There’s no doubt the push for marriage equality is in full gear, with the SCOTUS hearings related to DOMA and Prop 8 next month a key factor. The Respect for Marriage Coalition, among others, is focusing on the “bipartisan” support for equality, as shown in recent polling. They released that information yesterday. Today, they announced a national ad campaign. From a press release:
The Respect for Marriage Coalition today launched an unprecedented national advertising campaign featuring prominent bipartisan leaders – including President Obama, Former Vice President Dick Cheney, Former First Lady Laura Bush, and Former Secretary of Defense Colin Powell – speaking out in support of marriage for gay and lesbian Americans. The national television, print, and online advertising campaign shares “#Time4Marriage” branding, which is intended to let the public know how to become a part of the discussion online and join the bipartisan majority of Americans who support marriage for all committed couples.
Highlighting the focus on the bipartisan, or more accurately, across the political spectrum, support, Laurel Ramseyer, at Pam’s Houseblend:
Fifty-nine percent (59%) of American registered voters oppose Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), according to a new poll commissioned by the Center for American Progress and Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD). …
Section 3 of DOMA is the portion of the law which prohibits the federal government from recognizing the marriages of same-sex couples legally married in their own states.
One other story out today, this one from Zack Ford at Think Progress: (emphasis in original)
Republican Lawmaker Cosponsors Minnesota Marriage Equality Bill
As Minnesota state lawmakers prepare to introduce marriage equality legislation, Republican Sen. Branden Petersen has announced he will be a co-sponsor. Though he voted for the amendment banning same-sex marriage two years ago, Petersen now believes supporting same-sex marriage is the ‘right thing’ to do:
‘PETERSON: At this point, I am concerned about doing the right thing. I have a certain amount of peace about that, and I will let the chips fall where they may. It’s only a matter of time before same-sex marriage is legal. I thought it was important to engage the issue now, and when we do it, do it right, and that there’s some perspective from the people I represent in that. I know there are other Republicans who are very interested in supporting same-sex marriage.’
Evolving happens, often in the “it’s the right thing to do” kind of way. And I’m guessing Petersen is probably pointing to another basic reason for the shift toward support – the realization that “It’s only a matter of time before same-sex marriage is legal.” Not to take anything away from Petersen, but I’d edit just a bit: rather than “same-sex marriage,” try marriage of same-sex couples, or better yet, just marriage, as in “equality.”
Seems like when LGBT rights bills pass these days in state legislatures, roughly a third to a half of the Republicans in them support them. There does seem to be bipartisan support on this issue, and for once that bipartisanism is taking us in a positive direction.
It’s been such a significant change. Of course there’s more to be done. And of course there will always be those who are opposed to all things “gay.” But I see the steps toward equality as a direct result of decades of hard work and perserverance.
Apparently, Laura Bush has requested she be removed from the ad.
Joyce, I’m curious. I viewed a state-by-state breakdown recently which seemed to ‘average’ about 4% gay. In my (oh so humble) opinion that is low by half. I’d be curious also what would happen if surveys provided a choice called, “I honestly don’t know” *L*
And yet even as these small steps forward are made…even a VERY few of those who for whatever reason still call themselves Republicans attaining some small amount of contact with reality…by and large the repugnantKLAN/teabagger/UBERChristofascist mob still cling to their homophobic mantra and keep chanting away! The Log Cabin Repubs have once AGAIN been left out of the wingnut circle jerk!
No worries, secular. All you have to do is talk to the young people as opposed to the elders. The wisdom of youth will eventually win out.
The ignorant “mob” you speak of has the same problem as the Beach Boys.
All their ‘fans’ are dieing.