Building community in San Diego's South Bay for LGBT and their friends!: Call Senator Ducheny Today!

These are history-making times for the LGBT community. And believe it or not, we in the South Bay are in a very influential position. In 2005, California became the first state in the nation to pass gay marriage through both houses of a state legislature. Unfortunately, that bill, AB 849, was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger. As the State Supreme Court hears a case regarding the legality of gay marriage, the State Legislature is again considering the marriage equality bill. This year's bill, AB 43 will need every vote possible in the Senate to pass and local Democratic Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny, who represents most of the South Bay is a key vote. Historically, Senator Ducheny has been a strong supporter of domestic partnership rights for same sex couples, but has fallen short on gender-neutral marriage. She needs to hear from her constituency now (you!).

While the state of California has some of the strongest domestic partnership rights in the country, and much of what same sex couples seek can only be granted at the federal level, we are certain that the State Supreme Court is looking to the legislature for a sense of where to move in making their decision on the same-sex marriage cases before them. AB 43 passed in the Assembly with local Assemblywoman Mary Salas, not only voting to support the bill, but also giving an impassioned speech in support. Please don't forget to contact Assemblywoman Salas, especially if you live in her district, to thank her for her vote.

No matter what the gains with the Legislature, AB 43 will likely be vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger once again. It is important to note as we head into the 2008 elections cycle what a big part politics play in our lives. The LGBT community has come so far in terms of gaining equal rights under the law and societal acceptance, but there is still a lot left to do. If we do not put the right people in office, we risk losing the gains we've made. Who we elect as our president, governor, and state and local representatives matters! Under the Bush presidency, we have the most conservative Supreme Court makeup that most of us will have seen in our lifetime. As cases related to LGBT make their way through the judicial system, who will be sitting on the bench determining the fate of our lives?

That's why it is up to each of us to make sure our elected representatives know we are an important constituency-that we vote and are informed. It is our hope that you will look to the South Bay Alliance to help keep you up to speed about the latest strides (and setbacks) for LGTB community, and to serve as a resource in how to engage politically to make your voice heard. Please visit our "Be Heard!" page online to find out who your elected representatives are and how to become active, or email us at OUTspoken@southbayalliance.net with your questions or with issues that you would like for me to explore through this column. Dare to be OUTspoken!

To do list!