Marriage Equality - Faces of the issue

Samuel and Julia Thoran

Forty-six years ago I married my college sweetheart, Julia. We raised three children -- two boys and one girl. The boys are married, with children of their own. Our daughter, Liz, a lesbian, can now also be married -- if she so chooses.

All we have ever wanted for our daughter is that she be treated with the same dignity and respect as her brothers – with the same freedoms and responsibilities as every other Californian.



My wife and I never treated our children differently, we never loved them any differently and now the law doesn't treat them differently, either.

Each of our children now has the same rights as the others, to choose the person to love, commit to and to marry.

Jan Garbosky and Bonny Russell


A couple for two decades, Jan Garbosky and Bonny Russell share a commitment to education, faith and community. More than 20 years ago, they met as resource teachers in the San Diego Unified School District and are now both retired educators. Garbosky is the President of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego, and both she and Russell have received Unitarian Universalist of the Year Award, the highest honor conferred by the congregation. And soon, they will be legally married. They are doing their part to preserve their marriage, and you can help by voting

My oldest son, Scott, is in a long term, committed, relationship with Bruce and they are heavily involved in raising Bruce's two daughters. They each have career, own a home, and pay taxes just like you and me. Why shouldn't they be able to marry like any other couple in the country.

My little sister, Kathy, is college educated, has a good job, and pays her bills on time. Why shouldn't she be able to marry if she so chooses.

Gays and lesbians are not demonic or in some way a threat to the American culture. They are everyday people like you and me. (OK like you!!) All they want is the rights you and I as straight folks enjoy.