AIDS Foundation Supports City's Efforts to Expand Marriage Rights to Same-Sex Couples

Earlier this year, Mayor Gavin Newsom sent shock waves throughout the country by authorizing the City and County of San Francisco to provide marriage certificates to same-sex couples. Over a three-week period in February and early March, over 4,000 same-sex couples were married by officials at San Francisco City Hall.

Mayor Newsom, citing his oath to uphold California's Constitution, which outlaws all forms of discrimination, was unequivocal in the rationale for his actions. As he explained, "Denying basic rights to members of our community will not be tolerated."

The California Supreme Court ultimately called on the City to cease performing these marriages until legal questions about the Mayor's authority in this matter are sorted out. Despite this setback, the Mayor's actions helped to show the country and the world that recognizing and celebrating these relationships does not in anyway undermine the institution of marriage and that denying same-sex couples marriage rights is blatant discrimination.

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation (SFAF) enthusiastically supports Mayor Newsom's bold and brave actions and ongoing efforts to secure marriage rights for same-sex couples. Some may wonder why an AIDS organization would choose to engage in such a contentious issue or may think it is not related to our work. In fact, the battle for equal marriage rights is absolutely connected to SFAF's mission to end the pandemic and human suffering caused by AIDS.

"It is clear that if we want healthy communities, all people must be treated as whole, worthy and valuable human beings," explains Pat Christen, SFAF's Executive Director. "Ensuring equality in marriage rights would bolster the hope, dignity, quality of life and choice of many people affected by HIV."

AIDS Foundation staff members who are involved in community building and HIV prevention initiatives point out the link between the marriage issue and efforts to improve the HIV health of the community. "One of the greatest challenges to improving the HIV health of the gay community is the issue of self-esteem," explains William Bland, Director of Community Programs for the AIDS Foundation. "The self-esteem of gay men is greatly influenced by societal issues such as homophobia. Legalizing same-sex marriages could reduce the stigma and oppression that is faced by gay couples and individuals, and thereby be a step forward in increasing the self-esteem and self-respect of gay men."

Self-esteem has a significant impact on reducing risky sexual behavior. "Denying the inherent and basic rights and privileges of marriage to the gay community no doubt reinforces internalized homophobia and poor self-esteem, which are known co-factors leading to risky sexual behavior," explains Mark Rumpler, Coordinator of SFAF's Gay Life program. "Expanding marriage rights to same-sex couples will send a signal to many gay men that their lives are in fact valued and this in turn may reduce their willingness to put their health at risk."

A participant in some of the Foundation's HIV prevention workshops echoes some of these points. "As a single gay man, it has been extremely empowering to witness the large numbers of same-sex couples getting married. I now feel that being in a committed relationship is a realistic goal and one that I am worthy of," he explains.

Given the benefits of same-sex marriage for the HIV community in San Francisco, the AIDS Foundation will continue to support marriage rights for same-sex couples and oppose mean-spirited attempts to block progress in the area. In particular, we will work in coalition with other groups to oppose the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, which would amend the U.S. Constitution to prohibit any state from legalizing same-sex marriages. We have also strongly supported state Assemblyman Mark Leno's efforts to pass AB 1967, the Marriage License Non-Discrimination Act. This bill would ensure equal marriage rights for all couples in California, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.

We also encourage our community to be engaged in this issue. To get more involved, we encourage you to contact state and federal organizations working most directly on this issue, including Equality California (www.eqca.org), the Human Rights Campaign (www.hrc.org), the National Center for Lesbian Rights (www.nclrights.org), and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (www.ngltf.org). Together, we can achieve all we hope and dream for our community.