Best Gay Blogs » Question 1

‘Gay Marriage’ Challenges Christianity’s Credibility

James — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:03:34 +0000

After the devastating loss of marriage equality in Maine 52.84% – 47.16% – an almost exact mirror of the loss of constitutionally protected same sex marriage rights with Prop 8 in California – it’s time to call out the “Devil” cleverly disguised as the anti-gay forces of the Religious Right.

This loss isn’t just about politics – it’s about the very soul of the Christian religion. For who but the silver-tongued Devil could convince quietly religious people to believe in – and act on – lies and cheap-trick illusions that twist love into a political perversion?

And that’s what happened in Maine – just as it happened in California – where Religious Right professionals manipulated voters into taking away the secular civil rights of a group of people based on the fear of something that MIGHT happen – something made up, a lie based on bigotry and myth.

When did it become OK to lie, to pervert the truth to serve God? Surely, if there is a Devil, a Satan, he is chuckling to himself at this greatest handiwork – using political strategy to make hate a virtue and love something to be scorned and punished.

More at: LGBT POV!

What Does Maine Means for Cali?

James — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:00:18 +0000

Question 1, a repeal of the New England state’s law allowing same-sex marriage, passed with 52.7 percent of voters in favor; nearly parallel to the 52 percent of California’s voters last year that passed Proposition 8, the Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in the Golden State.

Maine’s vote resonates in California, where gay rights activists are divided whether to push for a repeal of the same-sex marriage ban in 2010, or wait until 2012, and many wonder what Maine’s rejection of same-sex marriage means for California’s movement.

“Maine was supposed to be the way the gay marriage movement overcame the loss in California with Proposition 8,” said Brian Brown, the executive director of the National Organization for Marriage in California, the largest donor to the ProtectMarriage.com-Yes on 8 campaign, and an executive committee member for Stand for Marriage Maine, the largest donor to the Yes on 1 campaign. “Everything was in their favor … (and) they still lost. The people of Maine do not support same-sex marriage, just as the people in 31 states in this country do not support same-sex marriage. In 31 states where same-sex marriage has been put to a vote, supporters of traditional marriage have won.

Read more: www.sdnn.com!

Marrige: Let the Religious Right Have It!

James — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:00:37 +0000

Why are we so enamored with becoming a part of such a miserable societal failure in the first place? The National Center for Health Statistics reports 60% of marriages for couples between the ages of 20 and 25 end in divorce. (When the bride is over 25, the rate drops to 50 percent.) What entrances us so about the opportunity to participate in a religious tradition that only boasts a 40 percent success rate? Your relationship exists regardless of what you name it. You get to define it, not the government and not the electorate. When it comes to marriage, let the religious right have it.

Need something a little more pragmatic? Fine. The marriage fight is a fundraising one, and these re-activists are going to embarrass our entire community again. We spent close to $40 million fighting the passage of Prop 8. The economy has not improved and fundraising is going to be even more difficult now. The annual budgets of organizations who oppose us crush ours by hundreds of millions of dollars, so we already begin any political race crippled. Furthermore, zero major donors have promised anything for Prop 8, Part II. I don’t care how impassioned you are, without the certainty of millions of dollars on the way, you are going to lose – period.

More at: San Diego Gay and Lesbian News!