Let freedom RING!

Many of you may be aware of the infamous Proposition 8 which was voted on in California yesterday. The proposition seeks to overturn Supreme Court legislation allowing gay couples to marry. The proposition successfully passed (by a slim margin) and allows the state constitution to be updated to revoke our rights. I am shocked that in the year 2008, in the United States, in the liberal state of California that such legislation would be even thinkable, let alone possible.

But then, all things are possible with enough monetary support. The news stories vary but I’ve heard that as much as $40 million dollars was spent by the proponents which was largely funded by out of state (i.e. Mormon Church) money. Utah essentially spent money to distribute lies and mis-information to further spread their religious beliefs. Is there no such thing as separation of church and state? Is this what Mormons do in their free time?

The proponents went so far as to literally blackmail businesses to contribute to their campaign. A letter released recently highlights the way in which they coerced money and support from community businesses. Is this christian? Does organized religion now equate to organized crime? It only takes one bad egg to spoil the lot.

I’ve endured many weeks of television ads touting why Prop 8 is needed and why gay marriage is wrong. Every commercial break during a TV show contains at least one ad. There are proponents protesting on busy street corners every weekend.

Signs started to appear on nearly every street corner where I live. A neighbor had the audacity to place one in their yard. I guess we aren’t as welcomed as I once thought we were. They felt the need to express that they didn’t approve or want us to have the same union that they have in their household. I’m tired of it. I’m tired of being the focus of so much ill-will. All I’ve ever wanted to do is love, live and an active member of my community. But most of all — I wanted fair and equal treatment under the law of my state for myself and my partner of nearly 8 years.

So, I awoke this morning to learn that my relationship with my partner is no longer deemed valid. It’s no longer legal for gay couples to marry. Gay relationships are somehow sub-par, not equivalent, and no longer worthy of protection. And you know what? I’m pissed and tired of holding it in.

I decided to snap a photo of my ring placed on a slightly different finger than normal to express exactly how I feel toward every single person who voted Yes on Prop 8. It’s my personal version of ‘let freedom ring’. The battle for equality changes course but it’s very far from over.

I’m sure some of you will believe in Prop 8 and that’s your right. Please make sure to update your reader to remove my blog and to delete any bookmarks to my site. I won’t take it personally but as for Prop 8 and your intrusion on my life … I take it very personally. For more information on the opposition to Prop 8, please visit NoOnProp8.com.

I welcome supporters of gay rights to snap your own photo showing your wedding ring on your middle finger. Spread the word that this fight isn’t over. Whether you’re gay, straight, bi, white, blue or tan — show your support by letting freedom ring on your blog then go here to log it for everyone to see!

Please forward this page to any friends and family who may find it of interest.

Update 11/11/08 – a wonderful statement by Keith Olbermann: