SACRAMENTO—Today in the in the Senate Appropriations Committee, AB 102—the Name Equality Act of 2007, authored by Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco) passed with a vote of 9-5. The bill would allow soon to be married spouses and domestic partners equal opportunity, regardless of gender, to change their surnames upon marriage or domestic partnership registration.

The bill was introduced on the heels of the case of Michael Buday and his wife Diana Bijon.  The couple wanted to extend the Bijon family name into another generation. A county clerk, the DMV and state records office denied Buday’s name change request on the couple’s marriage applications, leaving them the only option of paying court fees totaling more than $300. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a suit in federal court charging that Buday is a victim of discrimination.

 “People like Mr. Buday have brought to light an inequity in California law that favors tradition over a couple’s rights,” said Assemblywoman Ma.  “This legislation treats both partners in a committed relationship equally.”

Seven states, including Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, and North Dakota recognize a husband's right to take his wife's last name upon marriage. While Massachusetts allows same-sex couples who are legally married to change their surnames, California would become the first state to allow domestic partners to change their names if the proposed bill becomes law.

AB 102, which is sponsored by the ACLU and Equality California (EQCA), will move to the Senate Floor.

For more information on the bill or to view a copy of the bill please visit Assemblywoman Ma’s website: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a12/