We've posted on this before, but it's a good reminder to vote no on Prop 8. This is a video of San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders talking about his change of heart on legislation supporting gay marriage. It's pretty emotional stuff.
Transcript after the jump.
I am here this afternoon to announce that I will sign the resolution that the City Council passed yesterday directing the city attorney to file a brief in support of gay marriage [with the California Supreme Court].
My plan, that has been reported publicly, was to veto the resolution, so I feel like I owe all San Diegans right now an explanation for this change of heart.
During the campaign two years ago, I announced that I did not support gay marriage and instead supported civil unions and domestic partnerships.
I have personally wrestled with that position ever since. My opinions on this issue have evolved significantly -- as I think the opinions of millions of Americans from all walks of life have.
In order to be consistent with the position I took during the mayoral election, I intended to veto the council resolution. As late as yesterday afternoon, that was my position.
The arrival of the resolution -- to sign or veto -- in my office late last night forced me to reflect and search my soul for the right thing to do.
I have decided to lead with my heart, which is probably obvious at the moment -- to do what I think is right, and to take a stand on behalf of equality and social justice. The right thing for me to do is sign this resolution.
For three decades, I have worked to bring enlightenment, justice and equality to all parts of our community.
As I reflected on the choices I had before me last night, I just could not bring myself to tell an entire group of people in 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.
A decision to veto this resolution would have been inconsistent with the values I have embraced over the past 30 years.
I do believe that times have changed. And with changing time, and new life experiences, come different opinions. I think that's natural, and it's certainly true in my case.
Two years ago, I believed that civil unions were a fair alternative. Those beliefs, in my case, have changed.
The concept of a 'separate but equal' institution is not something I can support.
I acknowledge that not all members of our community will agree or perhaps even understand my decision today.
All I can offer them is that I am trying to do what I believe is right.
I have close family members and friends who are a member of the gay and lesbian community. Those folks include my daughter Lisa, as well as members of my personal staff.
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 with whom they can grow old together and share life's experiences.
And I want their relationships to be protected equally under the law. In the end, I couldn't look any of them in the face and tell them that their relationship -- their very lives -- were any less meaningful than the marriage I share with my wife Rana. Thank you.
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Wow. I'm totally crying at my desk. It's really amazing to watch someone "get it." Clearly, this was a very difficult decision for Mayor Sanders and I'm so impressed that in the end, he went with what was RIGHT and not what would get him re-elected or make him look "consistent."
That is so amazing. As resident of San Diego, CA I was so proud when I watched Mayor Sanders make that speech. It feels great to be validated by an elected officials who, as he said, is leading with his heart. I just wish that more politicians could do that especially in the area of civil rights.
As a progressive American and a sister to a lesbian American, I fully understand Mayor Sanders decisions and I support it 100%.
Also, this past Saturday he attended a No On Prop 8 rally what I went to in Hillcrest San Diego. It was an amazing experience to see several thousand San Diegans gay, straight, black, latino, young, old, etc come out in support of equality.
I finally feel as though our communities can make a difference in our political system. Ive never felt that way before and its quite overwhelming but Im glad its happened.
Im 20 years old and the only President that Ive ever known was Bush. And just from 8 years of that bs, I became cynical and yes, bitter, like many Americans but there is something about this time that I feel that the country is going to change for the better. I feel as though minorities will finally have a voice in government and will be awarded their due rights.
I am going to vote tomorrow morning for Senator Obama because I feel that he is the best hope for this country. I will also be voting against Prop 8 because I believe, in the United States there are no second class citizen. And my sister sure isnt one.
I'm a San Diego democrat, and I had no idea Sanders (R) supports marriage equality. My opinion of him has been raised. I voted for his opponent in the last election.
This brought tears to my eyes. It was so wonderful to hear the things that I, too, believe in, articulated so eloquently.
I only hope that those who have not made up their minds on this important issue have a chance to hear such an honest and moving statement before they vote on Prop 8.
"In the end, I couldn't look any of them in the face and tell them that their relationship -- their very lives -- were any less meaningful than the marriage I share with my wife Rana."
What a great moment. It's so refreshing to see this, especially on election eve. In the middle of all of the campaigning, politicking, and canned messages to run across this - a heartfelt speech and a brave stand for equality - is heartwarming.
Thanks for showing me this.
I'm a San Diego democrat and I voted for Sanders in the last election largely because of his courageous stand on same-sex marriage. While I disagree with him on some other issues, his change of heart on this issue showed a true leader with the integrity that is so rarely found in politics.
Well, now that I've had a good cry, I can respond.
That's amazing, and it gives me hope. Thank you for posting it, Vanessa. I may be still teary, but my heart is lighter.
Hearing that speech was like breathing fresh air. Be sure to drop him a note on his website--super easy format. : )
I cry every time I watch that. I wish more politicians and citizens would stand up for equality like Gov. Sanders did here.
What a brave thing to do and say. It is one (commendable and difficult) thing to believe in equal rights and speak that from the beginning; to stand up and be counted for a cause that you have always known to be important; to reject something that is hegemonic but against what you have always believed and stood for. It is another to change your mind, to "come out" as supporting same-sex marriage (ironic?) when it is expected that you will follow what has come before, politically, socially and personally.
This therefore gives me hope, not just because someone is standing up, but because someone has allowed himself to learn and change.
Without people like this, our efforts would be fruitless.