Proposition 8

Perhaps nothing symbolizes better the fight for LGBT equality as has the fight for same-sex marriage rights in the U.S. Beginning in Hawaii, hope has risen and dreams have been crushed as state after state debated the rights of same-sex couples to have full recognition of their relationships by the state and to have access to the same rights that all heterosexual couples receive when they get married. Even convicted felons, who are stripped of most of their other rights of citizenship, have access to the over 1400 rights that married couples receive; hospital visitation rights, immigration rights, tax benefits and inheritance rights, to name a few.

Here is an interview by Bill Moyers, one of the best journalists of our times, with the two lawyers, one liberal, one conservative, who took on the fight against Proposition 8, the California ballot measure that changed the California State Constitution to take away existing marriage rights for same-sex California couples. For the first time in American history, a constitution was amended to take rights away from a group of people. The majority decided the fate of a minority.

The arguments for Prop 8 are mostly based in Christian biblical interpretation and laced with fear-mongering and misinformation. This interview not only lays out the argument for marriage equality, it very clearly shows how heterosexism is maintained and propagated by religious and political leaders. While it doesn't really explore the motives of those who so vehemently oppose equal rights, I believe profit and power are ultimately behind any attack on any minority group in this country.

Take a look at the interview here.

Here is a map showing marriage inequality in the United States. We have a long way to go.