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| USA! USA! USA! (s). |
Obama Obama Obama Obama Obama Obama.
I could go on for a while, but you all may get bored. I am
very optimistic about Obama’s second term. He now does not need to worry about
reelection, and he has four more years to push for liberal values in America.
He can support Queer Equality, invest in the future, protect our future climate, push for more open dialogue with other countries
and reform the immigration system.
But on the queer stuff:
Gay Marriage is already legal in: New York, Connecticut,
Iowa, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington, D.C. In Hawaii, Delaware and Illinois,
we have civil unions. Wisconsin,
Colorado, Maine and Maryland have Domestic Partnerships, which have limited
freedoms. Tuesday night, we saw these freedoms expanded.
Maryland
Marriage Equality passed in Maryland by public ballot! The public
voted on their ballots whether same-sex marriage should be allowed or not, and
it passed! I remember about a week ago, when my friends in DC were holding a
phone banking session, and I was disappointed I couldn’t make it, but it seems
that efforts like that to push for equality were successful. The Maryland
people will brag that Maryland is the first state to pass same-sex marriage by
ballot-initiative, but that’s not fair to Washington and Maine. Maryland is
three hours ahead of Washington, and I think they just finished counting
earlier.
Referendum 47, legalizing gay marriage, was passed with 52%
of the vote. It was passed by the legislature earlier in the year and signed by
the governor, but it needed the people’s approval, and it got it!
Congratulations Washington. Washington: the capitol of smoking, hot queer love.
Maine
In 2009, the legislature approved a bill allowing same-sex
marriage, but voters turned down that legislation at the polls. Fortunately on
Tuesday, voters supported same-sex marriage. Now we can have gay crabs!
Minnesota
In Minnesota, a vote to write into the state constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman was rejected! Stop the hate!
In Minnesota, a vote to write into the state constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman was rejected! Stop the hate!
Unfortunately, Michelle Bachmann was re-elected in
Minnesota. My heart goes out to you in that state. She has at least two more
years to say ignorant, oppressive things, but stay strong, and know that she is
wrong. She is wrong, and perhaps in two years, you or your friends will be old enough
to vote, and you can replace here with someone with more love in their heart.
Congress
TAMMY BALDWIN, first openly lesbian person elected
to US Senate. Go Tammy!
Also, Sean Patrick Maloney was elected to US House
from New York.
Mark Pocan in succeeded Tammy Balwin as the US Representative from Wisconsin's 2nd District.
Mark Takano was elected to represent California as a US House Member, the first time a queer person of color was elected to congress. やったねえ～！
Four years ago, I was not old enough to vote for anyone, but
now I’m old enough to vote, and it’s a wonderful feeling. I even volunteered
for the Obama Campaign. If you ever feel disenfranchised by the political
process, volunteer. You will meet other people who believe in making a
difference, and it’s inspiring to learn of the hours and effort people invest,
believing that they can elect people who represent them and their values.
Tuesday, we saw the efforts of many materialize in elections that reflect
greater acceptance and appreciation for Queer people in America.
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