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The Human Rights Campaign said today's vote denying marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships to same-sex couples will seriously harm thousands of Texas families.
"Education is a long-term effort that cynical politics can never stop," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "These amendments are part of a long-standing effort by the extreme right to eliminate any legal recognition for gay people and our families."
Texas joins 17 other states with constitutional amendments denying marriage to same-sex couples. The amendment in Texas not only prohibits but also threatens civil unions and domestic partnerships thatare widely supported by most Americans.
Although this is painful, it certainly wasn't a big surprise. Texas is, after all, Texas. Let us hope Maine voters upheld a law that bans discrimination based on sexual orientation. If the law is upheld, New England will become a discrimination-free zone, in regards to GLBT employment.
9 Comments:
I was so sad to hear this. But also not surprised. I lived in Texas long enough and had enough scary things (thrown out of an apartment, had glass thrown at me, etc) done to me that I know. . .but it's still so sad!
So, what will it take to finally WIN one of these amendment battles? Seriously - my state is voting on one a year from now, and I am determined that we will win it.
These amendments are simply shameful and disgusting manipulation of emotions of vulnerable people. None of these people have ever answered the question of how legal recognition of a gay partnership or family has any iota of effect on them, nothing, nothing at all! From what I understand of the stupid wording of this Texas amendment, heteros could possibly feel the sting of discrimination. Good. Hope it bites them hard. We can thank all of those god fearing shit bag christocrats for this bullshit. Phoney baloney all of them.
posted by BC WaterBoy, at
11/09/2005 1:16 AM
you know it really doesn't matter if they pass these hate amendments because in less than 1 generation it will be legal nationwide. A poll was taken not too long ago asking people of different age groups about their support of same-gender marriage, and the numbers show that of those 35 and under 79% say they support gays right to marry each other, think about that these people are the up and coming generation. The only ones who truly oppose it are people my parents age 50 and up as these people didn't grow up surrounded by gay people. But children are getting to know more and more gays and lesbians every day, even though these christians hold rallies like that day of truth they held after the day of silence, these children only did it because their parents told them too. As soon as these children of fundamentalist parents grow up and live out on their own they will leave the faith, and mark my words in less than a generation churches will be empty just as in europe.
posted by Adam Kautz, at
11/09/2005 5:00 AM
Adam, I agree with much of what you say. This current younger generation is a lot better on social issues. However, its going to be decades before we start to see any significant change. With eighteen states banning same-sex marriage with little possibility of that law being overturned, its a huge segment of the country, more than a quarter of the states. To even ban civil unions to me is beyond hatred and goes to show that these right wingers have no interest in civil rights or equality for gays at any level. I'm very troubled by this turn of events. I think every gay man and woman in those 18 states should organize an economic boycott of their states as much as they can, in whatever way they can. Hit them where it hurts, in their pockets and coffers. We should all demand a reversal of tax-exempt status for every religious organization that pushes for antigay legislation and hold our politicians' feet to the fire once and for all. Time to flex our collective muscle, once and for all.
When, through their actions, the hick southerners differentiate themselves from us and our progressive way of life, simply stand back and allow them to define themselves. At least then we know full well who our opponents are.
The hicks can pray all they want, but they will always remain just that: hicks. I am glad to live in the northeast where people can be who they really are without having to hide behind a cultural mask. My neighbors here actually have lives to live, and they are too busy doing just that to worry about mine.
posted by Chris L., at
11/09/2005 1:30 PM
I heard on the news that an episcopal bishop was "visited" by the IRS for preaching an anti-war sermon (I forget which state it was). I assume they were threatening their churches' tax exempt status for getting involved in politics. I was incredulous! All he was doing was teaching what Jesus taught. If the fundos stick their hateful beaks into politics all the time, but since they support the fascist bush regime, they are left alone to promote war, discrimination and hatred. As I've said before, there IS no free speech in this country under the republicans. Gary (NJ)
posted by Anonymous, at
11/09/2005 1:46 PM
