Vote Against Hate
July 29th, 2004 Chris
Tags: culture, law, politics | 3 Comments »
On August 3rd, Missourians will vote on an amendment to the state Constitution that would permanently deny marriage equality to same-sex couples.
To me, this issue isn’t really about whether you like the idea of same-sex partners or marriage – it’s a bigger issue. This amendment is unprecedented because NEVER before has our Constitution been amended specifically to take away anyone’s rights.
Discrimination and hate are not things I want written into our state constitution.
If America stands for anything, it stands for equal rights and opportunities for everyone. Throughout our history, we’ve struggled to guarantee that equality: ending slavery; securing voting rights for women; and passing the Civil Rights Act just 40 years ago. This is just the latest attempt to create a sub-class of people and deny them basic rights.
So get out and vote. Contact me if you’d like more information on how to fight this hate-filled amendment.
July 30th, 2004 at 1:00 pm
Our constitution has never been amended to take away any of our rights? Any? Are you sure?
13 – Took away the right to own slaves. (not that I agree with this)
18 – Took away the right to manufacture, sell, or transport alcohol. (21 repealed it)
22 – Took away the right to run for president more than twice in a row. (You’re too young to remember FDR.)
It’s difficult to make arguements using the collection of “absolute words” (any, ever, always, never).
However, I’m with you. I think making an amendment about marriages is stupid. Doesn’t that violate the division of church and state? I don’t see why the person someone loves is a government issue at all. Good luck with getting your message out though!
July 30th, 2004 at 1:26 pm
You’ve got a point – I was overly general in my analysis. What I should have said is that it has never been amended to take away rights from just a specific set of people. (or in a discriminatory fashion)
And yes, I suppose that ex-presidents are a set of people, but I’m hoping you’re willing to overlook that one…
July 30th, 2004 at 5:37 pm
I agree with you chris, I’m with you on the issue of voting down the gay marriage ban. I think a compromise could be accepted by both right-wing religious fanatics (used as the main opposition to this) and the liberal freedom lovers. If they want to say marriage is between a man and a woman. Let the church use the term marriage. But the state should still recognize all civil unions between two people with the same rights and priveledges as ‘traditional’ married couples.