TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft a resolution in support of civil marriage licenses and any enactments which codify civil marriage equality for all couples residing in California who are citizens of the United States and requests our elected representatives in State and Federal government to act with vigor to develop laws to allow marriage equality for same sex couples, defend same sex civil marriages and protect the fundamental liberties of all families.
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach is home to more than 80,000 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transvestite (LGBT) residents and families headed by same sex couples, the second largest LGBT community in the State of California (2000 U.S. Census). Like many families that choose to live in Long Beach, same sex couples value our city's commitment to the fair and equitable treatment of all persons regardless of gender or sexual orientation. They enjoy being part of the most diverse city in the United States and are proud to have their children enrolled in a nationally recognized school system. LGBT residents and families volunteer thousands of hours each year to their communities, churches, synagogues, schools and civic programs. They participate in the development of our local policies and programs improving the lives of every resident through their hard work and commitment to boards, commissions and elected office. In short, same sex couples live, work and play in Long Beach.
Unfortunately, LGBT residents are prevented from sharing in every right and liberty promised to us by the United States Constitution and the California Constitution - namely, to receive the same protections as other couples or families under the laws of this land, including spousal rights and legal protection of medical, economic and property interests. The inability to access these legal protections has resulted in significant harm to these individuals and their families in the form of financial insecurity, deprivation of ...
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