Wednesday, August 28, 2002
California gubernatorial candidate speaks out on domestic partnership
An article published today by the San Francisco Chronicle asks California Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon on the issue of same sex marriages and the current domestic partnership laws in the state.
"In the primary campaign, I stated that 'marriage is an institution that should remain between one man and one woman.' I stand by that statement. However, I do believe that human beings enter into relationships with other human beings and that some of those relationships are deserving of recognition, not as the equivalent to marriage or as a substitute for marriage, but in order to allow two individuals who have established a strong caring relationship to more fully function within that relationship." said Simon.
On whether he supports the current domestic partnership laws, Simon said: "I do not believe that sexual orientation should be a factor in the recognition by the state of such relationships. I would not support undoing any of the rights that currently are available under the law, but I believe those rights should be extended to others as well. In addition, I would be open about adding rights and responsibilities as would be appropriate and justified." Simon says he is "supportive of the concept of a domestic partnership law, and I would not seek to repeal the current law."
