California Senator Diane Feinstein is
calling on voters to vote against Proposition 8, the constitutional
amendment that would ban gay marriage in the State.
“I urge Californians to oppose
Proposition 8,” Senator Feinstein said in a statement.
The statement also endorsed gay
marriage: “I oppose it [Prop. 8] as a matter of equality and
fairness. The right to marry is fundamental. It provides social
stability, economic equality, and the ability to make decisions for a
spouse in a time of crisis. ... I believe we should uphold the
ability of our friends, neighbors, and co-workers who are gay and
lesbian to enter into the contract of marriage.”
Feinstein is the senior U.S. Senator
from California. She first won her seat in 1992, after serving as
mayor of San Francisco. She has reportedly shown interest in running
for Governor of the Golden State in 2010.
The Democratic senator's remarks were
quickly embraced by Equality California Executive Director Geoff
Kors, who said: “We are truly grateful that Senator Feinstein has
not only taken such a strong stand against Prop. 8, but has also come
out in support of marriage for same-sex couples. Her leadership on
this issue and her stand for fairness sends a powerful message to all
Californians as right-wing organizations work to eliminate the right
of same-sex couples to marry. We hope all Californians will follow
her lead and oppose Prop. 8.”
Meanwhile, groups opposing gay marriage
continue to pour money into California. Californians Against Hate, a
group dedicated to exposing the anti-gay money trail, says gay
marriage opponents are raking in nearly $10 million a month.