Sad, But Not Defeated
Needless to say, Merideth and I are sad that Proposition 8 passed. We are appalled that discrimination was written into the California Constitution. We are disappointed that other anti-gay measures were passed in Arizona and Florida.
However.
We are thrilled that our nation overcame a history of racism to elect a man who will be a fantastic President.
We are excited about the progress that California has made in gay rights. As Jono, our brother-in-law pointed out this morning:
- In 2000, Prop22 [a ballot initiative that prevented California from recognizing same-sex marriages] passed 61% to 38%. In 2008, Prop8 passed by only 52% to 48%. In 8 years 10% of California changed their minds, and on issues like this that’s a huge change, and something to be happy about.
You know this is gonna be on the ballot again in another 8 years, and you know the trend will continue and next time we win.
We only need another 2%.
We have discovered, as one does in times of trouble, who our friends are. And they are unparalleled. Thank you so much to those who have written or called with condolences.
We have noted that counties that have a high gay population had higher numbers of voting against Proposition 8, which just goes to show that people who know and love gay people have a much harder time voting to restrict their rights, as the gay population alone could not have produced those numbers.
We’re going to make a ton of money on the diet book I’m going to write entitled, “Eat All You Want and Don’t Exercise — Lose Weight By Maintaining a Constant State of Stress and Anxiety Coupled With Periodic Breakdowns!”
Gene said,
November 5, 2008 @ 2:55 pm
I’m sad, too. Not just for you, but what it says about so many people’s fears and attitudes. Looking at the progress since 2000 is encouraging.
And I’m delighted about Obama’s election, and excited about how far the country as a whole has come. A long ways to go, but this is a big step. And a lot of work ahead for us all.
brit said,
November 5, 2008 @ 3:06 pm
Well I’ll buy anything your write, but this one sounds perfect!
Jan said,
November 5, 2008 @ 4:01 pm
Last night I followed the prop 8 returns even though I am a resident of Michigan. I was very disappointed in the outcome and really thought we had come to a point in time where this would not be the outcome.
A loving relationship is what’s important in the end. And though it may seem that change is pathetically slow….it is still changing. One day there will be no need to vote on such propositions.
Rest and then get back to blogging about your projects. I’ve enjoyed reading the House Made blog.
Best wishes.
Carol said,
November 5, 2008 @ 4:09 pm
I was saddened to hear Prop 8 passed. It just isn’t right.
Christine said,
November 5, 2008 @ 5:15 pm
I am also saddened by this, for you both, for my little brother in Florida, for the millions of people this effects directly and for us as a whole, because we should be moving forward and not backwards.
Tiffany said,
November 5, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
Thanks for putting this into perspective a little for me, you are much more patient than I am I suppose! All last night and today, when I should have been celebrating the positive change for the country, all I could do was be in turns angry and sad about Prop 8. Seeing the stats helps… Though I hope we don’t have to wait 8 more flippin years!
Gary said,
November 6, 2008 @ 12:03 am
Just my two cents. The problem as I see it is simply the use of the word marriage and the attempt to change it’s meaning. The only ones who benefit are lawyers who can increase their divorce cases over night by at least 12% depending on population. I think you will find most Americans will support equal rights for same sex couples but they won’t allow you to change the meaning of a very traditional word. The word “connubial” would work. It means pertaining to marriage or the marriage state. Unfortunately the word sounds crappy when you try to put it in a sentence. If you are passionate about this issue and having equal rights is your ultimate goal, get your lobbyists to come up with a word that means marriage, sounds decent and most people don’t know what it really means when they read the ballot and you will have your success. I’m somewhat conservative. I support your cause to the fullest extent but don’t think it is wise to permit lawyers to change the legal definitions of words. It opens the door for them to change the meaning of any word by writing it into law which would be very dangerous because our laws are written words.
Juli said,
November 7, 2008 @ 1:28 pm
are there any protests scheduled in the San Franciso Bay Area? As the sister of a wonderful gay woman, I am appalled by my fellow Californians who voted yes.
please email me if there are any. thank you…
Jocelyn said,
November 16, 2008 @ 11:02 pm
As the daughter of a gay man who has been with the same partner for 25+ years and is my 2nd “Dad”, I am with you on this. It hurts that certain members of our society don’t seem to get it. Fortunately, many of us do “get it.”
Someday things will be better, but it seems more hard work is in order.