Gay Marriage Across The Nation- Page 2

[Reginald Tresilian]

Posted: 11/6/08 at 10:07am

PRS, I admire you for taking the time to say that.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 11/6/08 at 10:25am

If you count the number of states, you will only get depressed.

You have to count the number of generations.

I believe we are only one or two generations away from gay marriage in the United States. If the 18-29-year-olds who voted NO in California can't change things, the generation after them will. Or the day after that, as Liza sings, "but I promise you we will win!"

My partner and I may not see legal marriage in our lifetimes, but we saw great strides in the 90s under a Democratic president who mentioned us in his inaugural address, and we will see greater strides in the coming decade, with a president who mentioned us in his acceptance speech.

During the 90s, despite DOMA and DADT, the Clinton administration and the growing visibility of gays inspired corporation after corporation to offer same-sex benefits, which didn't exist during the Reagan/Bush era. Now, most companies offer them, and most health insurance companies administer them.

You have to keep fighting the good fight, but one step forward, two steps back is sometimes two steps forward, one step back in disguise.

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 11/6/08 at 10:49am

Well PJ I'm a bit more optimistic than you on this. If Obama doesn't make any progress for gay people in the next 4 years then he will pay come the next election cycle.

Things like 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' cost nothing to end (except political capital), and is clearly unconstitutional. Gay marriage is a complex issue but I expect these bans passing are bringing this to a head. I would be packed up and ready for Canada today if Obama had not won and I mean that.

I've already wasted an entire decade of my life under policies that were unequal. If my boyfriend can't stay in this country then we're gone. I'm the last person to abandon my country at the same time life is short.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 11/6/08 at 12:27pm

I don't expect any sweeping legislation from Obama. He will only fight fights for us if those fights are clearly winnable.

The memory of how Clinton was slapped down when he tried to put gays in the military is still strong. Clinton's compromise ended up tarnishing his reputation with progressives.

Obama and his camp--especially if Rahm Emmanuel signs on--will be too wary to fall in the gay-marriage-wedge-issue trap.

[madbrian]

Posted: 11/6/08 at 12:47pm

I don't see this being resolved in either the executive or legislative branch, it will come down to the SCOTUS. In my opinion, the SCOTUS will use the 14th Amendment (equal protection) to strike down any discriminatory laws. From the 14th Amendment:

"No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 11/6/08 at 2:13pm

I agree madbrian, and I think Prop 8 could very well be a blessing in disguise. If this case goes to the SCOTUS and is ruled unconstitutional, all of the ridiculous amendment passed in the past few years could be overturned in one fell swoop.

Obama's contribution will be appointing the judges that help make this happen.

[KrissySim]

Posted: 11/6/08 at 2:23pm

I, too, think that this will ultimately be decided for once and for all in the US Supreme Court.