LA Mayor donates to ‘No on 8’ campaign
The Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa yesterday made a donation to the “No on 8” campaign, which aims to maintain the legal status of gay marriage in California.
In November, Californian citizens will vote on Proposition 8 of the state constitution, which would define marriage as existing between one man and one woman only.
If the proposition is rejected, gay marriage will remain legal in California.
As well as making his $25,000 (£18,300) donation, Democratic Mayor Villaraigosa also issued a plea to voters via the pro-gay marriage group, Courage Campaign. His message said:
“I entered politics because the America of my dreams includes everyone, not just a few.
“Too many people have suffered injustice, discrimination, and inequality.
“Our laws should not be used to single one group out to be treated differently.
“Instead, our laws should guarantee the same fundamental rights to every Californian.
“Same-sex marriage is the law of the land in California.
“In my legal capacity as Mayor of Los Angeles, I have proudly officiated many same-sex weddings since the Supreme Court ruling in June confirmed the constitutionality of these unions.
“These are loving, committed couples who want to get married for universal reasons: they love, care for, protect and take responsibility for each other.
“I vow to vote No on Proposition 8 because I believe our civil society demands that we uphold, not eliminate, these fundamental rights.
“I believe all Californians deserve to be treated equally. And I believe that government exists to protect individual rights, not to undermine them.”
Villaraigosa was a popular candidate for mayor, and is rumoured to be planning to run for governor at a later date.
Several celebrities have donated large sums of money to the “No on 8” campaign.
Hollywood stars such as Steven Spielberg, Brad Pitt, Pete Wentz and TR Knight have donated to the campaign in the past few months.
