Prop 8 in California barely passed on Tuesday, November 4th, 2008. If you listen to the pundits they will say this proves the nation is still a "center-right" nation because even California passed a gay marraige ban. We Californians barely passed Prop 8, barely. If the "No on 8" campaign was as well organized as the "Yes on 8" campaign, we may have not lost this battle.
Its pretty simple, it's a civil rights issue. Whether your ultra religious or a flaming liberal, you should be able to agree that everyone deserves the same basic rights. This isn't about religion and those that say it is are fooling themselves. Marriage and commitment ceremonies have been around long before the bible even existed. Defining marriage as anything other than a lifelong commitment between two people is wrong.
Heres my basic question, what effect does two gay people getting married have on you? Seriously, how does it effect your daily life? How does it effect your religion? This argument that by making it legal we are "accepting their lifestyle" is pure bull.
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Its pretty simple, it's a civil rights issue. Whether your ultra religious or a flaming liberal, you should be able to agree that everyone deserves the same basic rights. This isn't about religion and those that say it is are fooling themselves. Marriage and commitment ceremonies have been around long before the bible even existed. Defining marriage as anything other than a lifelong commitment between two people is wrong.
Heres my basic question, what effect does two gay people getting married have on you? Seriously, how does it effect your daily life? How does it effect your religion? This argument that by making it legal we are "accepting their lifestyle" is pure bull.
The answer is - it doesn't!
Look, I am the first one to say it. Being gay is something I don't understand all too much. I have tried to surround myself with as much diversity as I can, but hey, I like woman. No matter though, I respect people's civil rights and think everyone deserves a level playing field. What surprises me about Prop 8's narrow victory is that an overwhelming amount of African-Americans voted for it. While they tend to be more Democratic, they obviously hold onto more conservative beliefs when it comes to social issues.
What confuses me, is how they either don't care or don't fully quantify that this issue is akin to their own struggles. One would think they would have more of an understanding of the sensitivity surrounding this issue. Now don't get me wrong, older white people also voted for this. The only people who seem to "get it" are the 30 and under crowd. Not only were we raised in a more understanding world, but we have known and associate with more gay people and have learned to judge people on their merits and not let religion define us.
Speaking of religion, It saddens me that people use the Bible and other sources to continue to hide their own insecurities and cast judgment. The same bible that teaches about love and respect, teaches about discrimination? Even if I concede the fact that the bible says that homosexuality is wrong (which I don't think it does), where does it say that these people should be treated as outcasts and are not allowed basic rights? I am sure someone will find a passage that claims this, but the KKK used the bible to claim their hatred for blacks was legit so I am not buying it!
I hear people say, "I am not prejudice, but the bible is clear on this issue". Wow, takes a lot of guts to hide behind your religion. I guarantee if Jesus was here today he would embrace homosexuals and cast judgement on those who failed to do the same.
I will refrain from comparing this to the great civil rights movements of past generations. Women's right to vote, Minority rights and the like, were are all so damaging to our country. Gay rights is shaping up, however, to be that next great fight for equality. It is going to be the civil rights issue of my generation and I hope we make strides soon.
California is fortunately the only state that seems to be close to breaking that barrier. Sadly, the rest of the United States is much, MUCH, slower to come along. Arizona, Arkansas and Florida all voted for their propositions on much grander level.
We will overcome? Well, I hope so!
On a separate note....kinda
The members of the Mormon church contributed roughly $22 Million dollars for the fight to vote Yes on proposition 8. Currently, they enjoy tax-exempt status from the IRS for being a not for profit organization. Taking donations in a church is not allowed under this exemption. However, the IRS is very clear in regard to what qualifies groups for tax exemption. From Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code which gives tax exempt status...
"In general, no organization, including a church, may qualify for IRC section 501(c)(3) status if a substantial part of its activities is attempting to influence legislation (commonly known as lobbying)."
Please join the movement to help revoke their status and separate church and state from influencing policy.
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