Contact: Everett Rice, California Family Council, 951-354-8362

SACRAMENTO, Sept. 10 /Christian Newswire/ -- Late yesterday the California State Legislature approved Senate Bill 54, authored by Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco). SB 54 would require California to validate and recognize same-sex marriages performed outside the state prior to November 5, 2008, when California voters approved Proposition 8. SB 54 was approved by the Democrat majority on a party-line vote in both the Assembly and Senate.

In response to the Legislature's approval of SB 54, the California Family Council issued the following statement:

The California Legislature's majority continues its disregard for the expressed will of their constituents and the state Constitution which affirms traditional marriage's definition. Article I, Section 7.5 of the California Constitution specifically states "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." SB 54 explicitly violates California's Constitution.

"The Legislature's approval of SB 54 demonstrates the Legislature's contempt and lack of respect for their constituents," stated Everett Rice CFC's Legislative Coordinator. "In 2000 and 2008, the voters expressed their desire to protect traditional marriage at the ballot box. They emphatically affirmed that marriage should retain its historical definition and identity. Nonetheless, our elected representatives choose to yield to the demands of special-interest groups over the values of those who elected them."

California Family Council's director Ron Prentice also stated, "The people of California are sovereign, and the language of Proposition 8 is clear regarding the people's intent. However, California's current Legislature will continue to attempt to weaken the laws set forth by the people. Californians are better informed to these antics and will ultimately press Governor Schwarzenegger for his veto of SB 54."

Senate Bill 54 will now go to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger who will have an opportunity to veto or sign the bill into law.