Tag Archives: Prop 8
[VIDEO] Adopted Son of Two Gay Dads: Daniel’s Letter To Chief Justice Roberts
Proposition 8 is an issue that I am very much interested in seeing resolved. Being a lesbian myself, with a wedding planned for 6 months from today, I want nothing more than to be able to LEGALLY wed my fiancee on that day. Unfortunately, even though same-sex marriage was legalized in California, it had been overturned on appeal and a final decision is being considered as of now. In fact, the hearings have already begun and a decision is to be expected by the end of June. I am very hopeful that this day will happen and I will truly be marrying the love of my life as opposed to showing a symbol of our affection (at the same cost ha).
[for more information on the case, scroll to below the video]
The video below is of a young man, Daniel, who was adopted by two gay fathers. This extraordinary kid decided to write a letter to Chief Justice Roberts, after discovering that he, too, adopted two young kids.
The justices will hear arguments Tuesday on Prop. 8′s constitutionality, followed a day later by a hearing on the Defense of Marriage Act, the 1996 law that denied federal benefits to married same-sex couples. Rulings are due by the end of June.
The court said Tuesday that it would release same-day audio recordings of the hearings in both cases, the first time it has done so since last year’s arguments on the federal health care law. It does not allow hearings to be televised.
The Obama administration will take part in both hearings, arguing that laws discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation should be considered suspect because gays and lesbians have been subject to persecution.
Despite recent gains, they are still unable to marry in most states, are unprotected by discrimination laws in many states and lack substantial political power, the Justice Department said.
That argument was disputed Tuesday by Prop. 8′s sponsors, a conservative religious coalition called Protect Marriage.
While “gays and lesbians have been subject to a regrettable history of discrimination,” the prejudice has “waned dramatically in recent years,” the pro-Prop. 8 lawyers wrote.
“Aside from redefining marriage, it is difficult to identify any objective that gays and lesbians in California have not achieved,” the lawyers said, citing the state’s domestic-partner and antidiscrimination laws.
Lower federal courts have ruled Prop. 8 unconstitutional, saying the denial of marriage to gays and lesbians would not benefit opposite-sex couples or the institution of marriage and was ultimately based on moral disapproval of homosexuality. Backers of the measure disagreed.
Marriage was never intended to be “genderless” and was meant, instead, to “channel potentially procreative sexual relationships into enduring, stable unions” to raise children, the Prop. 8 lawyers said.
[VIDEO] Mormon’s Going Soft in Regards To LGBT
The Mormon church has continuously changed it’s views on political issues throughout the years; Polygamy is no longer acceptable and hasn’t been since 1890, whereas ordaining black men to the priesthood was banned from holding a priesthood until 1978. In fact, people of African descent were considered to be “cursed”. Funny how now that it’s not socially acceptable to discriminate the church openly allows black and white men to be ordained and makes no mention of the black men being cursed. So it makes sense for many participating Mormon‘s to change their stance considering we are obtaining more and more rights and have more of a voice.
Above is former Mormon Bishop Kevin Kloosterman, and not only does he show his support, he extends an apology during this conference in November of 2011.
“I came out and basically made a personal apology to [LGBT] folks for really not understanding their issues, not really taking the time to understand their lives and really not doing my homework,” said Kloosterman.
I’d like to think that there was nothing behind this sudden kindness to the LGBT community, but unfortunately, with everything that has occurred with Prop 8 (which is closely tied to the Mormon church), I can’t say that I’m too sure. I do feel that the younger generation has more open-minded, free-thinkers and that as a whole, the church is growing friendlier, but I don’t feel those in charge are simply remorseful. And, I’m not the only person who feels this way.
“The church’s image is still heavily associated with the 2008 Prop. 8 campaign in California, and even though many Republicans oppose gay marriage, it’s not helpful for the Mormons to be tied to such a politically-charged issue at a time when it’s about to be under a lot of election-season media scrutiny,” wrote Commentary Magazine’s Alana Goodman, after noting that the CNN story felt like “part of some sort of Mormon church rebranding campaign.”
Related articles
- [VIDEO] BYU LGBT Students: ‘It Gets Better’ (practikel.com)
- Baptist pastor backs Romney in spite of Mormonism (kansascity.com)
- to mormon church we go (mosthopeful.com)
- BYU: Gay student video not a violation (kshb.com)
- Romney saddled by Mormon church’s refusal to fully repudiate its racist past (americablog.com)
- Why Can’t the Mormon Church Stop Baptizing Anne Frank? [Mormons] (jezebel.com)
- EXCLUSIVE: Rubio Explains Tie To Mormon Church In Upcoming Autobiography (miami.cbslocal.com)
[VIDEO] Ellen DeGeneres Praises Overturning Of Prop 8 And Blasts “One Million Moms” For JC Penney Boycott
Related articles
- Ellen DeGeneres Addresses Prop 8 and JCPenney Protest (hollywood.com)
- Celebs celebrate Prop 8 decision (cnn.com)
- Celebrities celebrate the end of Prop 8! (popbytes.com)
- Ellen Eviscerates Hate Group OneMillionMoms (bilerico.com)
- Celebs Tweet Their Support for Prop 8 Ruling! (ecorazzi.com)
California’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban Has Been Ruled Unconstitutional!
Today is a day to celebrate. The 3-judge panel of the US 9th Circuit Court Of Appeals has made the obvious decision that banning gays from getting married is unconstitutional. Although many of us already knew this, we were dreading the fact that the ‘YES On 8‘ campaign had taken it upon themselves to appeal the original ruling of being unconstitutional.
For more, there is a copy of the court’s decision here.
Santa Clara University constitutional law Professor Margaret M. Russell said the ruling overturned Proposition 8 on “the narrowest grounds possible,” which makes it less likely that the U.S. Supreme Court would review it.
The fact that it may not go to the Supreme Court is actually a good and bad thing. If it doesn’t make it to the Supreme Court then it may make it possible for gay Californians to get married sooner than later. On the other end of the spectrum though, I was hoping that it would be taken to the Supreme Court, because if there ruling was that it was unconstitutional, it would help to legalize gay marriage in every state in the United States. And for me, that is equality. When every state treats homosexuals with dignity and respect in the eyes of the law, that’s when we will have succeeded.
Either way, today is a day worth remembering and worth being excited about. One more ruling in our favor is just one step closer to a full victory.
Related articles
- Court: Calif. gay marriage ban unconstitutional (newsok.com)
- Appeals court to rule on California’s Proposition 8 (cnn.com)
- Prop 8: California appeals court to rule on legality of gay marriage ban (guardian.co.uk)
- Calif. same-sex marriage ban ruling near (abclocal.go.com)
- The Ninth Circuit has ruled that California’s Proposition 8 is unconstitutional!!!! (perezhilton.com)
- Ruling on Calif. gay marriage ban due from court (cbsnews.com)
Christian Group Shows Up To Chicago Gay Pride Holding Apologetic Signs
UPDATED: Wednesday, March 27th @ 2:45pm – I don’t have anything more to add in regards to the story below, but I would liek to share a little bit about how I feel with the Supreme Court currently debating same-sex marriage. Being a lesbian, this is a pivotal time in history and I would like to see us receive the right to do what we want with whomever we want, because it in no way affects anyone but us. We are not benefiting from the institutions in place for legally married couples, and that is absolutely unfair and should not be legal in this country who constantly shares how “free” we are. In a showing of my support, I made this photo and would love for anyone and everyone to share 
The link to my FaceBook (where it can be easily shared) is HERE
“When I was a little girl and learnt about the Civil Rights Movement, I never thought I would one day be witnessing history that is seemingly so parallel. Along with it being historical for America, it’s historical for me, personally. I hope that the court makes the decision to allow free thinking individuals the opportunity to love whomever they choose and be a better example to younger generations. I am incredibly proud of who I am, but more than that, I am proud to love one of the most amazingly witty, honest, dedicated people in this world… and she happens to be a beautiful woman. My hope, in regards to the outcome of this decision, is that my wedding day is one where we legally are bound together in addition to a celebration with all of our supportive friends and family ♥ NOH8″
This is an amazing photo that captured the moment a gay man hugged a member of a Christian group, that came to Gay Pride to apologize for the way the church has treated homosexuals. It’s nice to see people of faith have common sense enough to know that hate and prejudice is wrong. A step in the right direction towards equality and something everyone should learn from. THIS is the kind of compassion that religion teaches, but far too often doesn’t follow. Well done.
Since seeing this photo, a friend of mine had introduced me to more of the story. A man, by the name of Nathan, is the one you see above hugging the gay guy in his underwear, or Tristan rather. Well, Nathan wrote a blog about this day and this moment and what his and his fellow church-goers had done. Here is what he had to say:
I hugged a man in his underwear. I think Jesus would have too.
I spent the day at Chicago’s Pride Parade. Some friends and I, with The Marin Foundation, wore shirts with “I’m Sorry” written on it. We had signs that said, “I’m sorry that Christians judge you,” “I’m sorry the way churches have treated you,” “I used to be a bible-banging homophobe, sorry.” We wanted to be an alternative Christian voice from the protestors that were there speaking hate into megaphones.
What I loved most about the day is when people “got it.” I loved watching people’s faces as they saw our shirts, read the signs, and looked back at us. Responses were incredible. Some people blew us kisses, some hugged us, some screamed thank you. A couple ladies walked up and said we were the best thing they had seen all day. I wish I had counted how many people hugged me. One guy in particular softly said, “Well, I forgive you.”
Watching people recognize our apology brought me to tears many times. It was reconciliation personified.
My favorite though was a gentleman who was dancing on a float. He was dressed solely in white underwear and had a pack of abs like no one else. As he was dancing on the float, he noticed us and jokingly yelled, “What are you sorry for? It’s pride!” I pointed to our signs and watched him read them.
Then it clicked.
Then he got it.
He stopped dancing. He looked at all of us standing there. A look of utter seriousness came across his face. And as the float passed us he jumped off of it and ran towards us. In all his sweaty beautiful abs of steal, he hugged me and whispered, “thank you.”
Before I had even let go, another guy ran up to me, kissed me on the cheek, and gave me the biggest bear hug ever. I almost had the wind knocked out of me; it was one of those hugs.
This is why I do what I do. This is why I will continue to do what I do. Reconciliation was personified.
I think a lot of people would stop at the whole “man in his underwear dancing” part. That seems to be the most controversial. It’s what makes the evening news. It’s the stereotype most people have in their minds about Pride.
Sadly, most Christians want to run from such a sight rather than engage it. Most Christian won’t even learn if that person dancing in his underwear has a name. Well, he does. His name is Tristan.
However, I think Jesus would have hugged him too. It’s exactly what I read throughout scripture: Jesus hanging out with people that religious people would flee from. Correlation between then and now? I think so.
Acceptance is one thing. Reconciliation is another. Sure at Pride, everyone is accepted (except perhaps the protestors). There are churches that say they accept all. There are business that say the accept everyone. But acceptance isn’t enough. Reconciliation is.
But there isn’t always reconciliation. And when there isn’t reconciliation, there isn’t full acceptance. Reconciliation is more painful; it’s more difficult. Reconciliation forces one to remember the wrongs committed and relive constant pain. Yet it’s more powerful and transformational because two parties that should not be together and have every right to hate one another come together for the good of one another, for forgiveness, reconciliation, unity.
What I saw and experienced at Pride 2010 was the beginning of reconciliation. It was in the shocked faces of gay men and women who did not ever think Christians would apologize to them.
What I saw and experienced at Pride 2010 was the personification of reconciliation. It was in the hugs and kisses I received, in the “thank you’s” and waves, in the smiles and kisses blown.
I hugged a man in his underwear. I hugged him tightly. And I am proud.
THIS is truly heart-warming. I am crying as I write this because I am proud of this man and his willingness to share what he believes, despite the criticism he may receive. After this, even more came together to keep this story going. Someone had recognized Tristan from the photo, and Tristan got in touch with Nathan. These two shared how this moment meant so much for each of them, and that is what’s remarkable. One person meets another, and for each of them, this was a lasting experience and memory.
To read the interview that nathan did with Tristan, visit Nathan’s blog HERE
All of the photos above were taken by photographer, Michelle, whose work can be seen HERE. She can also be reached in the following ways:
| Address | Jupiter, FL 33458 United States |
| Daytime phone | 630-730-6090 |
| loonachic@gmail.com |
- Russia: Gay pride suspicion stops nationalist jog (pinkbananaworld.com)
- Christian Voice blames Tesco fall on gay pride (liberalconspiracy.org)
- Dana Miller on Gay Pride Parade: ‘It’s the Presentation, Stupid!’ (pinkbananaworld.com)
- Obama Campaign Hits Romney For Disavowing Gay Pride Flyers (thinkprogress.org)
- Chicago Cardinal Warns of Gay Pride ‘Ku Klux Klan’ Against the Catholic Church: VIDEO (towleroad.com)
- Christian Voice lunatic calls on ATHEISTS to support his ‘Boycott Tesco’ petition (freethinker.co.uk)
Calif. Supreme Court Schedules Sept. Arguments in Prop. 8 Case
Advocate – The California Supreme Court will hear arguments on September 6 as to whether proponents of Proposition 8 have the legal standing to appeal Judge Vaughn Walker’s decision striking down the ballot measure — one he issued nearly a year ago.
In February, the state’s highest court certified a question from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, where the case is currently on appeal, on whether under state law the backers of an initiative have “the authority to assert the State’s interest” when public officials refuse to do so.
“I am confident that the California Supreme Court will swiftly reach a decision on this question, and that this nation is now one step closer to seeing the dark walls of discrimination finally crumble,” said Chad Griffin, board president of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, the group that has organized and funded the legal challenge to Prop. 8.
The Thursday press release via AFER:
San Francisco, CA – Today the Supreme Court of California announced that the hearing date for Perry v. Brown will be on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 10:00AM. The date announced is the very first day of the court’s fall calendar. The court will hear oral arguments on a question of whether under state law proponents of initiatives have standing to defend their initiatives when they are challenged in court. The question was certified to them by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit earlier this year.
In response to the court’s scheduling order, Chad Griffin, American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) Co-Founder and Board President, had the following to say: “I am very pleased that the Supreme Court of California calendared our case for the first day of their fall session. The governor and attorney general of California – and the United States District Court – all have found Proposition 8 unconstitutional. I am confident that the California Supreme Court will swiftly reach a decision on this question, and that this nation is now one step closer to seeing the dark walls of discrimination finally crumble.”
In a separate, but related matter – the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California will hear AFER’s motion on August 29, 2011 requesting that the video recordings from our January 2010 trial be released to the public.
5 Top Reasons To Ban Gay Marriage
If anyone came here actually looking for legitimate reasons that banning gay marriage is right….FCK H8 and FCK U
Source: http://fckh8.com/Top5Reasons/
