Larry Klein
Mayor
Omar Din
Vice Mayor
Russ Melton
Councilmember
Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember
Richard Mehlinger
Councilmember
Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember
Linda Sell
Councilmember
May 18, 2023
The Honorable Evan Low
California State Assembly
1021 O Street, Room 6110
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: ACA 5 (Low) Marriage Equality - SUPPORT
Dear Assemblymember Low:
On behalf of the City of Sunnyvale, we support Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 5, which would amend the California Constitution relating to marriage equality.
According to the 2020 census, California has the most same-sex couples living together of any state, almost 135,900. Roughly 85,100 are married. Recent Supreme Court rulings overturning precedent create uncertainty in the future for California’s equality measures. If the Supreme Court rules to overturn the precedents set in Obergefell v.
Hodges, same-sex marriages in California could be at risk.
LGBTQ+ individuals are already subjected to many forms of discrimination and marginalization. This can lead to heightened rates of mental illness, suicidality, hate crimes, homicides, homelessness, poverty, and more. Since 2022, the LGBTQ+ community has been the target of over 300 bills proposed across the country, intending to strip them of their rights and visibility.
Marriage is a basic civil right. Denying same-sex couples the right to marry is a form of discrimination based on sexual orientation. It is unjust and unfair. It also is contrary to the City of Sunnyvale’s Statement on City Values and Public Service. This statement expresses our commitment to support and protect people of any race, religion, ancestry, ethnicity, ability, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity. Sunnyvale is a diverse community where all are welcome, safe and acknowledged. Council’s policy priority of equity, access and inclusion demonstrates a commitment to creating an accepting and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals and all members of our diverse community. By supporting ACA 5, the City is sending a message of inclusivity and supporting equal civil rights.
Attachment 1
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~ Sunnyvale
Heart of Silicon Valley'"
456 West Olive Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94088-3707
408-730-7473
TDD /TYY 408-730-7501
sunnyvale.ca.gov
The Honorable Evan Low, State Assembly
May 18, 2023
For these reasons, we support ACA 5. Please do not hesitate to contact me or Jaqui Guzman, Deputy City Manager at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Larry Klein
Mayor
cc: The Honorable Gavin Newsom, Governor
The Honorable Josh Becker, State Senate
The Honorable Aisha Wahab, State Senate
City Council
Kent Steffens, City Manager
Teri Silva, Assistant City Manager
Attachment 1
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