America -- where dreams soar, lives flourish, and today's work strives to make a better tomorrow.
Freedom, democracy, and equality have always been our goal; our system of check and balances has served us well. Throughout history we've made reactionary mistakes bound by hatred and fear. From the horrors inflicted upon our noble Natives, to the barbaric enslavement of African Americans, and internment of the Japanese, heretofore we have identified our worst errors, made strides towards reparation, and evolved toward our founding ideals.
The latest ruling on atonement came on May 15, when California justices ruled: "the California legislative and initiative measures limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples violate the state constitutional rights of same-sex couples and may not be used to preclude same-sex couples from marrying." With all judicial prudence, the state of California declared that marriage is a fundamental right under the California Constitution. Finally, all men and women across the state are equal under California's marriage law.
Since June 16 Thousands of same-sex California couples have married. California is not only still standing, but today she is standing proud for equal rights.
Not unlike the forces of religious fundamentalism in Afghanistan and Iraq, the forces of fundamentalism in the land of the free and the home of the brave have put a measure on California's November ballot that is deplorably un-American. Proposition 8 reads: "Eliminates Right of Same-sex Couples to Marry."
Proposition 8 would amend the constitution of the state to take a right away. This is a litmus test not for same-sex marriage but for the future of our great land. If Californians pass this amendment, Americans lose what so many have died to preserve throughout our history. Putting civil rights to a popular vote sets a dangerous precedent.
Now that he has the legal right to marry, actor George Takei sat down with me enthusiastically gushing about his upcoming nuptials to his partner of twenty-one years, Brad Altman.
Eternally know as Sulu from Star Trek, George has lived his life with dignity and talent. I came away from our conversation happy to share his joy and the joy of so many Californians taking the matrimonial plunge. Happiness can only help the institution of marriage--all good marriages make society stronger.