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SGA examining same-sex marriage
Michael Lemaire
Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: News
The Student Government Association introduced a resolution supporting marriage equality yesterday during its legislative meeting.
Lisa Crisalli, a Cambridge legislator, sponsored the bill partly in response to the passing of Proposition 8, a ballot proposition banning same-sex marriage in California. The SGA's bill denounces the propositions in California and supports future same-sex initiatives in Maryland, including the upcoming bill in January that will allow for same-sex couples to marry.
"If all people are created equal under the Constitution, then we need to try and represent the discriminated community on our campus," Crisalli explained.
The ballot proposition was one of the most contentious in California history. The final vote was 52.1 percent in favor of the return of Proposition 8, and 47.9 percent against the initiative, according to the Secretary of State Debra Bowen's website.
"It was most definitely inspired by the passing of Proposition 8 in California, Proposition 102 in Arizona and Amendment 2 in Florida, all of which are similar initiatives," Crisalli said. "Marriage is not only a religious practice but a legal contract. Marriage rights are important and the passing of these propositions show a serious disconnect between the law and society."
Crisalli also said it was important to introduce the legislation and take a stance on the issue now while it is still fresh.
"It's the SGA's job to represent the student body as a whole," Crisalli explained. "It is an extremely pressing and current civil rights issue and I think this is an issue the student population will be concerned with."
The resolution will not be debated within the SGA until next week, and it is expected to be a contentious and convoluted issue because most legislators will be hesitant to take a stand, according to Crisalli.
"There will probably be a lot of contention and a lot of abstentions," Crisalli mused. "I think people won't say no because they will be afraid of being judged and afraid to come out against marriage equality."
lemairedbk@gmail.com
Lisa Crisalli, a Cambridge legislator, sponsored the bill partly in response to the passing of Proposition 8, a ballot proposition banning same-sex marriage in California. The SGA's bill denounces the propositions in California and supports future same-sex initiatives in Maryland, including the upcoming bill in January that will allow for same-sex couples to marry.
"If all people are created equal under the Constitution, then we need to try and represent the discriminated community on our campus," Crisalli explained.
The ballot proposition was one of the most contentious in California history. The final vote was 52.1 percent in favor of the return of Proposition 8, and 47.9 percent against the initiative, according to the Secretary of State Debra Bowen's website.
"It was most definitely inspired by the passing of Proposition 8 in California, Proposition 102 in Arizona and Amendment 2 in Florida, all of which are similar initiatives," Crisalli said. "Marriage is not only a religious practice but a legal contract. Marriage rights are important and the passing of these propositions show a serious disconnect between the law and society."
Crisalli also said it was important to introduce the legislation and take a stance on the issue now while it is still fresh.
"It's the SGA's job to represent the student body as a whole," Crisalli explained. "It is an extremely pressing and current civil rights issue and I think this is an issue the student population will be concerned with."
The resolution will not be debated within the SGA until next week, and it is expected to be a contentious and convoluted issue because most legislators will be hesitant to take a stand, according to Crisalli.
"There will probably be a lot of contention and a lot of abstentions," Crisalli mused. "I think people won't say no because they will be afraid of being judged and afraid to come out against marriage equality."
lemairedbk@gmail.com
Submit a letter to the editor or post a comment below.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 13
S.
posted 11/20/08 @ 9:27 AM EST
i don't disagree with their position, but what a waste of student fees/SGA time... how about spending time on something you can actually control
Lisa Crisalli
posted 11/20/08 @ 12:13 PM EST
S,
What we're hoping is that the SGA will in fact be able to influence the Maryland legislature. If we can generate strong student support for this issue, and effectively communicate that the legalization of same-sex marriage is something Maryland residents are passionate about, the SGA will be able to lobby Annapolis with sure footing. (Continued…)
Jeff L.
posted 11/20/08 @ 12:39 PM EST
This issue may really be about receiving University or state benefits related to employment or GA stipends for domestic partners.
Marriage is officially recognized and sanctioned by the state for the benefit of nuclear family formation. (Continued…)
Lisa Crisalli
posted 11/20/08 @ 3:15 PM EST
Jeff,
Thanks for your feedback. Fiscally, the legalization of same-sex marriage is not detrimental to the state budget. Whereas the state has allocated $14. (Continued…)
iggs
posted 11/20/08 @ 3:49 PM EST
The Declaration of Independence does not bind any state to any law or guarantee any rights to any person.
Civil unions are a judicial issue, and should guaranteed by laws and decided on by judges. (Continued…)
jimbo
posted 11/21/08 @ 8:11 AM EST
If this is all the SGA has on its plate, please disband.
Lisa Crisalli
posted 11/21/08 @ 11:53 AM EST
Iggs and MD Alum,
I appreciate your input. As it is understood, the Declaration of Independence is the "cornerstone of democracy," and the document our country is founded upon. (Continued…)
Lisa Crisalli
posted 11/21/08 @ 11:56 AM EST
Jimbo,
Thanks for your concern. Marriage equality is not the only issue the SGA is currently addressing. For more information about past and present bills, please visit our website, umdsga. (Continued…)
Paula
posted 11/21/08 @ 2:05 PM EST
I'm really glad that this happened. I am a student at UMBC who is trying to work with the Senate to get them to take a similar stance. This sets a very helpful precedent, so thank you for taking the time to do this. (Continued…)
Lisa Crisalli
posted 11/21/08 @ 5:44 PM EST
Paula,
Thanks for your support. It is through student vocalization that the SGA will find it within our domain to act on this issue. It's great to hear from student leaders in the same position. (Continued…)
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