SF mayor took brave first step

More than 3,300 gay and lesbian couples have been married in San Francisco since Valentine’s weekend as a result of the decision made by newly appointed Mayor Gavin Newsom to make the action legal in the city.

Was this action legal? Maybe not. But was it a step toward bringing all people under the umbrella of equality? Yes.

Although California State Law defines marriage as “a personal relationship arising out of a civil contract between a man and a woman,” Newsom believes this law is unconstitutional and has launched a campaign of civil disobedience to challenge it. Couples continue to flock to the City by the Bay to take advantage of the opportunity, despite the fact that these marriages may not ultimately hold up in other cities and states.

It’s not simply a matter of breaking the law, but rather about civil rights and a matter of bringing about needed change.

However one may feel personally about gay marriage, what Newsom has done is taken a first and heroic step toward guaranteeing equal rights for all Americans. He has begun a movement, which is – as it should be – gaining momentum.

Very often it takes such bold action to affect needed change. If it weren’t for brave Americans like Rosa Parks sitting at the front of the bus, the civil rights movement might have evolved more slowly.

Every movement needs someone to break the rules now and then to wake people up and realize what is happening. Nothing is accomplished without making a stir.

President Bush has openly opposed gay marriage and is taking action to change the constitution to prevent them. Likewise Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has urged San Francisco city officials to stop performing same-sex marriages. He fears that these peaceful protests will result in civil unrest.

But San Francisco not only has the right, but should continue to marry couples and issue licenses until a court injunction is issued.

The courts have refused to do so and without an injunction, same sex marriages will continue until Mar. 29 when the case goes to court.

All these couples want to do is get married.

Forbidding them from marrying is discrimination just like older forms of discrimination. Interracial marriage was once illegal until being challenged in 1958. Since then, interracial marriage has become common and has ceased to be an issue of such debate. If we can learn to overlook color boundaries, can’t we learn to overlook differences in sexual orientation as well?

San Francisco has made history in the United States and in the civil rights movement with its brave actions. Even though Massachusetts fights the same battle on the other side of the nation, San Francisco and its mayor are the first to openly defy these laws.

So now that San Francisco has taken the first step, who will take the next one?

Other Stories

Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the Campus Times Editorial Board.

Latest Stories

Related articles

Senate bill would ban AI therapists

The California Legislature has voted to implement Senate Bill 903, would ban artificial intelligence chatbots that provide mental health therapy services and will place regulations when AI is used in health spaces.

Students use fashion to promote political ideas and honor their cultures

Ahsha Jones, senior psychology major, gets up every morning ready to tackle her long list of daily activities. However, before she can step out of her dorm room, she puts together an outfit that not only allows her to be comfortable but also expresses where she comes from.

Federal financial aid changes could hurt students

Starting July 1 college students and graduate students will see changes to their financial aid packages.

Talk considers the Iran war

The International Studies Institute hosted “Iran War: How Did We Get Here?” at noon on April 30.