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My state legislature...
... just failed to pass a same-sex marriage bill. The Governor had promised to sign it, and the vote-counters figured they had most of the Democrats and at least four Republicans. It was going to be close... but several of the Democrats chickened out at the last minute, and without them for cover, all the Republicans chickened out too. It wasn't close.
Of course, last year when the Democrats took over the State Senate, one or two of them threatened to switch parties and give it back to the Republicans unless they got a promise that same-sex marriage wouldn't come to the floor this term. In fact, one or two of them did switch parties, then switch back again a few days later, causing a months-long court battle over which party should get to choose the committee chairs. Molly Ivins, where are you?
(ETA: The State Assembly has passed same-sex marriage several times, most recently two days ago, but I think this is the first time it has even reached the floor of the State Senate, which dropped the ball.]
[ETA: I looked up the vote tally. My newly-elected State Senator voted against. He's getting an angry letter.]
Of course, last year when the Democrats took over the State Senate, one or two of them threatened to switch parties and give it back to the Republicans unless they got a promise that same-sex marriage wouldn't come to the floor this term. In fact, one or two of them did switch parties, then switch back again a few days later, causing a months-long court battle over which party should get to choose the committee chairs. Molly Ivins, where are you?
(ETA: The State Assembly has passed same-sex marriage several times, most recently two days ago, but I think this is the first time it has even reached the floor of the State Senate, which dropped the ball.]
[ETA: I looked up the vote tally. My newly-elected State Senator voted against. He's getting an angry letter.]
I'm Disappointed But Not Surprised
Social conservatives (in other states, at least) continue to frame this as a fringe whim being forced on an unwilling majority or as big government dictating what religions must accept. Right though the cause is, I think more equal protection under the law might be within closer reach if more incremental steps were taken. Give more people more time to realize the level of bigoted behavior which gay people are still having to deal with on a daily basis.
I mean, is it more important in the long run to be right with no legal standing or to create SOME kind of legal standing which might be built on in the future?