21 California Democrats Vote "Yes", All Republicans Oppose

Today, the National Stonewall Democrats (NSD) praised the work of Democrats in the California Senate for passing Assembly Bill 849, the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act. The California Senate passed the bill by a 21 to 15 vote, almost exclusively along party lines. The passage marks the first time any elected state body in the nation has endorsed marriage equality for same-sex couples.

"The actions of Democrats ensured this victory for California families," said Eric Stern, NSD Executive Director. "The Democratic Party in California has displayed its strength by demonstrating its commitment to the family. Most importantly, we are proud of our Stonewall members, who spent this past year galvanizing local Democratic parties and elected bodies in support of this legislation."

21 Democrats voted in favor of the legislation, while 24 Republicans were joined by one Democrat in opposition. The legislation moved to the Senate floor this week after the California Senate Judiciary Committee voted in July to advance the bill. The vote in committee also followed party lines, with all five Democrats voting in favor and the committee's two Republican members voting to block the legislation.

"Equality California should be praised for the strategic vision executed to help ensure passage of this legislation," said Stern. "The organization effectively communicated with Californians and their legislators in a manner that conveyed how crucially beneficial marriage equality and religious freedom are to the state. The success of Equality California, with whom our members were proud to partner, underscores that victories are won most often by organizing on the ground, and not out of Washington."

The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act now moves to the California Assembly, where it was defeated by a narrow margin of four votes earlier this year. Stonewall Democrats will once again work with its members to encourage Democrats to pass the bill, authored by openly-gay Democratic Assemblymember Mark Leno (D-San Francisco).

National Stonewall Democrats is the only national organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Democrats, with more than 90 local chapters across the nation. NSD is committed to working through the Democratic Party to advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.