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Sanders Makes Emotional Statement In Support Of Gay Marriage
POSTED: 3:37 pm PDT September 19,
2007
UPDATED: 1:36 pm PDT September 20,
2007
SAN DIEGO -- A change of heart for Mayor Jerry Sanders on a controversial issue, as he announced he's agreed to sign a resolution in support of legalizing same-sex marriage.
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At a news conference Wednesday afternoon, the mayor abruptly reversed his public opposition to gay marriage, revealing his adult daughter is a lesbian. Choking back tears, with his wife by his side, he said he could not veto the measure, which was passed Tuesday night by the city council.
Sanders said, "I just could not bring myself to tell an entire group of our community they were less important, less worthy or less deserving of the rights and responsibilities of marriage than anyone else, simply because of their sexual orientation."
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Sanders said he thought of friends and members of his staff who are gay, including his daughter Lisa."I want for them the same thing that we all want for our loved ones. For each of them to find a mate, whom they love deeply and who loves them back. Someone who they can grow old together and share life's experiences."Sanders said his decision simply came down to "doing the right thing."Following the mayor's announcement, council member Jim Madaffer released a statement that said, "I was pleased to learn Mayor Jerry Sanders has decided not to veto the City Council’s vote to join an amicus brief supporting marriage equality. I commend the Mayor for leading with his heart and making a decision based on what he believes and not what politics dictate."Wednesday's announcement was the exact opposite of Sanders' earlier threats that he would veto the resolution if it were passed.On Tuesday, the council broke its deadlock on the subject of gay marriage, voting 5-3 in support of an amicus brief that that will ask the state supreme court to overturn the ban on same-sex marriage."We will still wear our rings," a supporter of the measure told the council before the vote. "We will still have the richness of our lives, but [it is] my hope that you will look and see that people like me -- a gay man and my partner of 32 years -- do represent the future.""If they can't file with the IRS, they need to take it up with the IRS," a man opposed told the council during a public-comment period. "They don't need to change the definition of traditional marriage"Councilmen Kevin Faulconer, Brian Maienscheien and Anthony Young voted against the measure.Opponents have argued that San Diego voters had already expressed opposition to same-sex marriage by voting in favor of Proposition 22, a 2000 measure that prohibited state agencies from recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions.Previous Stories:
Watch Mayor's Statement In Entirety Watch Video: NBC 7/39's ReportSurvey: Support Mayor's Decision?
Discussion: Support the Mayor's Decision?
At a news conference Wednesday afternoon, the mayor abruptly reversed his public opposition to gay marriage, revealing his adult daughter is a lesbian. Choking back tears, with his wife by his side, he said he could not veto the measure, which was passed Tuesday night by the city council.
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Want to send comment on the mayor's decision? Record it on your camera phone and e-mail to us
Sanders said he thought of friends and members of his staff who are gay, including his daughter Lisa."I want for them the same thing that we all want for our loved ones. For each of them to find a mate, whom they love deeply and who loves them back. Someone who they can grow old together and share life's experiences."Sanders said his decision simply came down to "doing the right thing."Following the mayor's announcement, council member Jim Madaffer released a statement that said, "I was pleased to learn Mayor Jerry Sanders has decided not to veto the City Council’s vote to join an amicus brief supporting marriage equality. I commend the Mayor for leading with his heart and making a decision based on what he believes and not what politics dictate."Wednesday's announcement was the exact opposite of Sanders' earlier threats that he would veto the resolution if it were passed.On Tuesday, the council broke its deadlock on the subject of gay marriage, voting 5-3 in support of an amicus brief that that will ask the state supreme court to overturn the ban on same-sex marriage."We will still wear our rings," a supporter of the measure told the council before the vote. "We will still have the richness of our lives, but [it is] my hope that you will look and see that people like me -- a gay man and my partner of 32 years -- do represent the future.""If they can't file with the IRS, they need to take it up with the IRS," a man opposed told the council during a public-comment period. "They don't need to change the definition of traditional marriage"Councilmen Kevin Faulconer, Brian Maienscheien and Anthony Young voted against the measure.Opponents have argued that San Diego voters had already expressed opposition to same-sex marriage by voting in favor of Proposition 22, a 2000 measure that prohibited state agencies from recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions.Previous Stories:
- September 19, 2007: City Councils Votes On Same-Sex Marriage
- September 18, 2007: City Council Lends Support To Same-Sex Marriage
- September 5, 2007: City Council Won't Join In Same-Sex Marriage Lawsuit
Copyright 2007 by NBCSandiego.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
