SACRAMENTO, California, OCT. 15, 2001 (Zenit.org).- Governor Gray Davis has signed legislation extending a dozen rights enjoyed by married couples to more than 16,000 registered homosexual and domestic partners in California.
He also approved a bill to beef up security at abortion clinics and another to allow pharmacists to dispense the potentially abortive “morning-after” pill without a prescription.
Davis, long a supporter of homosexual rights, on Sunday signed legislation authored by Democratic Assemblywoman Carole Migden that greatly expands the rights of domestic partners who register with the secretary of state to share in their partner´s financial affairs. Migden´s bill won no support among Republicans in the Legislature.
Davis, an abortion proponent, also signed legislation making it a state crime to threaten or attack abortion clinics and clinic workers, or religious worshippers and places of worship. The bill, which mirrors federal law, makes it a misdemeanor to engage in the outlawed practices.
The governor also signed a bill granting pharmacists the authority to provide the so-called morning-after pills without a prescription. Pro-lifers opposed the legislation, noting that the pills can cause abortions by impeding a tiny human being from implanting in the womb.
Under the bill, pharmacists who offer the prescriptions must complete training courses and be overseen by doctors.
