In a public
education campaign in 2008, Helen Chavez said, "My husband spent
his life fighting for dignity for all people. César was one of the first
civil rights leaders to speak out for gays and lesbians, because he
understood that you can’t demand equality for your own people while
tolerating discrimination against anyone else.
"As
a champion for justice, he would have been glad to know that California
finally allows gay and lesbian couples to marry, because that brings us
one step closer to his vision for communities where everyone is
accepted and respected. For 45 years, I stood with Cèsar for what is
right. Today I celebrate his memory as I see so many newly married gay
and lesbian couples celebrate their marriages. We must welcome them if
we are all to have equality."
Freedom to Marry thanks L. Calderon for nominating Helen Chavez as a Voice for Equality!
Freedom to Marry thanks L. Calderon for nominating Helen Chavez as a Voice for Equality!