Equal Protection?
Posted by Lanea on Wednesday, November 8th, 2006
I’m backfilling some book reviews, like I do.
And frankly, Virginia has broken my heart. I normally keep work and politics off the screen here. Most people have jobs they don’t love, and most people have political views that they can fight with their neighbors about for hours on end. I don’t want that here.
But I don’t think I can let yesterday’s election pass without comment. This Commonwealth, where I’ve spent most of my life, just voted to scar our constitution with bigoted, hateful language that will enshrine homophobia in our Capitol, denying equal protection to a minority that deserves protection and equality, and rip rights away from hetero couples who have chosen not to marry for whatever reason. It makes me heart-sick.
I’m trying to console myself with the knowledge that 43% of Virginians said no to the amendment, but it’s cold comfort. The bigots won, and they’re going to continue to harm people I love, simply because of who those people love. Traditionally, we amend constitutions in the US to expand freedom and improve the lot of citizens. Not lately.
If you think it’s ok to discriminate against homosexuals, don’t bother to tell me. I don’t want to hear it.
Filed in blather | 9 responses so far
Jaymeon 08 Nov 2006 at 11:53 am 1It’s very sad that a country founded on the ideals “life liberty and the pursuit of happiness” is now taking giant steps backwards and limiting access to those ideals for many US citizens.
rachelon 08 Nov 2006 at 1:13 pm 243% is a tough number to try to console oneself with. 49%, maybe, but 43% is a pretty good whomping. That really is disturbing. I’m so lucky to live in the democratic core of a blue state. At least if all goes well, VA will have done its part for Senate control.
Vicki in Michiganon 08 Nov 2006 at 6:24 pm 3I hear you. Michigan did down affirmative action yesterday, I’m ashamed to say. Sigh and alas.
The Purloined Letteron 09 Nov 2006 at 2:31 pm 4Thank you for posting this. My partner of 15 years is so joyous that the senate race came out as it did in VA that he seems not to understand my sadness.
Jonathanon 09 Nov 2006 at 8:36 pm 5It’s going to take a Supreme Court decision, eventually, to strike down all of the state laws. It will eventually go the way of segregation, but it will take time. Too much time, but justice will triumph in the end. It always does.
Larjmarjon 13 Nov 2006 at 4:12 pm 6I can’t help but wonder if this country will ever get it. There are still morons out there who are still blathering on about the “threat to marriage” and “lifestyle choices”.
Annieon 13 Nov 2006 at 5:26 pm 7Makes me so sad. And angry. And even angrier are the people who get all biblical on my ass about it- well sorry, but the bible also says that God is the only one fit to judge and made us in his image, so shut the F up. Seriously. Ugh. I’m thrilled we voted in a Dem gov in MA to protect the gay marriage rights. If you’re lucky enough to find someone to spend your life with, who is ANYONE to deny you that right. And, as my late husband said “I don’t see how it’s fair that our gay friends are denied the agony and expense of wedding planning!” đ
Thornyon 14 Nov 2006 at 5:42 am 8I’m catching up on blogs right now, but I have to say – I so hear you. There was so much hope that Wisconsin would strike down our similar amendment, and while we in Madison voted it down 2-to-1, the rest of the state overwhelmed us.
julia fcon 14 Nov 2006 at 1:47 pm 9It’s esp. disheartening when you understand that many of those “defense of marrriage” things were devised and gotten on ballots across the country to get out the vote from people who only respond to such manipulation and fear-mongering.
And yet, it would appear it failed in its primary rabble rousing goal. At least we got the Senate. We can overcome this hatefulness with time.