First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out--
because I was not a communist;
Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out--
because I was not a socialist;
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out--
because I was not a trade unionist;
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out--
because I was not a Jew;
Then they came for me--
and there was no one left to speak out for me. ~Martin Niemoller
On November 4, 2008, Proposition 8 was passed by voters in the State of California. It will amend the state constitution to restrict the definition of marriage to a union between a man and a woman. This overturns a recent California Supreme Court decision that had recognized same-sex marriage as a fundamental right.
You know, as far as Prop 8 is concerned it really doesn't matter whether you are in favor of same-sex marriage or not. What matters is that Proposition 8 removes from a large segment of the population a very basic right. The right to choose the person you want to share your life with. The right to stand up in front of family and friends and make an official commitment to that person. The right to have the government recognize that union and provide you with the same rights and responsibilities heterosexual couples have.
You may be opposed to same-sex marriage. In my opinion, that isn't what the debate should be about. When I hear people talking about God being opposed to homosexuality and how same-sex marriage is a sin, etc., etc., I hear fear. I'm not quite sure what they are afraid of, but I honestly believe that is what motivates them. Well, actually I have a pretty good idea what they are afraid of but I'll save that for another day!
What we should be debating is how many rights we want to strip from citizens of this country. How long will we let fear guide our decisions and hurt people's lives? Where do you want to draw the line? If same-sex marriage can be declared unconstitutional, I've got news for you folks - so can heterosexual marriage. This isn't a religious issue, it's a civil issue. There are many laws in this country that various religious groups are opposed to. Should we repeal them all?
Check out this link to the Courage Campaign and sign their pledge. It's important - it really is. (And they even have a blog!)
Robin, the lonely blog mistress
Update: Last night on the news they showed people protesting in front of various churches because the churches supported Prop 8. I've also seen a number of blog posts attacking religious groups. I can't express how strongly I believe this is wrong. You don't show that you are right by attacking someone else. When people disagree with you, yelling at them doesn't convince them you're right - it convinces them you're angry. Anger doesn't change minds - Education does. Kindness encourages others to listen to you. I grew up being told that two wrongs don't make a right. I certainly think that applies in this case.
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