'California made history on ensuring equality for all of the state's families,' said HRC President Joe Solmonese.

WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese made the following statement as the California Assembly passed a bill that would extend marriage to same-sex couples and their families.

"California made history on ensuring equality for all of the state's families," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "We urge the governor to sign this bill into law. With his signature, Governor Schwarzenegger will be remembered in history books as standing up for equal treatment under the law for all families. We applaud Equality California and the Legislature for their leadership in passing this historic measure."

By a 41-35 vote, the California Assembly passed A.B. 849, the Civil Marriage and Religious Freedom Protection Act, on Sept. 6, 2005. The California Senate passed the measure on Sept. 1 by a 21-15 vote. Authored by Assemblymember Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, and sponsored Equality California, today's vote marks the first time that a marriage equality bill has passed a state legislature. It now proceeds to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk.

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.