We’ll say it over and over again: people’s civil rights should never, ever be put up to a vote. But wingnuts, hate groups and homophobes are still getting away with it. From Freedom to Marry:
SEATTLE – Today marriage opponents in Washington state have submitted signatures to bring the freedom to marry to a vote on the November ballot following the passage of a marriage bill earlier this year, which was signed by Governor Chris Gregoire and scheduled to go into effect later this week.
Marc Solomon, National Campaign Director of Freedom to Marry, released the following statement:
“During the week in which loving and committed same-sex couples in Washington were preparing to share in the joy of the first marriage ceremonies in the state, anti-gay advocates have decided instead to submit signatures forcing them to put a hold on their happiness and fend off a referendum on whether or not they can get married.
“We know that Washingtonians believe in freedom and fairness, and a majority want to see all people share in the joy and responsibilities of marriage. As an active partner in Washington United for Marriage, Freedom to Marry will work tirelessly to ensure that voters hear the stories, and learn about the lives of, loving and committed same-sex couples from Washington. We are confident that, as they do, they will conclude that a vote to take away their freedom to marry is out of sync with the Golden Rule values that all Washingtonians hold.”
A fairly significant majority of Washingtonians support marriage equality, but this isn’t the time to sit on our hands. Let’s take the Religious Right talking point — “in every single state that has voted on it, blah blah blah” — and retire it for good.
