On a different topic - I am very disappointed in Prop 8 passing in California. [For those of you that don't care to read about his issue, you should skip to the next post] I have long felt that homophobia is the last remaining acceptable prejudice in this country. Religious organizations and households are free to believe and teach as they choose, but should not make restrictive laws on others. Preventing my partner and me from getting married is not the same as preventing murder, theft or general mischief that transcends a particular religious dogma. Also, the horrifically misleading "They are coming for your children" sorts of ads in support of Prop 8 were largely supported by the Mormon Church. I believe their tax exempt status should be reviewed if they have that much tithe money to spend on political legislation.
It is the country club politics of, "Our organization means nothing if you can join!" sort of thinking that panders to the ickiest parts of the human condition. However, gay marriage should never be a local issue. I firmly believe it is a national one. How can I build a life with someone in one state and have none of it recognized in another if the economy requires job relocation? The signing of contracts for medical benefits, property rights and domestic unions are lengthy, insufficient and insulting. They also can vary vastly from place to place.
Straight couples can get hitched in a Vegas drive-though chapel/burger joint. This has never been some “Sanctity of Marriage” issue. Bogus! Countries like Ireland make it vary difficult to divorce and acquire numerous marriages as in the US.
The real issue is that religious conservative parents have no desire to explain gay marriage to their kids - especially their disapproval of it in a way that doesn't make them appear intolerant. No matter what side of the issue you fall on, that is the real center of the conflict. Everything else is just noise. When the problem is adequately addressed the solution for it can become clear.
The tide will change on this gay rights issue, just not yet. It was such a close call. I still can't believe that our President Elect actually mentioned gay men and women in his historical acceptance speech last night. He didn't have to do that. It clearly wouldn't help him in the larger picture. That's a little bit of hope I can take with me in making last night's victories more sweet than bitter-sweet.