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Councilmember Wants S.D. to Join Effort to Overturn Same-Sex Marriage Ban

The California Supreme Court has prohibited same sex marriages. But several cities in the state are challenging the ban. San Diego city councilmember Toni Atkins wants the council here to join in that

Councilmember Wants S.D. to Join Effort to Overturn Same-Sex Marriage Ban

The California Supreme Court has prohibited same sex marriages. But several cities in the state are challenging the ban. San Diego city Councilmember Toni Atkins wants the council here to join in that challenge. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Councilwoman Atkins wants her colleagues to sign on to an amicus brief that already has the support of six California cities and counties, including Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland and San Mateo. The letter would back the city of San Francisco's effort to overturn the State Supreme Court's 2005 decision. The court ordered Mayor Gavin Newsom to stop issuing licenses to same sex couples.

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Atkins: I just hope that my colleagues recognize that they represent a segment of the population in San Diego that have lesser rights, that is just an issue of plain discrimination, it's not fair, but do I expect controversy? Yes, I do.

Atkins says the city of San Diego has already taken several progressive steps such as sanctioning domestic partnerships and passing a human dignity ordinance. The issue will be before the city council this morning at its first meeting following the summer recess. Alison St John, KPBS News.