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December 27, 2008 at 18:31:35
by Gary Vance Page 1 of 1 page(s) |
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Passage of Proposition 8 and the subsequent frustration felt by the LGBT community has elevated tensions to an all time high for supporters of gay rights. Many gays view Barack Obama's decision to invite Reverend Rick Warren to pray at the inauguration as a slap in the face, at its worst, and poor political reasoning at its best. Apparently, Warren and Obama both oppose same sex marriage while supporting civil unions for same sex couples as the preferred vehicle for delivering and safeguarding legal rights for gay couples. Right or wrong, this position seems to reflect the majority opinion in America today. State sanctioned marriage affords legal protection of jointly owned property, visitation rights in hospitals, and benefits associated with work. These are just some of the primary items on the front burner of concerns. What other legal concerns need to be addressed that are preventing LGBT's from enjoying full legal rights of citizenship in America? Legally speaking, does a comprehensive civil union fail to assure any rights that a state sanctioned marriage covers? Legislation and court decisions can remedy most issues when it comes to basic rights of citizenship. However, there is more difficult work that must be done to change the hate filled hearts of those on either side of this issue. Like it or not...that work must be done. 
Is there a comprehensive list of what the LGBT community legally wants beyond state sanctioned marriage? Perhaps someone besides James Dobson should tell the world what gays want. Maybe a gay activist could sneak a copy of the Secret Gay Agenda out from the Gay Headquarters for all the paranoid straight and religious folks to see what it is they really want. Let's get a look at the entire "gay agenda".
Seriously, identifying and reviewing the entire list of legal inequities that exists could serve to light the path forward to legal resolutions. Someone needs to deliver the straight facts on this issue as it relates to constitutional guarantees. Finding spokespersons from opposing camps to engage these issues without an angry tone and devoid of inflammatory political and religious propaganda is a daunting task. As Detective Friday would say, "Just the facts, Ma'am."
Meanwhile, legal rights for lesbians and gays are delayed as many states continue to block same sex marriage by amending their constitutions and passing Proposition 8 type legislation. This all or nothing approach taken by LGBT political activists is mostly failing and thus delaying legal protections that a more attainable civil union would afford. Why not temporarily compromise with civil unions, thus bringing a large incremental victory to gay couples on the road to full equality? Or will achieving these same rights be delayed indefinitely by swinging for the fence and insisting on state sanctioned marriage in a cloudy future?
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| 6 comments |
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A snapshot of blind hatred..
Dear Gary, That was a very well-written article, thank you for that. My feelings on the subject are contained within this link: http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/page/Aaron%27s+Story?t=anon by Aaron Lindahl (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1 comments) on Saturday, Dec 27, 2008 at 9:09:09 PM  (0+)
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The gay agenda:
1. Equal Rights. by Stephen Hansen (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 15 comments [1 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Saturday, Dec 27, 2008 at 9:14:35 PM (0+)
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For the most part I think you've hit the nail on the head...
Mr. Vance, For the most part I think you've hit the nail on the head as to what America's taxpaing g/l citizens want: equality under the law with no exceptions for the immoraly imposed dogma of religion into civil law. There is no hate in my heart or mind in my fight for equality as you've suggsted in this quote: "However, there is more difficult work that must be done to change the hate filled hearts of those on either side of this issue. " I am working for the fair application of the law without the obstruction of dogma. In private and in their official places of worship any one can do as they like among consenting adults. However, in the civil law books there should be no room for private prejudice. by James Nimmo (54 articles, 0 quicklinks, 12 diaries, 22 comments [2 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Sunday, Dec 28, 2008 at 10:22:00 AM (0+)
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Reply: Ratcheting Back Prejudice
James, You know, it is hard to find clear and unprejudiced reasoning on this issue...that's why I appreciate your thoughtful comment on this article. There is much work to be done on implementing a full remedy to inequality Finding a way of ratcheting back the prejudices and anger is essential for progress. Thanks for your style of advocacy...I think it is the only kind that will work. Gary by Gary Vance (20 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 17 comments) on Monday, Dec 29, 2008 at 11:01:38 AM (0+)
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Yep equal rights
The whole civil union thing opens the door for another round of separate but equal crapola. I am betting you are not gay. Even in our own community we have people like Elton John who oppose full marriage rights. I don't understand the problem. We deserve full rights- in the workplace, in housing, in medical care, and yes in marriage as well. Don't lock me out of the banquet hall, toss me a few crumbs and tell me it's a feast. Canada grants us full rights as does Massachusetts, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain. No heterosexual marriages have been adversely affected and it's an absurd argument, to say the least. So - I disagree and I will continue to push for full rights for my trans-gender, trans-sexual,intersexed, bisexual, lesbian and gay community. by Susanna Astarte (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 6 comments) on Monday, Dec 29, 2008 at 12:39:12 PM (0+)
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Reply: Best Strategy
I have seen an incredible softening in the overall mindset of our nation concerning this issue in my lifetime. So, I fully expect the societal and legal changes to come along in spite of the fact that the more fundamental church people will be lagging behind. However, there seems to be some serious movement going on in evangelical circles these days. Millions shifted their vote into the Blue column and helped deliver the White House to Obama. There is hope. From my perspective, the strategic probability of gaining full equality is enhanced by taking an incremental step toward civil unions. It seems that now would be the time to be drafting and proposing state legislation all over the country. by Gary Vance (20 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 17 comments) on Monday, Dec 29, 2008 at 1:10:06 PM (0+)
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