Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation in California last week that allows same-sex couples to be pronounced “spouse and spouse.”
Senator Mark Leno introduced Bill 1306 that proposed the change in language.
The legislation replaces references to “husband and wife” with gender-neutral language, such as “spouse,” in order to recognize homosexual couples.
“I am pleased Governor Brown has recognized the importance of this bill, which makes it explicitly clear in state law that every loving couple has the right to marry in California,” said Leno. “This legislation removes outdated and biased language from state codes and recognizes all married spouses equally, regardless of their gender.”
The bill was co-sponsored by Attorney General Kamala D. Harris, Equality California (EQCA) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR).
Michael Brown writes in Charisma Magazine that he questions the logic that "spouse and spouse" rather than "husband and wife" is a way "to eliminate confusion" and the terms of "husband and wife" are "discriminatory.”
“The implications of redefining marriage are staggering, and those of us who love and cherish marriage and family need to redouble our efforts and renew our courage to stand up for what is right and what is best, making a fresh determination to swim against the current flood tide of semantic and social confusion,” wrote Brown.
Publication date: July 14, 2014
