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Roseville Human Rights Commission May 10, 2012 - Minutes Page 6 of 7 Secondly it matters: if people can marry they are afforded many rights of which most married couples are not even aware. It was very important that the Commission oppose this amendment. Resident Art Stoeberl introduced himself as a practicing Catholic who will be voting No in November. He advised the Commission of the personal difficulties he and his partner of thirty years had in verifying and validating their status with various institutions, especially in matters of health care. He also mentioned that marriage as an institution has changed over the years -and it wasn't til the 1300's that the Catholic Church made marriage a sacrament. He concluded by complimenting the Commission on achieving a higher degree of diversity over the years. Recent Roseville resident John Brandes introduced himself as a Catholic priest representing over eighty -nine other priests who opposed the passage of this amendment. He indicated that not all Catholic bishops were against gay marriage, citing an Austrian archbishop and the archbishop leading the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales. James DeBenedet expressed the position of the League of Women Voters in supporting the right of same - gender couples to marry under civil law. Resident Carole Rust said she believes marriage is a basic human right, and it was absolutely germane to the Commission's responsibilities and thus necessary for the Commission to take a stand against the marriage amendment. She spoke of a son not having the same rights as his married brother and sister. She said she hoped the Commission would go to the Council and ask it to take a stand. Rust said she worked hard at being a Christian and knew of other committed Christians who were gay and whose rights should be recognized. Resident Peg Cavannaugh spoke of her experience working in a Roseville middle school where students were being taught that they had human rights, including the right to have a partner of the same gender. She acknowledged that any Commission statement would neither change laws or minds, but she encouraged the Commission to `come out' in opposition to the marriage amendment. She suggested the Commission think of its action as an affirmation and welcome to everyone in Roseville. Scott Ritchie introduced himself as a gay man in a 37 -year committed relationship who was neither an alcoholic nor diseased, referring to an earlier comment. In reference to the Commission having jurisdiction in this issue, he noted that the US Supreme Court had fourteen times in fourteen decisions stated that marriage is a fundamental right. The issue was to whom should the right to marry be extended, and noted that not long ago many states had laws prohibiting interracial marriage, which the Supreme Court had overturned. There is no rational basis whatsoever not to extend that right to gay people, he said, adding that no rational basis or proof has ever been introduced which showed that gay marriage would damage anyone. Roseville resident Kitty Gogins said it was very important that all our citizens are respected, welcomed, and given full rights, including the right to marry anyone of their choosing. She said her husband and her would be proud if the Commission opposed this amendment.