MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA ASKS CITY ATTORNEY TO CHALLENGE PROPOSITION 8

MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA ASKS CITY ATTORNEY TO CHALLENGE PROPOSITION 8

LOS ANGELES – Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa sent the following letter today to Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo asking that his office pursue options to challenge Proposition 8,
the constitutional amendment eliminating the right of same-sex couples to marry:

November 5, 2008

Honorable Members The Honorable Rockard J. Delgadillo of the Los Angeles City Council City Attorney, City of Los Angeles
200 N. Spring Street Room 800, City Hall East
Los Angeles, CA 90012 Los Angeles, CA 90012

Re: Possible Passage of Proposition 8 – Possible Legal Action

As you know, Proposition 8 on the November 4, 2008 election proposed to amend the California Constitution to prohibit marriages between same-sex couples. The measure appears headed to passage. As of the writing of this letter, the percentage statewide stands at approximately 52% Yes to 48% No. The percentage in Los Angeles County is running even closer – 50.4% Yes to 49.6% No.

Today, the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office announced that it plans to file a legal challenge to Proposition 8 if the measure is officially approved once all outstanding ballots are counted. Other lawsuits are likely being planned. I know you agree that the City must also prepare to defend the rights and freedoms of our residents.

In June 2008, the City of Los Angeles officially took a legislative position to oppose Proposition 8 (CF 08-0002-S88). We must take immediate action to protect Los Angeles residents whose lives and freedoms are threatened by consequences from the possible implementation of Proposition 8.

I therefore request that the City Attorney evaluate the City’s legal options regarding challenging the validity of Proposition 8. I also request that the City Attorney undertake the necessary preparations to file a legal challenge to Proposition 8 should the measure officially
pass.

Very truly yours,

ANTONIO R. VIAGRAIGOSA
Mayor