What will Governor Schwarzenegger do?

California lawmakers have passed a gay marriage law. The first ever approved by a state legislature.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Gay rights supporters cheered loudly from the gallery as California lawmakers became the first in the country to approve a bill allowing same-sex marriages. But their celebration may be short-lived.

The legislation could be vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has expressed an acceptance of gay marriages but said it's an issue that should be decided by voters or the courts.

"He will uphold whatever the court decides," spokeswoman Margita Thompson said Tuesday after the state Assembly approved the same-sex marriage measure, 41-35. The Senate had approved it last week.

A state appellate court is considering appeals of a lower court ruling that overturned California laws banning recognition of gay marriages. And opponents of same-sex marriage are trying to qualify initiatives for the 2006 ballot that would amend the state Constitution to ban gay marriages.

The bill's supporters compared the legislation to earlier civil rights campaigns, including efforts
to eradicate slavery and give women the right to vote.

"Do what we know is in our hearts," said the bill's sponsor, San Francisco Democrat Mark Leno.

"Make sure all California families will have the same protection under the law."

But opponents repeatedly cited the public's vote five years ago to approve Proposition 22, which prohibits California from recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states or countries.

"History will record that you betrayed your constituents and their moral and ethical values," Republican Assemblyman Jay La Suer said.

California legislators apparently are disregarding the wishes of most voters in the state. Politicians do that all the time, what's new? Voters can show their disappoval at the next election or pass a statewide referendum again, like Proposition 22 that was approved in California in 2000.

In the past I always thought courts like in Massachusetts were forcing an issue that was up to legislators. Here the legislators passed the legislation and it's within their right.

I'm Catholic, I don't believe in discriminating against gays. People should have equal rights and I'm taught being gay is a sin. A conflict obviously but the legislation has been approved, if signed into law I'm of the mindset to say- Accept and move on.

What will Schwarzenegger do? I think he'll veto it, but nothing is certain.

Hat tip- Outside the Beltway