Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Has Something Changed?
While reading LGBT newspapers and magazines I have noticed something that resembles a growing trend of states considering new gay marriage/civil union policies. Although 26 states have State Constitutional amendments some states are beginning to see LGBT point of view. Wyoming, Rhode Island, and New Jersey have taken strides that are consistent with pro non discrimination to sexual orientation. New Jersey became one of few states allowing civil unions between same sex marriage. Rhode Island has proposed to recognize the marriages from Massachusetts. Wyoming has discussed being pro gay marriage this week. Why the sudden outburst of pro gay states this week? Despite the loss of one of the founders of the Daughters of Bilitus, the first official Lesbian organization, the LGBT movement as obviously seen great strides this week. I can only imagine and hope that this is from the influx of political lobbying and change of thinking from conservative politicians, but realisticly I assume the time spent here is a distraction from the war in Iraq. Hopefully this trend will continue throughout, well, forever but this should only act as encouragement for members of the LGBT community and supports to continue fighting and rallying. Wear your "gay vote" button or your HRC t-shirt! Stand out and ask tough questions to the new political candidates. Write letters and discuss how you can get involved! Go out and be gay and be good!
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2 comments:
I like the blog, Nick. Something has changed. The tired rhetoric of the anti-gay conservative right is no longer enough to propel Republicans to victory in national elections, per the strategy of Karl Rove. We had Lawrence v. Texas in 2003, but the real "Magna Carta" of gay rights must go beyond the right to consensual sex in the safety of your own home. Gay activists have demanded full equality for decades, but the national tide may finally be turning in our direction. I don't know about an "outburst of pro-gay states," but if the conservative Christian right is politically weak, gay people may gain some legitimacy within the Republican fold. Glad someone is talking about these issues.
As we just learned the Log Cabin Republicans may have a greater influence on gay rights than we expected. They may play a key role in the wedge issue of the Christian right also known as the Gay Rights Movement in the upcoming 2008 election. Hopefully we will get socially liberal candidates on both sides, red and blue, then we can't lose! That should be the LGBT community's goal, the primaries!
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