With the clock ticking before gay marriage becomes law in the District of Columbia, the local fundies seeking to derail it are trying once again to stop it from taking effect. As explosive as this issue has been lately, this latest move isn't getting much play in the local press thanks to Snowmageddon.
Earlier today, Bishop Harry Jackson and his allies at the Alliance Defense Fund formally asked the DC Superior Court to stay the law until it can get a referendum on the ballot.
"The people of D.C. do not deserve to have a new definition of marriage imposed upon them without their consent," said ADF Legal Counsel Timothy J. Tracey. "We will continue to fight for the people’s right to vote on this referendum and participate in a legitimate democratic process in the district."
I can't even begin to tell you how disgusted I am every time I hear Jackson and friends use this argument. Let's say it all together as a group--civil rights and civil liberties are not things that can be voted or legislated away. Period.
Sometimes I wonder if Jackson understands where the logic of his argument--that this is an attack on the people's right to vote--actually leads. I've read numerous articles that say back in the 1950s, most people overwhelmingly opposed integrating the schools. Wonder how Jackson would have reacted if that could be put up for a vote.
Full text of the appeal is available here. Many of you outside DC may not know this, but one of the main proponents of this monstrosity is Walter Fauntroy, DC's former delegate in the House.