On Thursday, June 12, the California State Assembly passed Assembly House Resolution 32, authored by Assemblymember Christine Kehoe, with a vote of 42 to 24. Every Republican assemblymember either abstained or voted against the bill.

Assemblymember Shirley Horton (R-Chula Vista), who reportedly abstained from voting, wasn’t available to comment on the situation. However, Bob Becker, Horton’s chief of staff, commented that, “From our perspective it became a rather political issue and a lot of members objected to the politicization.… It became a sort of hairsplitting thing.… I think a lot of members just became kind of uncomfortable playing politics with something as simple as this. As it became more political, I think [Horton] became kind of frustrated and didn’t want to get involved in playing politics with Fathers Day.”

At the heart of the issue are two paragraphs in the resolution, written in an attempt to include every likely variation on fatherhood, including gay dads: “Whereas, America’s families reflect the wonderful diversity of our society as our fathers come from all backgrounds, including single fathers, foster fathers, adoptive fathers, biological fathers, stepfathers, families headed by two fathers, grandfathers raising grandchildren, fathers in blended households, and other nontraditional fathers; and Whereas, America’s fathers and mothers give us unconditional love, wisdom, care, and comfort each and every day of the year; and whereas, Father’s Day presents us with an opportunity to celebrate fatherhood and remember all fathers, whether biological, foster, adoptive, or a stepfather, and that we should honor our fathers every day of the year…”

Although the paragraphs were meant to be inclusive, some chose to interpret them otherwise, attacking the very attempt at inclusiveness.

Assemblymember Jay La Suer (R-La Mesa) sent out a press release in response to the proclamation, stating that, “The Democrat’s so-called Father’s Day resolution is an affront to the traditional father role and family unit. The resolution invokes the name of ‘diversity’ to glamorize every type of father, aside from the huge majority of them in the traditional role. Apparently, Democrats place a deflated value in families with a mother and father and are using an otherwise positive observance to do so.

“In another arrogant stroke of the pen, Democrats have devalued the role of the traditional father,” La Suer continued. “An observance that should be inclusive of all responsible, loving fathers has instead been made exclusive by those who relentlessly attack the traditional roles relating to family. Once again, liberals are superimposing their insulated beliefs on the values held in mainstream America.”

Pastor Lou Sheldon of the Traditional Values Coalition also sent out a press release, stating that, “Liberal Democrats in the State Assembly are making it clear that they are for redefining the family and are blatantly catering to the radical, out of step demands of the homosexual community. When California is facing a deficit over $30 billion in the whole, Democrats think it more important to pervert the celebration of Father’s Day.”

Sheldon went on to deplore the recent passage of AB 205 (expansion of domestic partnership rights and responsibilities) and AB 17 (requiring contractors doing business with state agencies to offer domestic partner benefits) through the state Assembly, both of which also divided the vote largely along party lines.

“I am appalled that these Democrats in the legislature claim their actions are not part of a concerted homosexual agenda,” Sheldon added. “But if you look at the legislation they are cramming down our throats, like homosexual foster care, transsexual employment, homosexual curriculum, and giving marriage benefits to homosexuals, it is clear they are pushing such an agenda. How can they look us in the face and lie claiming otherwise?”

Supporters of the Traditional Values Coalition are being urged to contact local media and representatives to protest.