ASUC Bill In Support Of Equal Rights for Same-Sex Couples
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Authored by Andrew David Ratto and David Israel Wasserman
Sponsored by Senator B. Narodick

WHEREAS, Article XI, Section 1 of the ASUC Constitution embodies the Association’s commitment to “equal protection of the laws.” and

WHEREAS, college students have been at the forefront of previous struggles for equality, freedom and social justice, such as the Free Speech Movement, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Anti-Apartheid Movement; and

WHEREAS, there are at least 1,049 federal right granted to those who enter in a government-sanctioned marriage, and countless other rights from states that are denied to couples in same-sex relationships; and

WHEREAS, a California court recently ruled that denying equal marriage rights to same-sex domestic partners is a violation of the equal protection clause of the state Constitution; and

WHEREAS, public opinion is slowly moving toward wider acceptance of equal rights for same sex couples; and

WHEREAS, in an attempt to slow down this social progress, activists opposed to this change are attempting to pass state and federal constitutional amendments banning recognition of same-sex marriage or civil unions; and

WHEREAS, now is a crucial time to act in order to help remedy the social injustice that is plaguing our society; and

WHEREAS, college students have an opportunity to raise their voices and help draw attention to this issue and help create change

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Associated Students of the University of California supports equal rights for same-sex couples; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the ASUC Senate instruct the EAVP’s office to draft a letter voicing the concerns of the ASUC regarding this matter, to be included with this bill, and sent to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, State Senator Don Perata, State Assemblywoman Loni Hancock, U.S. Representative Barbara Lee, U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein and U.S. President George W. Bush; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Office of the President shall draft an op-ed column to be sent to the Daily Californian voicing the concerns of the ASUC about the injustices recognized in this bill and the importance for college students to stand up and attempt to make a difference.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the ASUC shall join with other schools as part of “Colleges Supporting Equal Marriage Rights” (CSEMR) and ask that we be included on the school list at www.csemr.org as a college that supports equal rights for same sex couples

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