Senator Diane Feinstein Speaks Out Against Proposition 8 - Video, Text, Analysis

U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein, who had not previously vocalized her position on Proposition 8, and who had in 2004 come out against same sex marriage, saying it was “too much, too fast, too soon,” today came out strongly against Prop 8, and in favor of marriage equality. She released a video statement which will reportedly run as a "No on 8" ad throughout California.



The text of the Senator's video statement is as follows:

"In my lifetime, I've seen discrimination. And I see it again in Proposition 8. Proposition 8 would be a terrible mistake for California. It changes our Constitution. Eliminates fundamental rights. And treats people differently under the law.

"Proposition 8 is not about schools or our kids. It's about discrimination and we must always say NO to that.

"No matter how you feel about marriage, vote against discrimination.

"And vote NO on 8."

Feinstein, a moderate Democrat who became mayor of San Francisco upon the assassination of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S., in 1978, was elected California's first female U.S. Senator in 1992, and has been easily re-elected since then. Feinstein has attracted moderate and conservative support over the years, and has been less than a favorite of the progressive community in California, all of which makes her overt endorsement more significant.

In addition to her statement on Prop 8 contained in the video, Sen. Feinstein issued a broader statement in support of the right of the right to marriage for all, regardless of gender:

“Proposition 8 would eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in California. I oppose it as a matter of equality and fairness.

The right to marry is fundamental. It provides social stability, economic equality, and the ability to make decisions for a spouse in a time of crisis.

If Proposition 8 were to pass, not only would it eliminate the right to marry for gay and lesbian couples, but it would also create a complicated legal quagmire for those who have exercised this right under the California Constitution, as adjudicated by the Supreme Court of the State.

The views of Californians on this issue have changed over time, and as a State, I believe we should uphold the ability of our friends, neighbors, and co-workers who are gay and lesbian to enter into the contract of marriage.

Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has previously stated his opposition to the proposed same-sex marriage ban.