No on 8: A Personal Perspective
Less than 24 hours after the election on November 4, I will be going in for major surgery. That my partner of almost 12 years will be able to accompany me until I'm wheeled into the operating room or allowed in recovery afterward is not a given.
When you’re married and your wife or husband is sick or hurt, you don't have to prove your relationship; without hesitation or question you accompany them in the ambulance or at the hospital. That is not the case for us, two adults who are employed, pay taxes, own a home and are committed to one another forever. We are also daughters, sisters, aunts, co-workers, friends and even role models. And we happen to be two women.
To be frank, that is why it is essential to vote No on 8 in California.
In a nutshell, Prop 8 changes the California Constitution to eliminate the rights of same sex couples to marry; it denies equal protections and discriminates against me and us and members of your family, your neighbors, co-workers, doctors, technicians, landscapers, teachers, etc.
I look forward to the day when gay marriage is simply referred to as marriage, when I have the opportunity to wed the love of my life and refer to her as my wife. Until that time, all I can do is educate and encourage.
So if you're registered to vote in California...as you fill out your absentee ballot or when you get into that booth in a few weeks, all I ask is that you consider mine among the many perspectives about this proposition.
For more information, please visit the official No on 8 site.
Thanks for 'listening' on the rare occasion when the personal supersedes the pop culture.
- Jo
This is the first year I've decided to vote for 2 essential reasons: Prop 8 and Obama. While I completely respect why those with religious convictions don't agree with the concept of gay marriage (including some family members), I completely disagree with them. The bottom line is that I believe in fairness and freedom of choice in all aspects of life. If someone believes God thinks it's "wrong"? Then I say let God deal with it and live and let live.
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Amen! No on 8 and Yes on 2, let's start being compassionate, caring, loving human beings!!
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As someone who knows, let me just add that your relationship with my sister is an exemplary relationship. If those who are for 8 really want to "protect marriage" they would do better to look at your relationship and what makes it so great, namely the love, commitment, communication, appreciation of each other's individuality, and the willingness to stick together through adversity. I don't think we should ever vote for something that denies a group of people their basic human rights and dignity. I will be voting NO on 8 with you.
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