Hoffmania!

Special Message to Maine Voters

PLEASE. Don't fall for the deceptive tactics that were employed here in California to pass Prop. 8, the anti-same sex bill. Do everything you can do stop the veto which will be on the ballot this Novbember (make sure you vote against it).

The pro-Prop. 8 faction threw everything at the voters - lies about more equality, scare tactics like kids will be taught sodomy in schools, and of course the requisite fear of God ploy.

Then there'll be the yes/no confusion. Voting "yes" on this will really mean voting "no" to gay/lesbian marriage.

There will be a BOATLOAD of outside interference by religious groups, right wing think tanks and more astroturf than you can imagine. DO NOT FALL FOR IT.

Be alert, Maine. Vote and vote carefully.

That Ain't Equality

The court decided 18,000 already-married gay couples remain married in California, but no more than that. Something horribly wrong about this so-called "compromise." The next move will be to take it to the voters again...and this time, let's turn out and knock down the out-of-state anti-GLBT quacks out of the picture forever.

Iowa is more tolerant than California. Go figure.

All Eyes on California

Will the state Supreme Court uphold or overturn Proposition 8 tomorrow? We of course are hoping for a decision based on equality and dignity, but there's that part of us that says, "This was a legitimate election..." even though it truly looks like it got the original win using the right's trademark deception.

That's what the court is dealing with. Either outcome won't be pretty, but if it does indeed go against Prop 8, at least we've taken a giant step into the future and into true equal rights. Worth fighting for and taking the wrath of the pro-Prop 8 outsiders.

Iowa Upholds Same-Sex Marriage

More enlightened than California...

The Iowa Supreme Court this morning unanimously upheld gays’ right to marry.

“The Iowa statute limiting civil marriage to a union between a man and a woman violates the equal protection clause of the Iowa Constitution,” the justices said in a summary of their decision.

The court rules that gay marriage would be legal in three weeks, starting April 24.

The court affirmed a Polk County District Court decision that would allow six gay couples to marry.

The ruling is viewed as a victory for the gay rights movement in Iowa and elsewhere, and a setback for social conservatives who wanted to protect traditional families.

Vermont's house approved same-sex marriage yesterday.

You Don't Have to Look Far to See Why People Don't Contribute to Worthwhile Causes

Sometimes you just have to look at the end of your arm - like when it hands a big check to consultants who don't believe in you. Still wondering why there's voter apathy or skepticism?
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No on 8 screwed up, plain and simple.

The Dark Side of Activism

You all know how we feel about the passage of the horrific Prop 8. And we've been heartened by the peaceful displays we've seen around L.A. in support of repealing it.

However, some of the more virulent displays have crossed the line. One such organized boycott is affecting one of L.A.'s oldest and most cherished dining landmarks, El Coyote.

The manager, a Mormon, gave a hundred dollars to the "Yes" campaign as an individual, not representing the restaurant. Because of that small contribution, the backlash (boycotts, threats, loud protests onsite) is making her face the very real possibility of quitting because sales have dropped 30% since the revelation - not to mention the concern for her own safety.

The knowledge of her contribution came from the federal law which forces you to disclose your employer when you make political contributions. Someone looked up the names of all those who paid into Prop 8 and she was among them.

As much as I oppose and am repelled by Prop 8, I cannot condone the mob mentality of going after individuals for their political views. She's more than entitled to hers as we are to ours. But that's no reason to put a fellow American out of business and try to close down a family-owned establishment. "Establishment" is an understatement - they've been there since 1931.

And the law which requires your employment information really needs to be reigned in. People have lost jobs and livelihoods because of it when they're acting as individuals, not as representatives of their companies.

El Coyote holds a special place for me. It was the first Mexican restaurant I was taken to when I arrived in Los Angeles. Just a few months ago, there was a memorial service for a very close friend of mine. His wife held it there, because El Coyote was his favorite restaurant. (And yeah, they're proud liberals.)

If you live in or visit L.A., and find yourself around Beverly and La Brea, stop in. You won't find monsters. Just good friendly folks - one of whom you may disagree with on Prop 8, but she still manages a helluva joint.

The rest of you - just don't eat there and move on. Aim your efforts at the bigger culprit.

Stewart to Huckabee: Religion is Far More a Lifestyle Choice Than Homosexuality

Leave it to Jon Stewart to make the most cohesive argument for the repeal of Proposition 8. Guest Mike Huckabee was back on his heels and the audience reacted in stunned relief to Stewart's simple analysis of gay rights vs. religious rights in America.

Oh, and Huckabee's really packing the lbs back on, too.

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Mike Huckabee Pt. 2

But Larry David Can Still Love Her Ass

Wanda Sykes declares.

Comedian Wanda Sykes says the passage of a same-sex marriage ban in California has led to her be more outspoken about being gay.

"You know, I don't really talk about my sexual orientation. I didn't feel like I had to. I was just living my life, not necessarily in the closet, but I was living my life," Sykes told a crowd at a gay rights rally in Las Vegas on Saturday.

"Everybody that knows me personally they know I'm gay. But that's the way people should be able to live their lives," she said.

Sykes, who is known for her feisty and blunt style, said the passage of California's Proposition 8 made her feel like she was "attacked."

"Now, I gotta get in their face," she said. "I'm proud to be a woman. I'm proud to be a black woman, and I'm proud to be gay."