Codifying hate

For a week now, I've been trying to find the words to write about Prop 8 (California) and the other decisions made by other states to eliminate the right of homosexuals to marry. I know this isn't the first time this has happened; in fact, many more states have voted this way in the past 8 years. But this time was a major decision, as Californians decided "well, we let them marry. And now we'll pull the rug out from underneath them."

It almost seems like a cruel trick: a way to rub salt into the wound. Oh, thought we'd really let you have all our same rights? Not so fast! And those across California who were able to wed, and who have a marriage license, and who previously enjoyed the right that every single heterosexual can claim at a 24 hour drive through wedding chapel are now invalidated.

I'm supposed to be happy about this recent election, right? For the first time in my personal voting history, my candidate actually won the presidency. And he won it quite handily. Many candidates I liked in many states won, and others are locked in recounts because they managed to mount a campaign no one expected (read: Al Franken of Minnesota and Darcy Burner of Washington). The Land, Water, and Legacy amendment passed in Minnesota, so it might actually help provide money for me to get a job. If nothing else, it will provide a dedicated stream of income to support the environment and arts in Minnesota. I'm jazzed about so many outcomes. But the passage of Prop 8 soured the whole year.

I try to think about why this bothers me so much. I know a few homosexuals, but none of them are really involved in my day to day life. I think the following editorial by Keith Olbermann really sums it up for me. I care because people seeking to marry want exactly the same things I want. They want stability, and they want a legal document that shows that someone else is there for them no matter what. They want the symbolism and recognition and validation of relationship that comes with a marriage license.

I'll leave you with Olbermann. I'm still so mad about this outcome. I hope my generation will be the one to win this great civil rights battle.