Ca. passes bill for same sex couples...

[ReBeLBeLLe]

In a nutshell California passed a bill that garuantees registered couples in the state almost all of the rights granted to hetero couples.
If you wish to read more about it:
http://www.gay.com/news/article.html?2003/08/28/1

Now, what I'm wondering is this...do you think a state such as California voting this in will have more impact on getting other states to follow suit. Vermont is the only other state to offer these protections and rights to same sex couples and so far, while other states may have looked into it, they have not followed suit.

I'm just curious if any of you think that some states have the ability tp push the rest of the states into action, and if so what might those states be?

 

[deliciously_naughty]

well, historically, the path has been CA, NY then everyone else with the more liberal states first. The most conservative states have to be pulled in kicking and screaming.

Examples, requiring a headset to talk on a cell phone while driving

Mandatory seatbelt laws

Getting rid of smoking in public places (restaurants, bars, etc)

I'm sure I could come up with more, but I'm sleepy...

Beyond that, CA has one of the highest numbers of congressmen in the congress, so they can influence policy on that level as well.