Madison Will March Saturday To Oppose Prop 8, Anti-Gay Marriage Vote
Anger over the California election results from Proposition 8, which overturned a court decision allowing gay marriage, has rightfully reverberated around the nation. Placing discrimination into the state constitution, and the denial of civil rights to gay couples, has not only energized people in California, but around the nation. Outrage over this vote will be heard coast to coast on Saturday, as marches will occur in numerous cities in every state, all at the same time.
Madison, a city with a proud tradition of taking to the streets to demonstrate the feelings of the citizenry, will be one of the ‘voices’ that will be added to so many others this weekend. It is not hard to understand the degrading manner that gay couples in California are now being treated. In addition, it is imperative that these hard won rights in other states not be taken away. Collectively we must say, “NO TO BIGOTRY!”
Madison’s march will take place Saturday, November 15th starting at 12:30 P.M. Central Time at the Library Mall on the UW-Campus, and proceeding to the State Capitol. I strongly encourage readers to spread the word. Call a friend, grab a neighbor, and link this post to other sites. Get the word out.
Gay people are the last segment of the population to have rights denied to them based on who they are. The issue of marriage has been used as a political weapon, and I know I am not alone when I say I am damn tired of it. The tide is turning with gay civil rights, and those who have groundless and irrational fears about gay marriage are fighting harder as they see history turning a page. As a counter-response to their shameful display of bigotry it is time for thoughtful and enlightened voices to join together and recognize that this issue is about our family, friends, and communities.
Other communities around the state having marches on the 15th, all starting at 12:30 P.M. include….
Milwaukee…….City Hall – 200 E. Wells Street
*NEW change of location
Duluth/Superior….MN Power Plaza at Lake Ave. & Superior St. in Duluth
La Crosse…..400 La Crosse Street, La Crosse
Technorati Tags: Prop8, GayRights, GayMarriage, Madison, Wisconsin, Milwaukee, LaCrosse,
Zach, it’s true that Prop 8 won in California, but the issue now before the court questions the validity of the election itself. That’s a clear message, not a confused one. Does the majority have the right to override the equal protection clause of the Constitution, when the clause itself is there to protect minorities from the majority? What group would you allow to have its civil rights removed, even if the majority went along with it? Muslims aren’t real popular right now. Shall we put their rights up for a vote?
It’s not a small matter when a constitution is amended expressly to remove rights from a group. Gay people and straight people are mad all over the country. Why question that?
Read back on the blog about Wi and the amendment…..but the diff. is that WI never had the right granted…..CA did… and then was stripped of it.
I’m all for people expressing their discontent with this. I see two big problems with this, though.
First, popular protest about a proposition which won (however sick that may be) in the popular election doesn’t necessarily send a clear message.
Second, why are people protesting this one proposition? Two others were passed. During the midterms, one was passed in Wisconsin. I know that California is a big state. I also know that California previously actually allowed marriages. But really, shouldn’t it have been a bigger deal that your own state passed a similar referendum?
If the whole country is more concerned about what’s happening in California than what’s happening in their own backyards, I can understand why California cows are so happy.
Deke: May God be with you on Saturday…
Just one thing, your liberal blog is about the only one who will publish my thoughts on the issues. I just wanted to say I appreciate it.
Ferrell
I will try to be there!!! (I’m guessing one doesn’t have to be gay to support!)
As the madison rally person, I ask that all people contact me via email. I have been getting to gether with groups on campus and with my partner and I living in a very gay friendly nighborhood I have been geting to gether with every one I can. I will be on 92.1 The Mic tomorrow morning at 7:15 there abouts (november 13) please contact me via phone 608-334-4272
thanks