October 16, 2007 | Sex & Society

The terminator strikes again

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger once again vetoed a gay marriage bill that would have redefined state marriages as a union between two persons, regardless of gender.

Schwarzenegger refuses to approve a bill that would require him to overturn Proposition 22, a 2000 ballot initiative to defend the traditional definition of marriage. The initiative was adopted by state voters by a margin of almost 2 to 1. "So (democrats) can send this bill down as many times as they want, I won't do it," argued Schwarzenegger. He believes the decision is not for the State Assembly to make, but one which must be left in the hands of the voters and supreme court.

“We find it shocking for the governor to say he opposes discrimination based on sexual orientation and then veto a bill that would have ended discrimination based on sexual orientation,” responded Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California.

But stop the presses! Arnie may not be all bad...

The Safe Place to Learn Act was signed into law by the Governor, along with three other bills, which will have a positive affect on the lives of gays and lesbians. The Safe Place act forces the School Board to protect all children from bullying and discrimination, especially homosexual kids. Additional bills protect against homophobia when looking for government services and for young people in Department of Juvenile Justice facilities.

Still, the issue of dismissing the marriage bill has many in the gay community upset. "We are extremely disappointed that he vetoed one of the most important bills the Legislature sent him," said Kors.

Come on, Arnie! Embrace your inner rainbow!