Prop 8 = Prop Hate

To the children of same-sex parents: You Are Bad.

Doesn't matter if you are happy, well-adjusted, well cared-for, educated or secure. Doesn't matter if your parents are hard working, tax paying, law abiding or nice.

Children brought up in loving, caring households are in effect being told as much by the proponents of Proposition 8, better known as The Protect Marriage Act or
The Same-Sex Marriage Ban which will, if it passes, add a new amendment to the California Constitution: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California".

By my reckoning it's 2008. What the hell does it matter who the eff marries who, if they are sane and in love (usually but not necessarily mutually exclusive characteristics) and capable of leading productive lives in society? It seems that to people who live by certain stringent, arcane creeds, ones that define life in terms of heaven and hell and Them and Us, the idea of a same-sex relationship is tantamount to murder. Or worse: matching wardrobes.

While Connecticut recently overturned the ban on Gay marriage, Prop 8's sponsors are going all out (as it were) to scare vulnerable intellects into supporting a law that is the apotheosis of the disease that had become highly visible in Nuremberg in the 1930's and more recently at McCain-Palin rallies: mass ingestion of unsubstantiated accusations, susceptibility to any accompanying imagery of a threatening nature and good old lizard-brained (eat, attack, run away, mate) impulses.

The devolution of humanity as exemplified by the hoisting of a representative of the species Hockey Matris to within a heartbeat (or less) of the highest office in the land describes the movement which would support the attack on individual freedom that is Proposition 8.

The reality is, anyone who decries same-sex marriage as aberrant or sinful or evil or whatever, is as informed as a glossolalic twit who would boast of international socio-political expertise merely because they live across a desolate strait from another country. While it is fairly assured that a large portion of "normal" marriages yield much familial discord, a high percentage of divorce, domestic violence and despair, just who do extreme, hyper-religious, xenophobic heterosexuals think they are, to create and impose legislation upon people that neither directly nor indirectly involves nor effects them adversely in any way? God?

Comments

[SanFranJeff]

It's sad to witness the Proponents of Prop 8 continue to justify their bigoted and discriminatory actions, as their mission from God . When has any God ever stood for exclusion, division, discrimination and hatred?

Their common claim: "The California Supreme Court has IMPOSED same-sex marriage on them". The claim implies (and they are fighting as if ) the court ruling requires "them" to OBTAIN A SAME-SEX MARRIAGE.

If you do not believe in same sex marriage -- don't marry anyone of the same sex. It's that simple! Attempting to prevent others from experiencing the same joys they take for granted is nothing less than bigotry at its worst! And using God's name to justify their discriminatory actions is outrageous, and it must be stopped on Tuesday, November 4th.

Our Constitution was established to ensure justice and liberty for all - Prop 8 is the antithesis of Justice and Liberty AND IT MUST BE DEFEATED!

[BlackSudra]

The first Amendment of our Constitution says:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Prop 8 is all about what is "morally right" through religious definition. We are NOT a Christian Nation. We are a nation of mixed beliefs and non-beliefs. To deny ANY citizen of their Constitutional rights is wrong.

I am sickened by that ideas being touted by the supporters of this proposition. But more than that it is disgraceful the behavior of the supporters that claim to be Christian..while using foul launguage ,hate speech and in some cases violence against anyone that refutes them.

I would not seek to make illegal their right to believe and practice their religion. Why should they feel it to be their right to decide who is suitable to be married by definition of their religious belief system?

[kelly]

leave the gays alone, they don't hurt anyone. make divorce illegal if you want to sanctify marriage. and marrying in fake elvis presley churches in a costume in as vegas shouldn't be legal either.

[demoncrat678]

I have an idea. If prop eight passes, let's define marriage a different way. Lets make up a new proposition. California should only allow marriage between one man and one woman. However, I think that is just too vague. I like the idea of being married someday, so I going to make sure I'm included in this. Marriage should be defined as a union between one jewish man and one jewish woman. My best friends parents argue that they don't want kids growing up in a world where homosexuality is looked on as normal, not a bad choice people make but completely acceptable. Well, I feel that only judaism is a moral religion and thus the only true moral way of life. To continue to allow people of all other religions or lifestyles to get married supports that immoral way of life, and I don't want my kids growing up in a world where the immorality of non-jewish religions is seen as normal and acceptable. I don't care that is denying rights to non-jews. Its a choice people make. You choose to either be jewish or not be jewish. If you are in another religion you can change to judaism at any time. If you don't that's a choice you made, and if you can't make the right choice, why should you be afforded the same rights as me?

[gsgweb]

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-gaypriest13-2008oct13,0,2646781.story

From today's LA Times...quote from Father Geoffrey Farrow in a sermon.

"I know these words of truth will cost me dearly," he said. "But to withhold them...I would become an accomplice to a moral evil that strips gay and lesbian people not only of their civil rights but of their human dignity as well."

The priest was subsequently stripped of his salary and benefits, and ordered to stay away from all church communities he had served.

So very sad. Please vote NO on Prop 8. Bigotry hurts everyone.

[FrankTalk]

I am voting NO on proposition 8. It is the ONLY proposition on the ballot that will generate income for CA. Further, Gov. Schwarzenegger supports NO on proposition 8. Go to Republican­sagainst8.­com and click on the governor's photo. You will see an address he made to the Log Cabin Republicans. We need to ask the governor to speak in a commercial against this amendment to our constitution. He believes that proposition 8 will fail. I hope he is right. Mormons, fundamentalist Christians, and other fronts for these religious groups need to stay out of CA politics. I believe Californians will stand up and oppose this hate filled measure. Intelligence and reason and the rational will prevail over religious primitivism, ignorance and fascism. There are 190,000 gay and lesbian couples in CA according to census numbers. Governor Schwarzenegger, PLEASE make a commercial, have a press conference, and announce your opposition to this hate filled proposition.

[mamacat]

Every one we know will be voting against Proposition 8. I'm not a religious person, but I'm praying that this hate-filled proposition goes down to defeat.

[Eric8869]

Steven - I know you're straight but if you ever want to marry me. I promise to do the dishes. :)

Great post!

As a friend of a gay couple raising 2 foster kids (leading to adoption) - I can see how kids can go from a nightmare existence to a loving gay home and reap the rewards. These kids have their lives back.

I have met you in person (just a fan after a b'way show) - you're such a nice guy. I have always thought you were a great actor (you rocked on Studio 60) but knowing you have such a big heart too makes me an even bigger fan. Keep posting!

[goatini]

i have 2 anti-Prop Hate stickers in my back window: "Celebrate Love And Equality, Vote No On Prop 8", and "Hatred Is Not A Family Value".

in parts of the East Bay they result in people following very close behind with headlight flashing and high beams.

on the Peninsula they result in people allowing you to change lanes more easily in a backup.

[Dap]

Once again Steven, an eloquently expressed post. I had to drop in to say Bravo Bravo.

[MarkVA71]

I just read on ANOTHER news site that Connecticut's supreme court yesterday, 10/10, overturned the state's ban on gay marriage. Gay couples can get married beginning 10/28th I believe it stated.

I'm a little surprised I didn't read it anywhere on huff post this morning after I scoured all the pages for interesting articles... HMMM

[MeiLing]

It was there late yesterday which, depending on where you are in the US, might have been while you were asleep. The news is so changing with the release of the TrooperGate report, Palin's new line of attack and Bush's laughable statement that it is a "good thing that he's on the job" to deal with this economic mess. Do a search on the site and you'll likely find the article.

It is big news and it made my heart glad to hear it!

[WolfLady]

If by some insane chance Prop Hate is enacted, rest assured that within 24 hours a new prop will be fashioned to reverse it. Within a week a week the new prop will have enough signatures to qualify for the next election, and the hydrophobic fundie cabal will have to waste their dwindling millions waging war again.

They remind me of a chicken after its head has been cut off: Still running around the yard, not realizing that it's already dead.

24 days Until the Enlightenment!

~WolfLady~

[mattamorr]

Steven, great post as usual.
I live in the heart of right-wing Christian Orange county. The famous pastor, Rick Warren lives just houses away from me(Nice guy, BTW). I cannot believe the overwhelming YES ON PROP 8 support here. It's everywhere you look. Bumper stickers and yard signs are everywhere. My stepson told me that supporters of the proposition are making the stickers and signs available at local churches, which disturbs me to no end.
So, last week I went to the NO ON PROP 8 website and ordered a handful of bumper stickers for $1.95 each to display and give out to my friends; some of which who are apprehensive to display them on their cars in fear of retribution.
I love the angry, appalling and righteously indignant looks I get from the local folks driving their SUV's, but I love the nods, smiles, honks and waves of support even more.

http://www.noonprop8store.com/

[pigsatthetrough]

When considering Prop 8 one should consider, "For God so loved the world that he created homosexuals so his followers could have someone to hate! Women should shut up and do what they are told, and children shuld be stoned for calling someone baldy"
Seems like a good basis to move society forward doesn't it?

[philopatris]

It was two GREAT BIG BARRRS that ATE UP those 42 children who mocked the Prophet Elisha for being bald (2.Kings 2.23-4). They didn't get stoned, at least in the rock throwing sense.
But I agree with your general point.

[Miss Lola]

Marriage, in its initial incarnation, was a business deal-"love" was not the issue.

It truly doesn't matter who people spend their lives with-provided they are constructive, productive, non-violent, law-abiding citizens.

I teach-several of our students have "two mommies," or "two daddies." Those children, are well-adjusted, well taken care of, and have active parents. However, the VAST majority of our "neglected" students come from that bastion of society, the two-parent family.

I am a white woman, married to a black man. We've been together 26 years.
When we left the northeast and came to the metro atlanta area, we were shocked at the lack of diversity outside of the city. In visiting the MLK site, we saw how our lovely little family was "illegal" in neighboring states into the 80s.

Who's to say what's "good" and "bad?"

My gay friends are involved in LONG term relationships; most of the heterosexuals I know have been divorced and remarried.....who's more of a threat to the lovely institution of "marriage????"

sheeesh!

[smags72]

Right on! Great post! I saw a cartoon the other day with the line that said:

"Gay marriage is not a threat to my marriage. It's all the straight women who sleep with my husband."

[lakat]

While that's a cute bumper sticker and the pro-gay marriage message is right on, the biggest threat to heterosexual marriage is not willing women who will sleep with someone's husband, it's men who can't keep it in their pants. THEY are the ones who took vows of faithfulness. It is them you should be chastising. Of course kicking the man out would make for one less paycheck in difficult times and a lonely bed. And then you might end up accepting the attention of a married man and the cycle continues...

[jessca]

I though you should know about -- and alert your readers to -- "Save the Institution!" a hilarious, and dead-on, musical skewering of the "Really, we're not homophobic, we're just trying to save the institution of marriage" crowd. Well produced and funny as hell -- unusual combination for political music. I heard it at http://www.myspace.com/rbuch

Don't let the MySpace scare you, it is definitely worth a listen.

Jess