes! on Equality
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