Same-sex marriage bill in limbo - California

Same-sex marriage bill in limbo

By ANNA OBERTHUR, Associated Press Writer


Last Updated: May 12, 2004, 04:30:18 PM PDT


SACRAMENTO (AP) - A key Assembly committee deferred action Wednesday on a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in California, placing the legislation in limbo as lawmakers examine its financial effects and supporters determine if they have the votes to pass it this year.
After the Assembly Appropriations Committee heard testimony on the bill by Assemblyman Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, it placed it in its suspense file without a vote.

Although the bill passed another Assembly committee last month - which supporters said was the first time any gay marriage bill had passed a legislative panel in the nation - Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez said the legislation would most likely go no further this year.

Legislation that has the potential to cost the state more than $150,000 generally is placed in the Assembly Appropriations Committee suspense file.


more... http://www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/8560563p-9416974c.html