 Over the last week, as many of you know, concerns have been raised over a questionnaire supposedly approved by gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon. I have spoken with him during this time. The following letter addressed to Senator Ray Haynes, I believe, clarifies Bill Simon’s strong pro-family position. Please feel free to share this information with your friends, family, church members and co-workers in California and throughout the nation. Rev. Louis P. Sheldon Chairman, Traditional Values Coalition  September 1, 2002 Honorable Ray Haynes California State Senator State Capitol Building Sacramento, CA 95814 Dear Ray: I want to express my appreciation for your recent letter of support. Your friendship and guidance during this campaign has been nothing less than invaluable. I look forward to working closely with you to provide California with the leadership we so desperately need. I have always tried to be a caring and compassionate person and to understand the differing viewpoints of people from all walks of life. I want to set forth clearly and unambiguously my strongly held pro-family views that have recently been mischaracterized. I signed the Marriage Protection Pledge on February 6, 2002, and stand by it. That pledge is to protect children by supporting the ideal of marriage, protect the importance and uniqueness of marriage and to uphold the pro-marriage, pro-child spirit of Proposition 22. In the primary campaign, I stated that "marriage is an institution that should remain between one man and one woman." I stand by that statement. I supported Proposition 22 because I believe that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. Marriage is a special relationship designed to create a loving and caring environment for families to develop and thrive. I opposed AB 25, which conferred rights based on sexual orientation, and I encouraged Governor Davis to exercise his veto power against it. Unfortunately, he signed it into law. That has been my clear position at all times because I do not believe that other relationships should be elevated to that of marriage. I oppose creating a special class of domestic partnership laws that is defined by sexual orientation or preference. I do not support a proclamation for Gay Pride Day. The best family environment for a child is a home with a mother and father. Much of my own personal charitable giving has been in promoting adoptions and working for an environment that helps children to prosper in a loving home. We know that there is a good supply of such homes waiting for children, and we should redouble our efforts to make adoption easier. I want to ensure that every effort is made for the best possible environment for children. Also, I oppose legislation imposing sexual orientation training guidelines for foster parents. As a state legislator, you have been on the front lines in fighting against the strong, liberal bias in the Assembly and Senate. There are many laws we would like to repeal or change, but as you know, only the legislature can repeal laws. As governor I must focus on achieving real results for Californians, which is what I intend to do. As governor, I would hire only the most qualified people for each position, as I have in my business. On the subject of private companies providing workplace domestic partnership benefits, I believe in a free market that corporations can make their own decisions on pay, benefits and working conditions. However, I strongly opposed AB 1080, which would prohibit state agencies from entering into contracts with vendors who do not offer benefits to domestic partner employees. This is another example of government mandates that drive away businesses and cost jobs for our citizens. I support portable health policies so individuals can choose their own coverage. This letter should clear up any misunderstandings about my positions on the above issues. As a strong pro-family candidate, I took clear stands on these issues during the primary campaign. I will continue to do so, and as governor, I will unequivocally affirm my support for these and other major issues that concern the people of California. Sincerely,  William E. Simon Jr. |
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