Schwarzenegger said in his September 30 veto message that he "strongly" supports marriage equality but the bill would create a "distinct type of marriage" within the state's family code by changing the term "marriage" to "civil marriage." In the years leading up to the 2008 Prop 8 battle, the governor had twice vetoed bills from then-Assemblyman Leno to legalize same-sex marriage.

"I am disappointed that the governor did not fully understand this bill, according to his veto message," Leno said in a statement issued by Equality California, one of the bill's sponsors. "Among other clarifications, this legislation simply would have reinforced the fact that the state can only provide a civil marriage to couples who marry. ... The governor's belief that this bill would have created a separate classification of marriage is misguided."

In an interview, the senator said he would discuss with EQCA whether to introduce the bill again. EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors stated that the group would continue addressing the issues put forward in the bill.