I had an entirely different post planned for today but lately haven't been able to think about much after Proposition 8 passed. Since Wednesday, I've been ashamed to be a Californian, to be an American. For this country and this state claim to be free from religious persecution, and then vote based on religious pursuasion to actively eliminate rights to somebody who is different from you. That is wrong. No matter how you try to spin it, it's wrong.
54% of Californians voted against homosexuality by saying they were for the "protection of marriage." Whose marriage are you protecting anyways?
It certainly isn't your own. Last time I checked, this proposition doesn't eliminate the rights of heterosexual couples to marry. Or for inter-racial couples to marry. Or for Muslims or Buddhists or Hindus to marry. YOUR marriage is already protected under the law. YOUR marriage is still valid in this state. NOTHING has changed for you.
Yet, you vote in favor of discrimination. You vote in favor of religion in government. You vote to make gays and lesbians second-class citizens. WHY? Are you ignorant, bigoted, spiteful, angry, or misinformed? I don't understand. Help me understand. Please.
This ballot really has nothing to do with marriage. It has everything to do with equal rights. Everyone deserves the same rights under the law. You don't have to morally agree with "it." Your church doesn't have to recognize "it" or be forced to officiate "it." And you already know that "it" won't be taught in schools.
For those of you who voted no against Prop 8.... For those who voted Yes and realize now that you've made a mistake.... I urge you to sign a petition against the passing of Prop 8.
This is a battle for full civil rights, full equality, and full inclusion. All Americans should have the same civil rights no matter their race, religion, gender, or sexuality. I thought that was established a long time ago.
