Prop 8 stands, and so we must too.

I was expecting it. I vocally expressed the fact that I expected the verdict that we received. And yet it still shocked me. Here's what I found most troubling about the Press Release and Summary of the opinion on Prop 8:

"Inalienable Rights The majority opinion next addresses and rejects the Attorney General’s claim that because article I, section 1 of the California Constitution characterizes certain rights including the right of privacy as “inalienable,” Proposition 8 is invalid because it abrogates such rights without a compelling interest.

The opinion explains that not only does Proposition 8 not “abrogate” the aspect of the right of privacy discussed in the majority opinion in the Marriage Cases, but that the identification of a right as “inalienable” has never been understood to mean that such right is exempt from any limitation or to preclude the adoption of a constitutional amendment that restricts the scope of such a right. The opinion emphasizes that there is no authority to support the Attorney General’s theory."

(insert my shock at the second to last sentence)

What exactly ARE inalienable rights then? Someone please explain. No really - I've heard the term and used it in what I thought was the correct manner in philosophy and history classes before, but this court's statement about the ability to limit inalienable rights goes against everything that I thought that meant... And if we have any legal experts who can educate me, I'm more than willing to listen.

Also it really troubled me to read Justice Moreno's opinion and know the other 6 people in the room disagreed.

For the text go here:
http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/presscenter/newsreleases/NR29-09.PDF

I haven't had time yet to read the full 185 pages of the decision - but I've seen enough of it to know I'm troubled by it. (the joy of being a full time student and activist as well - time is scarce... I will read the whole thing eventually though)

But moving past this troubling verdict, we need to look toward the future and figure out what to do beyond voicing our disapproval. (Which is definitely something that needs to be done, but while that reaction is easily arrived at - a plan of action takes a bit more work.)

I think that if we're to win a fight for equality we need to reach out to the moderates, face our opponents, and include all of our allies. We also need to do more than speak to our friends - we need to take the conversation to a place where others will hear it. And this weekend there is an event that will help do just that - build a more inclusive movement with a broader audience. Which is why in the midst of final papers and trying to wrap up this quarter I'm taking the time to organize friends and community members to go to Fresno for Meet in the Middle. I hope you can do the same and I hope to see you there!

For more information go to http://www.meetinthemiddle4equality.com/

ACTION: Do not drink Rockstar

I do not support hate.
And I also do not support those who will support hate.

The owners of the Rockstar energy drink promote values which I find detrimental to a civil society - they're openly bigoted (most clearly homophobic), against immigration, against workers rights and more...

When I drink something to give me energy, I want a positive boost. And Rockstar won't offer that. Please stop consuming Rockstar and urge your friends to not drink it as well. Ask any businesses you frequent to remove Rockstar from their shelves. Even if we can't change their minds - we can stop enabling them to spread detrimental messages.

Blatant Propaganda

I know many of you have already seen this video which the National Organization for Marriage is running across the nation - but I wanted to make sure it was made available for those who hadn't.

THIS is what we're up against. Despite the fact that today 46 of 50 states don't recognize same-sex marriages, when equal rights are granted in 2 (Iowa and Vermont) it triggered national attacks.

As a Film and Media student we see many theorists and film makers cynical about the medium based upon the propaganda of the times, but usually these discussions are contextualized in the past. If we allow these types of ads/attacks to go unchallenged, not only do we increase the resistance to equal rights, but we allow ourselves to tolerate the media illiteracy which allows fringe cases to be grossly exaggerated to reframe the issue.

I know this issue is an emotional one for many- but when ads seek to manipulate emotion rather than engage in discussion it hurts us all. I ask you today not only to show support if able to Courage Campaign's fund raising for activist training, but also if you're able sign up for one of them! (http://www.couragecampaign.org/action)

Furthermore if you see this ad on a TV station you watch, turn off the TV, and then SPEAK UP! E-mail the program director, head of advertising at the channel, publicity, and news hot line if those numbers/e-mails are available on the station website. If it is a show you must see - go watch it online because those ads are almost always for other movies, medications, or department stores - thus the money paying for your viewing won't be one that directly discriminates (Though depending on the ad- they might still be guilty, at least their main purpose is not discrimination). Adding a financial reason to drop an ad makes our debate enter the picture if enough people do something! Also if you'd like, let me know about any stations you see the ad on and I will update this post so others wishing to take action can follow your lead.

In solidarity for equality and media literacy!

Urv

Celebrate!

In one week two states have legalized same-sex Marriage!
Yay for Iowa and Vermont!

This brings our total to 4.
46 to go.