News

Log Cabin Republicans Congratulates All California Families

June 17, 2008

(Sacramento, CA) – Log Cabin Republicans congratulates all California families, as the state begins recognizing the freedom to marry for all California couples.

"Today, gay and lesbian couples will officially be recognized as families by the state government," declared James Vaughn, Director of the California Log Cabin Republicans. "We hear a lot about 'family values' and today, finally, gay and lesbian families in California are part of that equation. All families deserve the opportunity to become part of a tradition that strengthens the foundation of society, just as our parents and grandparents before us."

Log Cabin Republican members were among the couples who were expected to start applying for marriage licenses around the state. Kevin and Don Norte of Los Angeles have been together for 30 years. They have planned a trip to Massachusetts this summer to get married in Provincetown.

"We dreamed this would be possible one day," said Kevin Norte. "Our marriage is an important bond of love and commitment. Being married means I don't have to try to explain to people I meet who Don is. Now, I can say, simply and clearly, he's my husband."

James Vaughn, California Log Cabin Director, planned to propose to his partner of six years, but his partner proposed first. "He was first," said Vaughn, "but I proposed to him again in Paris. Now we both have rings. Gay and lesbian couples will develop their own unique customs and traditions for marriage, but the foundation of marriage – love and commitment – remains the same. Our families may be new in official terms, but our values haven't changed."

"The effort to defeat the anti-marriage amendment will be difficult, but make no mistake about it: our side will win. I'm confident the people of California will vote in favor of freedom and fairness," said Log Cabin President Patrick Sammon.

"The freedom to marry the person you love is one of the most fundamental and universally understood rights. Log Cabin Republicans will do all we can to ensure that every California citizen, particularly Republicans, understand that it would be a mistake to take away the freedom to marry from gay and lesbian couples."