LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA - After a long and at times heated discussion, the City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution in support of same-sex marriage.The resolution places Long Beach among 38 other California cities that have passed similar measures.
The Long Beach version urges state and federal elected officials to pass laws that allow gays and lesbians to marry and expresses the city's support for such a right.
"I was overwhelmed," said Stephanie Wells, a volunteer coordinator for Marriage Equality and Social Advocacy at the Gay and Lesbian Center of Long Beach. "We were expecting a close vote."
After gauging the position of all council members prior to the meeting, Wells said she thought Councilman Val Lerch would vote against the resolution.
In the past, Lerch has stated his opposition to the council's voting on matters out of its direct sphere of influence. But to the surprise of his council colleagues and to the thunderous applause of supporters, Lerch said he was "giving up that fight."
Although the resolution does not have any legal impact, supporters of same-sex marriage say such a measure recognizes the contributions and presence of the city's large gay population
- more than 80,000 by some estimates - and encourages other cities to join the effort.
The resolution comes on the heels of a state appeals court ruling that upheld a ban on gay marriage. Advocates of gay rights say they will appeal that decision.
Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal, along with co-sponsors Councilwoman Bonnie Lowenthal and Councilman Patrick O'Donnell, brought the measure to the council as a campaign promise to her 2nd District constituents.
"Silence is collusion," Suja Lowenthal said.
She compared the ban on same-sex marriage to the former prohibition on interracial marriage.
Councilwoman Laura Richardson objected to that comparison, saying her parents faced death threats for marrying someone of a different race.
Some supporters of the measure pointed out that being gay in this society puts one in physical danger.
O'Donnell said the issue is about equality.
"It's pretty black and white to me. This is a civil rights issue."
Even Mayor Bob Foster, who does not have voting power, spoke on the matter, saying that as society evolves it expands people's rights rather than taking them away.
"To me, it's simple equality, and it's simply right," he said.
About 50 supporters attended the meeting, wearing stickers and holding posters in favor of what they say is marriage equality, not special rights.
About a dozen supporters addressed the council with heartfelt stories of how a ban on gay marriage harms families and relationships.
They say that although civil unions grant some rights, they preclude more than 1,000 federal rights, including social security and pension benefits.
Supporters say the city's resolution is more than just a symbolic gesture.
"It has a big impact on me because it shows that the city stood up for its citizens and it stood up for me. And it recognizes us not just as a source of income," said Shaun Klaseus, 27, a Long Beach resident.
However, city resident Larry Goodhue said the church should decide who can marry, not the government.
"The City Council should not deal with this issue," he said.
Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, who is a lesbian, said marriage is not a religious issue and is in the council's purview.
"We spend a lot of time and a lot of money on issues that are not specific to Long Beach," she said. "Our silence (on this issue) will be unforgivable."
In other news, the council voted unanimously to ask the city attorney to explore legal options concerning the parking of trailers and RVs on public streets. It would then be sent to the Housing and Neighborhoods Committee for review.
The council was scheduled to vote on requesting the city attorney to draft an ordinance regulating the parking of such vehicles in addition to limousines and vehicles for sale.
Schipske asked to modify the request.
from The Long Beach Press-Telegram
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