Posts Tagged ‘equal rights’

Marriage Equality at the Supreme Court


25 Mar

Tomorrow, the US Supreme Court begins the first of two days of hearings regarding marriage equality. On Tuesday, it will be whether California’s Prop 8 is legal (there are ways to get rid of Prop 8 without deciding the issue for the rest of the country). On Wednesday, it will look at the national Defense of Marriage Act versus states’ rights (which could also be decided without deciding the national question).

While it would be nice to have marriage equality throughout the country as chosen by the voters, it is past time for someone to just say equal is equal.

Pediatricians for Equality


21 Mar

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the US Supreme Court will be hearing two different cases dealing with gay marriage. While most people think the court will decide the cases narrowly (and on a state level instead of a national level), pretty much anyone who isn’t grossed out by same sex sex is working to make sure the Supreme Court decides in favor of equality for all citizens.

This includes the American Academy of Pediatrics, who made sure to put out a statement before the cases officially go to court saying that they support gay marriage.

Senator Rob Portman Supporting Gay Marriage


18 Mar

I am very vocal about equal rights other adult US citizens, including the right to marry another adult, regardless of gender.

However, I do not believe Senator Portman lacks empathy or is a hypocrite for not having come to the same belief before his son came out as gay. Why? Because as in most things where social justice is concerned, we don’t honestly think beyond our default settings until confronted with a personal reason to do so. His default setting was conservative Christianity. But when confronted, he was able to grow past that.

Welcome to the equal rights movement, Senator.

The Best Use of a Lame Duck Legislature


03 Jan

Fingers crossed that Illinois passes a bill this week that would legalize same-sex marriage (not just civil unions) in the state. If it does not get passed by this session, Democrats will have a super-majority next session, so everything isn’t riding on this week. Still, sooner is better. We should never wait to say equal is equal.

If this passes, it will make Illinois the 10th state to recognize marriage between homosexual couples. That would mean that in 20% of the country, we actually honor the words of the Declaration of Independence. How long before 100% of the country does?

Only Equal is Equal


10 Dec

Yesterday was a day of weddings across Washington state. What was so special about December 9? It’s not like it was 12/12/12. It was the first day same sex couples could legally marry in Washington. On Thursday, they were able to get their licenses, but because of the 3 day mandatory waiting period, Sunday was the first day the weddings could take place.

I wasn’t a guest at any of the weddings, though I do know some couples who got married. And I want to say congratulations to them and all couples who are waking up this morning as newlyweds.

Winds of Change


07 Nov

Before this year, every time same sex marriage has come up for a vote of the people, it has failed. Thirty-two times, voters have voted for inequality. Yesterday, that changed.

In Maine, Maryland, and Washington, voters voiced their support for equality. Minnesota voters said no to a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage.

Those who argue against equality still have 32 wins, but they are all in the past. Yesterday, the issue came up for votes in four states and voters in all four states voted for acceptance and equality. Hope and change- brought to you by the American people.

Celebrate Juneteenth


19 Jun

Happy Juneteenth! Don’t know what Juneteenth is? I’m not surprised, but I am saddened. It is the anniversary of the day slavery officially ended in theUnited States. It’s a few months after the Civil War actually ended because that’s how long it took the Union Army to arrive inTexasand order that the roughly 200,000 slaves in that state be freed.

We are still not a society without prejudice. But if we want to start getting past that, then there are days we as a nation need to celebrate. I think the end of slavery is certainly worthy.

President Obama Supports Gay Marriage


10 May

I know that some people are upset it took Obama this long to come out for gay marriage. I, too, wish it could have happened sooner. I certainly wish it had not taken something likeNorth Carolina’s Amendment 1 passing, to get him do so. (Am I the only person who finds it ironic that this is called Amendment 1 and the First Amendment of the US Constitution is the one that calls out separation of church and state?) However, I also understand why it is still a risky move. Please remember to vote this November. Don’t let hate win.

Almost There


02 Feb

Last night, the same-sex marriage bill in Washington state passed the state Senate on a vote of 28-21. That is good. I don’t even mind that opponents will have time to gather signatures in order to get a referendum on November’s ballot. I think the voters will make their views clear.

I am angered by Senator Dan Swecker, not because he voted against the bill, but because he is concerned that it doesn’t do enough to prevent a “hostile environment for those of us who believe in traditional marriage”. Tables turned. I have no issues with bigots facing hostile environments.

Subverting the Cause


25 Jan

Awhile back, I signed up to get the AFA (American Family Association) emails. Basically, their newsletters telling me who to boycott serve as notices to me for companies I should support.

I got one this week telling me I should “Pray for Home Depot Chairman Frank Blake to make wise decisions regarding his company’s direction.” And that I should boycott the company because they sent an email to AFA stating ““We have never changed our commitment to diversity and inclusion of all people, and we have no intention of doing so.”

Thank you, Home Depot, for doing the right thing.

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