Proposition 8 and Amendment 2

Florida gays are waging a war against Amendment 2, the anti-gay marriage amendment, one that is pointless since Florida already has an anti-gay marriage law. California gays, however, are fighting against a possible passage of Proposition 8, one that would negate the existing legalization of gay marriages in that state. Even though we, in Florida, are engaged in a different battle--one to largely save domestic partnerships from being challenged should this amendment pass--from that in California, the two conflicts are related. Both are about the defense of basic civil rights. If California's proposition passes, then any hopes for a reversal of fortunes in the future in Florida (or in other states) are somewhat dashed. Read the article below from yesterday's issue of the progressive San Francisco paper, The San Francisco Chronicle., which suggests that gays are having jitters since there is a possibility that the proposition just might pass. For the entire article, click here.

S.F. boosts weddings in face of Prop. 8 fears 10.19.08

"We've been together for 13 years," said Ana Solomon of San Leandro, who came in last week to marry her partner, Joan Joosten. They're among the many couples who have been coming into the city to tie the knot before Californians vote on Proposition 8, the constitutional amendment that would slam the door shut on same-sex marriages.

"I have to admit," Joosten said, "the idea of the ban passing lighted a fire under us."

The number of same-sex weddings at City Hall had been steadily dropping since gay and lesbian marriages first became legal May 15. In recent weeks that has changed, with 1,208 same-sex couples signing up for license appointments through the end of October. By comparison, in all of September there were 941 license appointments.

Much of the rush appears to be prompted by state Attorney General Jerry Brown's assertion that even if Prop. 8 passes, same-sex marriages performed before the election would still be valid.