Re: Same-Sex Marriage Coming To Washington State

During my walk today, I was thinking about something Washington state senator Ed Murray (D-43) said yesterday at the Prop 8 Decision Day rally in Westlake Park. That is, same-sex marriage will eventually come to be in Washington state, but we need to do our advocacy work outside of the Seattle area. We already have the majority vote in Seattle; but this is not only affecting the Seattle population and law. It affects the entirety of Washington state. What we need to do, as gay rights activists, as citizens, is to reach out to those who are as of yet undecided and uninformed about the positive aspects of legalizing same-sex marriages in our state.

If you have family or friends that live elsewhere in the state besides the greater Seattle region, please call them and tell them that you support the legalization of same-sex marriage. Tell them the reasons why they should too. We need all the support that we can get, and we need to garner that support before the anti-same-sex marriage advocacy groups can pollute their minds with extremely false and bigoted information on the matter. I'm sad to say that I unfortunately do not know anyone outside of the Seattle area. My family is a small one at that. But this is me calling on you, my hopefully loyal reader, to spread this information to as many people as you can, and soon.

Although there is no planned legislation for legalizing same-sex marriages any time soon, the sooner we get the support we need, the sooner it will become something more than a mere hopeful feeling. Let's get to work everyone!

Furthermore, if you are out and about, and someone asks you to sign a petition for a Referendum 71 to get on the ballot for this November's election, DO NOT SIGN IT. This referendum seeks to repeal the hardwork and dedication of Washington state lawmakers, as well as the further enhanced domestic partnership law that gives same-sex couples nearly every right and responsibility as those of heterosexual married couples. We CANNOT let this referendum of hate and bigotry get on the ballot. If there is any doubt, ask the person to explain to you what the referendum is for; read the actual text before you sign anything.

There is a Decline to Sign Referendum 71 Pledge form right here. I encourage you to sign it.

The Future Of Same-Sex Marriages In California Has Been Announced

The California Supreme Court voted in a 6-1 ruling that Proposition 8 did not constitute a constitutional revision, and therefore, is legally valid. This means that same-sex marriage in California is, as of now, officially illegal. However, on a brighter note, the Court voted unanimously to not invalidate the 18,000 or so same-sex marriages performed prior to its November 4th passage. You can read the court's legal opinion here.

There will be a (now)-protest rally in Westlake Center at 5:30pm today. If you support the right for same-sex couples to marry, we hope to see you there.

The Future Of Same-Sex Marriages In California Will Be Announced...

...in one hour. This is what we've been waiting for since March 5th--which was 81 days ago. The court will make three rulings:

"The court issued an order to show cause in Strauss, Tyler, and City and County of San Francisco directing the parties to brief and argue the following issues:

1. Is Proposition 8 invalid because it constitutues a revision of, rather than an amendment to, the California Constitution? (See Cal. Const., art. XVIII, §§ 1 -4.)
2. Does Proposition 8 violate the separation of powers doctrine under the California Constitution?
3. If Proposition 8 is not unconstitutional, what is its effect, if any, on the marriages of same-sex couples performed before the adoption of Proposition 8?

Though make no mistake, we will win this one way or another. If we lose our rights today, we will not give up. All it takes is time. The older generation of closed-minded bigots is dying off, and our generation is becoming more and more a part of the bigger picture. Same-sex marriage will come to California, and America. If not today, then soon, and with greater support than ever thought possible. "Hope will never be silent" - Harvey Milk.

California Supreme Court To Annouce Their Ruling On Prop 8 Tuesday at 10:00 AM

So I was informed this morning, via email update. And Slog. And Towleroad. And SF Chronicle.

A Walking Endorsement

I only came across this today, but apparently American Apparel printed these t-shirts back in November 2008. Their website has this to say:

American Apparel believes that sexuality should be celebrated, not condemned. But Proposition 8 is just that, a condemnation of the basic right of marriage of an entire group of people based on their sexuality. We're proud to stand against Prop 8 and what it represents. In November of 2008 our Legalize Gay shirt was originally printed to give to protesters at rallies and marches. The response was so overwhelming that we had more made and distributed them to our stores and put them up online.

I'm hoping to purchase one soon. They have six colors from which to choose: red, pink, purple, teal, army, and asphalt (as pictured). I like that one the best. I was hoping that some portion of their sales for this item would go towards non-profit groups that are working hard to give us gays our equal (and deserved) marriage rights. They (American Apparel) has also been pushing for immigration reform with their "Legalize LA" t-shirts.

*Photo from American Apparel website.