On the Recent Gay Marriage Ruling

                I received a flash on my iphone the other day from CBS News, which told me that the Proposition 8 law, voted in during the 2008 election, was ruled to be unconstitutional.  A wide and toothy smile appeared on my face.  Mark one for the good guys.

                To catch up the ones that have been living under a rock, Proposition 8 was a California ballet measure that stated “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California”.  It passed with 52% of the vote in 2008, while others (like myself) were popping champagne over the Obama win.  The bill has been through several stages, however a few days ago, it was ruled unconstitutional by a 2-1 vote in the 9^th Circuit Appeals Court. 

Don’t freak out, but when I heard about the original vote, I was elated.  Not because it passed, but because it set up what I predicted would happen; a court battle.  I knew that it would only be a matter of time before a court case would rise up.   It did shortly after, when the California Supreme Court upheld the vote.  That was step 1.  Next, the case moved to the Federal District court, with the well known Perry v Schwarzenegger.  (Note: Schwarzenegger was listed, because he was the Governor at the time, it is currently referred to as Perry v Brown.)  That was settled with a victory against Prop 8 in 2010, and the ban was set to be lifted on Aug 18^th.  That was step 2.  That decision came to a halt when the California Appeals Court stepped in, and extended that date until they could get a crack at it.  They did get their crack at the case, and their result, today’s ruling, was to overturn the ballot measure and allow equality in marriage.  This is step 3.  I hope it is appealed, and moves on to step 4- the Supreme Court of the United States.

                Here is why the thought of a longer battle fills me with pins and needles.  When Prop 8 was inserted as a ballot measure, it was a sad day.  Any day that American rights are decided on with a popular vote is sad, in my opinion.   I thought this was an underhanded way to inject religion and false information into the minds of voters, and it was done so with millions of dollars and lots of shoe leather from outside the state.  I had a strong feeling that if this issue was going to get the ball rolling on a possible Supreme Court hearing, it would start in California.  Keep that ball rolling, and keep the appeals coming.  This is how not only California’s ruling gets put under the microscope, but the constitutional right of two persons of the same sex to get married gets put under the microscope.  A very large microscope located in Washington D.C.  If the Supreme Court takes the case onto its docket, then sometime in the next year or two, we will get to hear what the highest court in the land has to say about the constitutionality of same sex marriage.  That ruling is long overdue. 

                Recently, a You Tube friend made a video elated that the Appeals Court ruled in this manner.  He said that he was glad that the supporters of Prop 8 had wasted their money.  He said that our generation “got it”.  After that, in an effort to save a friendship with a Christian, he apologized for his gloating.  I don’t make that apology. 

                I’m happy that millions of dollars were contributed to an effort which failed.  If you donate money to an effort to take away a person’s rights, you should be parted from your money.

                I’m happy that so many wasted their time talking to voters and arguing for the legitimacy of this bill.  Obviously none of them have had precious rights yanked out from under them.

                I’m happy that the younger generation does “get it”, more so than the older generation.  Many in that older generation were raised to think homosexuality was evil simply because it was evil.  The younger generations asks “why?” more often, and get the advantage of meeting homosexuals and talking about it.  I’m not saying homosexuals weren’t around decades ago, but many of them were too scared to admit it in public…

                And I’m also glad that the stigma of admitting your homosexuality is shrinking.  I think of the 90 year old woman, living somewhere in America, that got married to a man and spent her life with him, when she’s always felt more love for her long time bridge partner.

Look, I feel bad for people who can’t get married legally right now.  I really do.  But remember, the time that you have had to wait will be worth it. Your patience will be rewarded with cheers in every state, cheers from the same people who have had your backs, and who will be forever thankful that you led the way.  If the Supreme Court decision doesn’t go well, then people like myself will crack our knuckles and start a new fight.

                                There isn’t a lack of support for your cause.  We’ll fight with you, every step of the way.  Just don’t forget to invite us to your victory party. Cause if there’s anyone that knows how to throw a party, it’s the gays.