San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders explains his eleventh hour switch in deciding to sign a city resolution legitimizing full marriage rights for Gays in San Diego.

He explains with great emotion that civil unions are not an acceptable alternative, because they are a “separate but equal” right. US history has shown that those kinds of compromises are not up to the standards of the US Constitution.

Mayor Sanders’ almost embarrassing emotion betrays his deeply felt conviction in making this decision. Sanders states he followed his heart in this choice. He will undoubtedly suffer serious political consequences from the far Right for this decision. However, he may also be heralded as a leader of a broader movement supporting equal rights for all proud American citizens who wish to commit to a life together in marriage.