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California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Endorses Gay Pride Events

By Gudrun Schultz

CALIFORNIA, United States, March 29, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – California’s governor has issued a 2006 “pride message,” supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride celebrations in the state.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger extends “warm greetings” to participants in gay pride events, saying “California is proud to host events that celebrate diversity and support active civic participation.” He applauds Californians for defending “America’s democratic ideals.”

Mr. Schwarzenegger has been a vocal supporter of homosexual activism during his years as governor. A Republican—he calls himself a ‘moderate’ Republican—Schwarzenegger has said he wants to see the party shift left on social issues, particularly gay rights and abortion.

“I would like the Republican Party to cross this line, move a little further left and place more weight on the centre,” he said in an interview with a German magazine in December 2004. “This would immediately give the party 5% more votes without it losing anything elsewhere.”

His comments earned him some harsh criticism by the Capitol Resource Institute, a pro-family public policy organization in California.

“Schwarzenegger’s statements that the GOP party would not lose its base if it embraces gay marriage and abortion rights shows extreme arrogance and total ignorance concerning the values and dedication of the party’s core constituents,” said Karen England of CRI.

California voters ratified the Defence of Marriage Act in 2000 with a solid majority of 61.4%.  The Act specified that marriage be only between one man and one woman. Despite this, Gov. Schwarzenegger has said he would be in favour of a redefinition of the law by the courts, which would bypass the clearly expressed wish of Californians to maintain a traditional definition of marriage.

See the 2006 Gay Pride Proclamation
http://www.capride.org/proc_arnold06.pdf

Arnold Schwarzenegger Called Ignorant for Suggestion that Republicans Move Left
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2004/dec/04122001.html

Schwarzenegger Tells Leno He has "No Use for a Constitutional Amendment Banning Gay Marriage"
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2004/mar/04030212.html
 
Californians Do Not Support Gay “Marriage,” Says Poll
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2006/mar/06032409.html

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