Dueling in Sacramento

So what if you gave two un-parties? Would people come to both?

Two sets of petitions will circulate in California for possible amendments to the state constitution. Both aim to cut off any chance of same-sex marriages. One is more punitive, in eliminating current domestic-partnerships.

So, will there be enough people who hate, fear or are confused by homosexuals that 598,105 will sign either or both to get them on the 2006 ballot? Will the pettiness and nastiness of the worst one taint both?

Both got the go-ahead yesterday for signature gathering from Attorney General Bill Lockyer. Their supporters have until about Christmas to collect their totals. What a present for baby Jesus, eh?

The main supporting group for the DoMA with anti-domestic-partnership one, VoteYesMarriage, does not like Lockyer's summary that appears with the petition and details the areas that straights as well as gays would suffer from if it becomes law. VYTM (ironically, nearly pronounceable as vitamin) threatens to sue for less precise lingo.

This brings to mind lyrics from the CSN&Y Long Time Gone:

You know there's something that's goin' on around here,
That surely, surely, surely won't stand the light of day.

The summaries of both follow. Click on the associated links to see PDF versions of the amendments and proposers.

SA2005RF0077

Marriage. Invalidation of Domestic Partnerships.

Amends the California Constitution to provide that only marriage between one man and one woman is valid or recognized in California, whether contracted in this state or elsewhere. Voids and restricts registered domestic partner rights and obligations, for certain same-sex and heterosexual couples, in areas such as: ownership and transfer of property, inheritance, adoption, medical decisions, child custody and child support, health and death benefits, insurance benefits, hospital visitation, employment benefits, and recovery for wrongful death and other tort remedies. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Unknown, but probably not significant, fiscal effect on state and local governments. The impact would depend in large part on future court interpretations.

SA2005RF0083

Marriage. Exclusive Legal Status for Married Spouses.

Amends the California Constitution to provide that only a man and a woman in a lawful marriage shall have the legal status of married spouses in California. Makes same-sex marriage unconstitutional. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Unknown, but probably not significant, fiscal effect on state and local governments. The impact would depend in large part on future court interpretations.