Substitute "marriage" for Domestic Partners" in CA Law

Two heterosexual Southern California college students yesterday submitted a ballot measure initiative with California Attorney General Jerry Brown that would replace the term "marriage" with "domestic partnership" in California law.
Under the rules of the initative, they must collect 694,354 signatures by August 6, 2009 to get it on the ballot.

Here's the text of the initiative:

"The Attorney General of California has prepared the following title and summary of the chief purpose and points of the proposed measure: SUBSTITUTES DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP FOR MARRIAGE IN CALIFORNIA LAW. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE. Replaces the term 'marriage' with the term 'domestic partnership' throughout California law, but preserves the rights provided in marriage. Applies equally to all couples, regardless of sexual orientation. Repeals the provision in California’s Constitution that states only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: This measure would have an unknown fiscal effect on state and local governments. (09-0003.)"

Under an initiative, Californians can "directly propose and enact state laws and amendments to the California Constitution. Under the initiative process, a proposed statute or constitutional amendment must receive a specified number of valid petition signatures in order to be placed on a statewide ballot for consideration by voters."

Read more and see copy of initiative here

So what IS the Next Step in the Gay Movement?

I just read a great article on Queerty about what does the future of the gay movement look like and who is going to lead it. The answer the story puts forward is "YOU." This could not be more true. This movement is going to need all the help that it can get and the ideas of everyone willing to offer them up. This article discusses the next move that Equality California will take bring over Marc Solomon who argued for marriage eqaulity with MassEquality. He will be setting up shop in Los Angeles and running the next push to repeal Prop.8.

But the more interesting part of the article discusses the fight beyond marriage eqaulity and even further beyond just LGBT rights. It was announced yesterday that HRC will be sponsering Campaign Courages upcoming "Camp Courage" grassroots training programs. This organization is not strictly LGBT and anything else for that matter. It's goal is to give people, all people, the tools they need in order to join in the fight for eqaulity for all people.

This is what I was really relieved to finally hear from someone on the gay blogisphere. And Japhy Grant could not have said it any better.

"I believe that the gay rights movement is larger than just gay rights. We must move beyond the petty battles of identity politics and embrace our role as part of a larger progressive movement. You can not care about gay rights without caring about the issues of poverty, race, education and social justice that beset this country, because without making progress on those problems, we will never make progress on our own.

We are all aware that the world is undergoing rapid change. None of us live in a vacuum and the time has come for us to stop thinking about ourselves as a gay rights movement and begin thinking of ourselves as an equal rights movement. Equality is not just about equal rights for ourselves, but equal rights for all. The way forward will require us to be smarter then we've been, no question about it, but it will also require us to take a broader view of who we are and what we want. If we wish to weave our lives into the fabric of America, we have to weave our movement into the broader tapestry as well."

Full article.

Obama's disapproving letter of Prop 8 not used by Campaign

So here is yet another mishap of the No on Prop 8 campaign. There was a letter written from at the time presidential candidate Barack Obama to the Alice B. Toklas democratic club about his disapproval of Proposition 8. This letter was NEVER used. This came out after a recent "No on Prop 8" town hall meeting that took place in San Francisco last month. This would have been really helpful seeing as how the Yes campaign sent out mailers with Obama's picture with quotes about how he does not support same-sex marriages. Come on! Really?! Use that thing located about 4 inches above your shoulders.

Towleroad.com has the full letter here.

Watch the Oral Arguements for Prop 8 Hearing

The California Supreme Court will hear oral arguments from both sides of the proposition 8 debate today at 9 am PST. The court must issue a ruling within 90 days, but word has it the decision may come as early as today.

Join the Fight

A new anti- prop 8 AD playing on the resent success of MILK for the overturning of Prop 8 by EQCA (Equality California)

Vigils in support of overturning Prop. 8

On the night before the California Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the lawsuits to invalidate Proposition 8, LGBT activists and supporters will hold vigils to demonstrate the community’s continued commitment to full marriage equality.

Don't forget to wear white on Thursday, March 5.

Wear White - March 5

As you may have heard, March 5 is the date the California Supreme Court will hear arguments on the validity of Proposition 8. This is a day that begins an historic process which directly affects the rights not just of those who seek a same-sex marriage, but all minority rights. Proposition 8 sets a precedent that allows the majority to vote on the rights of a minority any time there is a court decision. It can affect the rights of any minority that faces discrimination because it TAKES AWAY an existing right from a targeted minority. Prop 8 clearly affects the rights of the LGBTQ community, but it’s implications are far more reaching.

We can all show our solidarity on March 5 by wearing white. This can be a wedding dress, sailor uniform, feather boa, all white leather, white tee, white knot, whatever you please.

Get more information on all the events, times, locations, and other important facts at Jointheimpac.com and/or 100000march.org

Calif. legislature on way to condemning Prop 8

Calif. legislature on way to condemning Prop 8

(Sacramento, California) Two weeks before the California Supreme Court will hear a challenge to Proposition 8, the legislature is moving to condemn the voter- approved measure which bans same-sex marriage in the state.

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