One single act by a heterosexual politician has shaken the United States and proven that change and acceptance takes bravery, self-sacrifice and sometimes defiance of the law.

The Detroit Free Press reports that San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom openly challenged California state law by allowing same-sex couples to legally marry. Previously, gay and lesbian couples were only allowed civil unions under California legislation.


Mayor Newsom decided to allow the full rights of marriage after hearing President Bush oppose it during his State of the Union address on January 20, 2004.

Proclaiming that "this is about bringing people together" Newsom immediately asked his chief of staff to prepare the city for an influx of gay and lesbian couples he predicted will apply for marriage licenses. His prediction was correct. On the first weekend alone, over 2,000 gay and lesbian couples waited patiently in long lines to be wed. Opponents of same-sex marriage call Mayor Newsom's act "municipal anarchy" and have already filed suit to prevent further marriages.

We should all raise our hats to Mayor Gavin Newsom for acting on his genuine beliefs despite its affect on his political career. Once again, a single act of courage proves that one man or woman, heterosexual or homosexual, 17 or 70, politician or average citizen can invoke change. Change that will alter the world forever!

• Read the 10 ways you can support gay rights.
• Write California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger with your approval of Mayor Newsom's actions.