Silver linings?

[moose65]

Even though I continue to be astonished at the bigotry of US citizens voting on these "Marriage Protection Amendments", I think we have a few positives from this election. Arizona defeated their amendment, the first time that has happened! Way to go! Maybe this is the "tipping point" that we need. It had to happen sooner or later. I was also surprised by the "narrower" margins for some of the amendments, particularly in South Dakota and right here in my own back yard, my neighboring state of Virginia (we won't talk about Tennessee)! Is this issue losing its power to motivate the bigots? I sure hope so. On one hand, it seems we've come a long way just in 6 short years since Vermont blazed the trail with civil unions. Back then, fundies were screaming that civil unions would cause the end of Western civilization, and now civil unions are seen as the "moderate" position. On the other hand, it is demoralizing to see so many of my fellow citizens vote for these amendments. I know that change is coming, but DAMN it is slow!

[Ken Burch]

1. Long term, the trend is in your direction...

Short term there will be repression in the states that voted yes.

Basically, the work goes on.

[Not Me]

2. There are a number of positives, I think

In addition to Arizona.

First, We will not hear motions on the Floor of the House for a vote on a Federal Marriage Amendment for at least two years. This will take a lot of buzz from the fundies.

Second, NY elected Elliot Spitzer as governor. He has already committed to introducing (and supporting) marriage equality in NY. (Coupled with NJ's ruling, this makes 3 large NE states where marriage may be legal in a year or two.)

Florida, which has an anti marriage equality amendment slated for 2008, just passed a constitutional amendement requiring a 60% supermajority to pass subsequent amendments. This pushes the bar very high for the 2008 antigay marriage vote.

I believe shortly after the 2008 election, there will be coordinated suits from couples in MA, NY, and NJ to challenge DOMA and IRS. That's when things are going to get interesting.

My $.02.

[terrya]

3. Well....I think one thing to remember....

is that these marriage amendments are occurring in red, conservative states....Indiana, Idaho, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah. For the most part.

We'll get same-sex marriage. It will take decades for it to happen in all 50 states (my feeling is between 30 and 50 years). But it WILL happen.

This is hard to watch right now, though. To see my fellow citizens voting for bigotry.