Congratulations to Rhode Island and Minnesota

The limited same-gender freedom to marry is just hours away from going into effect in two more states: Rhode Island and Minnesota.

Congratulations to all LGBT couples who will now be free to marry. There are still people denied their right to marry the person(s) they love in these states, so let's keep evolving towards full marriage equality in these states and nationally!

Good News in the US

I almost couldn't say it better than this from the Gay Marriage USA Facebook page:

Tonight was truly AWESOME! (1) The first president to support marriage equality, Barack Obama, was re-elected (2) We won marriage equality in Maine, Maryland and Washington (3) Minnesota rejected a proposed ban on same-sex marriage and (4) Tammy Baldwin became the first openly gay/lesbian person to win a US Senate position! We are moving FORWARD indeed.

I would only qualify that the limited same-gender freedom to marry, which is  what President Obama has publicly supported, is what won in most of the votes, although defeating the Minnesota constitutional amendment was also potentially good for poly people. It isn't really marriage equality unless every adult is free to marry any consenting adults (and have protections against discrimination) because equality "just for some" is not equality. There will be more freedom to marry in Maine, Maryland, and  Washington, but not full marriage equality.

It's definitely a victory and lots of progress! Congratulations to monogamist nonconsanguineous LBGT people! And congratulations to all Americans for progress!

US Can Advance Freedom to Marry on Tuesday

Tuesday is Election Day here in the US. Not only are we voting on the President, but every seat of our House of Representatives will be subject to election, as well as about a third of our Senate. Some states will have other important office and ballot measures. Of special interest to this blog is that the limited same-gender freedom to marry can advance with votes in four states.

It is important that people vote...

"Yes" on Question 1 in Maine

"For" Question 6 in Maryland

"No" on "Recognition of marriage solely between one man and one woman" in Minnesota

"Approve" Referendum 74 in Washington.

Not only will this help some same-gender couples living in those states, but it will sent an important message that we are moving towards nationwide full marriage equality sooner rather than later. None of these votes will provide full marriage equality, as there will still be many adults denied marriage rights in those states, still not allowed to marry the persons they love, but it is a step in the right direction.

The same can be said for President Obama, who has finally endorsed the limited same-gender freedom to marry. His opponent has been been regressive on this issue. We don't want to go back, we want to go FORWARD!

So if you are eligible, be sure to vote in those races, and vote for candidates for other offices who are friendliest to relationship rights for all adults.

Let's send a message that bigotry is dying out!