Stewart A. Alexander
Peace and Freedom Party 2010

August 16, 2009

The battle lines are drawn on same-sex marriage rights; however, opponents to Proposition 8, supporting the rights of same-sex couples to marry, are divided on the timing to launch an offensive that will deliver a victory in the voting booths across California.

In 2008, Proposition 8 energized the public on both sides of same-sex marriage rights, and the ballot measure moved 100s of thousands, young and old, every race and color, to stand on street corners, to demonstrate at rallies, and voice their concerns supporting and opposing the ballot measure.

Proposition 8 was passed by voters with 52 percent of the vote; and both sides, supporting and opposing the measure, vowed to continue their struggle regarding this heated issue. Now, one of the major groups opposing Proposition 8, Equality California, has decided to postpone a rematch to protect the rights of lesbians and gays until 2012. This has created a split with other gay and lesbian groups that have been working to have a same-sex marriage initiative on the ballot for 2010. Many left activist including many members within the Peace and Freedom Party, believe it is necessary to build on the momentum that energized millions of Californians to vote in favor of same-sex marriage rights.

In a recent statement, Kevin Akin, State Chair for Peace and Freedom Party stated, “Frankly, we wouldn’t be in this position if the leadership of the Democratic Party had not abandoned the fight for human rights.” A party statement went on to say, “Even though Obama was obviously going to win the state, they (Democratic Party) failed to step up against Proposition 8, in a cynical attempt to gain every vote possible in November. Without any leadership from their party, a great many Democrats voted for Prop 8, and it passed.”

There is a strategic and political risk in waiting until 2012 to put same-sex marriage on the ballot. Presently, there is tremendous public support that favors protecting the rights of same-sex couples and that support is likely to swell by November 2010; however, as the public is faced with a mountain of issues on the national level, expanding the occupation in Afghanistan, a growing national deficit, the elimination of public services, immigration, and an opportunistic two party system, waiting until 2012 could be the poor timing that will set-back this important human rights issue.

The leadership within the Peace and Freedom Party wants a measure to support same-sex marriage on the ballot in 2010. Kevin Akin says, “The fight for human rights is back on the ballot for 2010, and if it fails, then 2012.”

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Peace and Freedom Party Pledge Prop 8 Overturn, Human Rights Fight in 2010
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