BLOG: A Conservative Perspective Against Anti-Gay Marriage Amendments
Posted on Jan 16, 2007 at 04:33 pm
January 16, 2007
In this summary of an op-ed by conservative U.S. Circuit Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III, Link explores Wilkinson's belief that writing anti-marriage amendments into constitutions is bad for political activity at the state level. He does not argue in support of marriage equality but rather discusses important practicalities of our political system, an understanding of which is integral for the marriage movement. [Link]
OPINION: Benefits no place to start denying rights
Posted on Jan 04, 2007 at 10:51 am
January 4, 2007
Seven years of litigation finally came to an end with the state's acquiescence to the Supreme Court's order that it offer employment benefits to the partners of same-sex employees. Unfortunately, Gov. Sarah Palin also signed the legislature's ill-conceived bill to convene a special election in April in order to ask citizens whether they want a further constitutional amendment adopted to prohibit public employers from offering such benefits. To adopt such an amendment would be the worst kind of step backward. (Link)
In the heartland and out of the closet
Posted on Dec 28, 2006 at 04:44 pm
December 28, 2006
A Kansas woman was moved to come out to fight a discriminatory anti-gay marriage amendment. She then found that the more she opened herself up, the more she found solace. The day after the amendment passed, her handyman, a Rush Limbaugh fan who came to install her air conditioner, expressed his sympathies. "He came upstairs and said 'I'm just so sorry, Cyd, I know how hard you worked on this,'" she said. "He put his arm around me and it was just about as touching a thing that happened around this whole issue." [Link]
A Muslim-American reflection on WI’s civil-union ban
Posted on Dec 11, 2006 at 02:46 pm
December 11, 2006
Today, some Muslims are content with civil-union bans because they identify with certain values of these restrictions and because they do not see such a ban largely affecting their communities. However, tomorrow could be a day where the government, under the same authority, bans Hijab. Reflecting a trend from European countries, many Americans could proclaim that they distrust Hijab and feel that it is oppressive towards women. Regardless of how we as Muslims feel, the argument could be made that aspects of our lifestyle contradict some values of the American majority. In the same way those seeking civil unions are struggling at this moment, our lifestyle could also be subject to a legal popularity contest. What will we do then? [Link]
Same-sex couples struggle for legal protection
Posted on Dec 03, 2006 at 02:22 pm
December 3, 2006
Since Wisconsin voted to write discrimination into their state constitution, many gay and lesbian couples feel the urgent need to try to protect their relationships as best they can with a series of legal steps. [link]
OPINION: Quaker statement on marriage equality
Posted on Oct 20, 2006 at 02:27 pm
October 20, 2006
On November's ballot, Wisconsin will vote on a constitutional ban on same-gender marriages. We of Religious Society of Friends believe the movement to isolate and scapegoat homosexuals, to promote hatred against them, and to impose in law one group's religious beliefs on us all, is blatantly immoral and contrary to Jesus' teachings. [link]
ID businesses join marriage equality movement
Posted on Oct 04, 2006 at 01:21 pm
October 4, 2006
"We could not stand idly by without taking a stand on this amendment," said Michael Byron, president of the Idaho Inclusiveness Coalition, in a prepared statement concerning the Idaho initiative to write marriage discrimination into the state constitution. "As an organization, we are charged with developing and implementing strategies for creating inclusive communities in Idaho. And as businesspeople, we are concerned about the effect passage of HJR2 would likely have on the business climate of our state. Opposing this amendment is the only logical choice for us." [Link]
Michigan Dems: Repeal Proposal 2
Posted on Sep 07, 2006 at 04:32 pm
September 7, 2006
Saying that Proposal 2 "adds discrimination to our State Constitution," the party has called for its repeal. In addition, as it did in 2004, the party's platform calls for a number of other progressive actions, including recognizing the adoption rights of same-sex couples. [Link]
OPINION: Please reject Proposition 107 and make a stand for all families
Posted on Aug 28, 2006 at 03:43 pm
August 28, 2006
A doctor writes in agreement with the Pima County Pediatric Society, the Arizona Public Health Association and the Arizona Psychological Association, who have each passed resolutions against the proposed amendment. [Link]
Blogger: Don’t amend TN Constitution
Posted on Jul 15, 2006 at 01:00 pm
July 15, 2006
"I'm going to try to figure out what I can do to oppose this measure, though it's a tricky political calculus as drawing attention to it may actually help its passage, since a failure to vote on the measure at all is tantamount to a 'no' vote. I suspect, though, that the anti-gay-marriage forces will make enough noise to ensure that it's not ignored." [link]