Defend Sexual Civil Rights - Vote No on Proposition 8
"Separate, but Equal" has never been OK.
Contents: backgound endorsement thoughts videos easy actions
There's a lot more at stake in California's Proposition 8 than same-sex marriage. It comes down to whether government should meddle in our private sexuality and relationships. And it comes down to preserving our civil rights.
Background
The California Supreme Court has confirmed that the right to marry is a basic human right, regardless of gender.
A group of special interests are trying to overturn that, and put their morality into the Constitution.
Due to an oddity of the law, they could do this with a simple majority,
but later it would take a super-majority to get this back out of the Constitution.
EduKink endorses "No" on Proposition 8.
We don't believe any form of discrimination should be enshrined in the Constitution.
Some people now call it "Proposition H8", pronounced "Hate".
A recent bumper sticker:
"Whose Rights Do We Take Away Next?"
Despite four years of same-sex marriages in Massachusetts, and seven years in Norway, things go on as usual. No fire or brimstone, despite the h8ers' warnings.
This is not about religion. Many, many religious groups have come out against Prop 8. The prop H8 supporters just use religion as a cover to impose their Puritan values on others. These people feel threatened by anything new to them.
The voter guide from the non-partisan JustVote.org compares the endorsements from 15 prominent groups on all California measures. Prop-H8 gets an endorsement from only one group - The George Bush party. JustVoteorg.googlepages.com/2008CaliforniaVoterGuide.pdf
The proponents of H8 have done an extraordinary job of providing people with excuses to vote for discrimination. "Debunking the myths", in LA Times.
Prop H8 is about some blighted souls thinking they need to feel superior to others, by making others' unions second-class.
The amount of out-of-state money flowing into California to support discrimination (pro-8) is staggering. I guess they don't trust Californians to decide for ourselves.
Estimates indicate 40-70% of this comes from Mormons, under pressure from certain church leaders. This despite Mormons being only 2% of Californians. You know, Mormons -- the people still conflicted about their own polygamy history. Remember way back, eight years ago, when America had separation of church and state, and tax exempt organizations had to stay out of politics? Of course there are a few Mormons publicly opposing the H8, but the church is hitting them hard.
This is now the costliest race in the country, other than the presidential race. And the H8'ers are making it just as nasty.
The Pro-H8 people are using extortion to get funding.
The Pro-H8 people are non-consensually exploiting children in their ads.
It's amazing how many diverse people and groups are objecting to the lies and manipulation of the pro-H8 groups.
It's reassuring how many Californians are endorsing No On 8. But still the money and lies flow in, aimed to create fear.
Don't Worry Everyone, You're Safe
It's All Because ...
Marriage as a basic human right by Rev. Deborah L. Johnson
"Married In London", by Janis Ian (mp3)
A growing collection of fun videos - upbeat, short, insightful:
youtube.com/noonprop8dotcom (scroll down)
Simple things You Can Do to Preserve Sexual Freedom
This election is increadibly close. Every vote, every dollar, every face counts.
Please consider doing one or more of the following:
Five dollar minimum.
E.g. Join facebook.com (it's easy and free) then join some groups like:
They act full of hate and vitriol.
But underneath, they're just insecure and afraid of anything that conflicts with their narrow, self-righteous world view.
It's more like a mental disease they can't help.
I wonder if ex-hater programs would work better than ex-gay programs.
About 40% of voters will definitely vote No on 8, and a similar number are unshakable in voting pro-discrimination.
We need to talk with the remaining 20%, to help them see the true issues.
Example: Some neighbors had a pro-8 sign up.
Talking with them revealed they supported human rights, but believed if 8 won, it would cause their church to lose its tax exempt status.
Further conversation helped them see their church was in no danger.
They decided to vote against 8, and took the sign down.
In talking to undecideds, you need to be relaxed, warm, and human. You need mostly to listen, rather than preach, and then address the specific concerns.
If they are religious, point them to the text and videos at
CaFaithForEquality.org
If they have any heart, this might help:
A view of Proposition 8 from a gay man
There are peaceful No on 8 demonstrations every day.
It's easy to go and hold a sign for freedom.
Democracy in action.
Yep. On Tues/28, 100% of DVD sales go to defeat prop H8 here:
They did the same for a previous disaster - Hurricane Katrina.
You can later contribute more, if you like -- whatever your civil rights are worth to you.
Show your support.
Have Compassion for the Opposition.
Talk to the Undecideds and the Confused.
Consider Standing on a Street Corner.
Buy Some Porn.
Comstock Films Fund Raiser