So why this? Why is gay marriage subject to popular vote? Note: this is semi-rhetorical. Obviously there are legal reasons that it is subject to popular vote, but it just seems...ugh. What ever happened to democracy protecting minority rights from the tyranny of the majority?
I'm sad for Maine. And for the 30 other states that have already put gay marriage to popular vote and lost... I'm sorry there is so much hate in the world.
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At least there were some good outcomes (copy/pasted from the HRC newsletter this morning):
In Washington state, voters appear to have cast their ballots to approve Referendum 71, a measure that would expand domestic partnerships to have every state-level right and benefit afforded to married couples. I feel confident that when all of the votes are counted, it will be clear that the voters of Washington chose to provide equal rights and benefits to same-sex couples and their families.
In Kalamazoo, Michigan, right-wing groups wanted to make sure it stayed legal to fire or refuse housing to someone just because they’re LGBT. 65% of Kalamazoo voters disagreed and voted to approve Ordinance 1856, expanding the city's existing anti-discrimination law to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
And some poll information for your consumption:
Gallup Poll of support for interracial marriage:
http://www.gallup.com/poll/28417/most-americans-approve-interracial-marriages.aspx
Check out the 1968 stats. Note that that was the year of the Supreme Court case supporting interracial marriage. Many states approved it before then. If it had gone to popular vote? Fail...
And then the Gallup Poll for same-sex marriage:
http://www.gallup.com/poll/118378/majority-americans-continue-oppose-gay-marriage.aspx
Compared to the stats in 1968 on interracial marriage, more people support gay marriage than did interracial marriage at the time. And similar to the pattern of support over time, the support for gay marriage appears to be going up - particularly if you think about the effect of the age difference. So I know it's just a matter of time, but ugh...
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