Right now in California, our work for marriage equality is focused in four major areas. First, we are fortunate to have the first state Legislature to vote for full marriage equality in 2005, and following the veto of that bill by Gov. Schwarzenegger, to move that issue forward again this year. Second, we have an historic legal battle being waged in the California Supreme Court. Third, we must fight back again the religious and political extremists’ effort to further politicize our lives for their gain by placing a discriminatory amendment to our state’s constitution on the ballot in 2008.

Finally, we must further increase our public education efforts. We cannot move lawmakers, judges, political candidates and voters to support marriage equality without truly educating them on the issue – honestly, thoroughly and repeatedly.

In spite of the very real challenges that lie ahead, it is also important to recognize that we have an opportunity to be a part of an amazing time in our state’s – and our nation’s – history. Our issues are being talked about as part of the presidential campaigns and debates (even though we might not like all the answers), and we’ve made progress with a speed that, even though it may seem slow to some of us, feels unimaginably fast to others.

If you haven’t already, I hope you will take an opportunity to be part of this time, and this movement for full civil rights and equality for same-sex couples and their families. Below is a brief “status report” on marriage equality in our state.

In early July, the leaders of two of our coalition partners – Equality California and the National Center for Lesbian Rights – testified before the California Senate’s Judiciary Committee hearing on Assembly Bill 43 (the Civil Marriage and Religious Freedom Protection Act). The bill passed on a 3-1 vote and is now eligible for a vote on the Senate floor. The California State Assembly passed the bill earlier this year.

The California Supreme Court will schedule oral arguments later this year or early in 2008 in litigation challenging the constitutionality of denying marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The court is expected to rule in mid 2008.

Though marriage equality advocates successfully kept discriminatory constitutional amendment measures off California ballots in 2006, anti-GLBT forces have not halted their efforts to write such discrimination into our state’s constitution.

Opponents of equality currently have four discriminatory initiatives cleared through the Secretary of State’s office for signature gathering for the 2008 elections, including one which would not only ban marriage for same-sex couples, but would also repeal California’s existing domestic partnership protections and obligations. The four measures have been filed by two different extremist organizations, including one led by the widow of former State Senator Pete Knight, author of California’s anti-GLBT Proposition 22, which voters passed in 2000.

Both groups are actively engaged in efforts to raise the money needed to collect enough signatures by December of this year to qualify for the 2008 ballot. The marriage equality movement in California must be even more active and more engaged in order to deny them a victory in our state. A loss for our community in California will be a major setback for our community, not only here, but throughout the nation.

Starting today, there are specific things you can do to take action against this effort to permanently enshrine discrimination into the California Constitution.

Get involved with The Center’s Marriage Equality and Education Project. To do so, contact Kristi Shaw at (619) 692-2077, ext. 206 or kshaw@thecentersd.org. There are a number of ways to reach out, speak out and make a difference through this project.

Get involved with the “Let California Ring” coalition, and contribute to its efforts to change hearts, minds and votes throughout the state. Learn more and give online at www.letcaliforniaring.org.

Engage (or re-engage) in this struggle. Talk about these efforts with your family, your friends, your co-workers. If you are part of an organization, talk to your fellow members and/or write about it in your newsletters, etc. Make sure those who know and care about you know the truly damaging impact of this type of measure.

We have a real opportunity – and a real responsibility – to fight these measures with all the resources we can muster – time, energy, conversations, money and votes. I hope you’ll be part of our efforts.