Blogcabin California

At least one gay news outlet has honest headline writers–Los Angeles’ IN Magazine declares, correctly, “California Marriage Equality Bill Killed By Democrats” (see page 31, here).

Earlier this month, the State Legislature voted on AB 19 (Leno) which would have granted equal marriage rights to all Californians, regardless of sexual orientation. The measure failed to garner 41 votes, despite Democrats’ 48-32 majority in the Legislature’s lower house. Karen Ocamb does some extra reporting to get the true behind-the-scenes tale of why the measure failed.

The final four votes needed for passage relied on the presence of Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally–a long-time African American legislator. Expecting the Assembly to be in session until midnight, Ocamb reports, Dymally left the building to conduct “outside business” until 8 o’clock. When AB 19 came for a vote before 8 PM, Dymally was nowhere to be found, and Speaker Fabian Nunez called for a vote knowing AB 19 would fail.

Nunez calls it a “mistake” which means gays and lesbians will continue to endure second-class status because he cannot control his own caucus. Does anyone think Willie Brown would have made such a “mistake” unintentionally?

Just as important, before giving any more gay money to these elected officials, we should get an honest answer to the question–where was Assemblyman Dymally?!?