The election of Barack Obama to the presidency of the United States was a big moment in American history, with pundits proudly stating that its proof of the country having put discrimination behind it.


Two steps forward, one step back, however.  In the fervor over the presidential race, the several anti-homosexuality propositions have been forgotten.


Arizona Proposition 102, Ban on Gay Marriage

Passes: 56% to 44%


Arkansas Initiative 1, Ban on Gay Couples to Adopt Children

Passes: 57% to 43%


California Proposition 8, Ban on Gay Marriage

Passes: 52% to 48%


Florida Amendment 1, Ban on Gay Marriage

Passes: 62% to 38%


The elimination of slavery was the recognition that fundamental human rights, and personal rights outlined in the federal constitution could not be overridden by state constitutions.  Yet, in the historic election of the first African-American president, we see state constitutions being amended to eliminate rights of minorities.
Posted by Ellyoda Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:28:00 (comments: 8)
 
Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:33:02

Marriage isn't really an inaliable right though. It doesn't greatly impede on your freedoms.

Is it discrimination? Yes. But I wouldn't lump it together with slavery.

 
Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:46:35

First of all racism is still very present.


Second off anti-homosexuality is very present as well. Banning gay marriage, fucking ridiculous.

 
Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:34:07

I think the worst think about America is Nationalism. They call it Patrioism, but that shit is fucking dangerous. Just compare the situation before the invasion and after the invasion in Iraq.

Most people supported the war in the beginning, because that was the American way. The war mongering and the American soldier is automatically a hero is sick.

There will be no world peace when countries put their own interest first and screw other people over, just because they are born in another place.

 
Thu, 06 Nov 2008 03:26:04

Actually from my memory a fair share amount of people were against the war. It's just that stations used propaganda to make it look like everyone supported it.

 
Thu, 06 Nov 2008 03:46:35
The point wasn't to compare the level of discrimination, but the methodology.  I just find it ironic that during the election of the first african-american president that -- just like slavery -- the state constitutions are being amended to discriminate on a minority.  Not at all to equate it on a physical level.

"the American soldier is automatically a hero is sick."  This is something I've had a problem with for a while.  While I'm sure plenty have noble intentions, I would relate heroism to those who stand up for what they believe in, whether that includes fighting or not.  At this point in the Iraq war, I consider the heroes as the ones who refuse to fight.
 
Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:39:48

According to you definition Yoda, terrorists are also heroes, because they fight for what they believe in!

 
Fri, 07 Nov 2008 02:53:10
Ah, but can you define terrorism?
 
Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:29:56

These bans definitely need to be challenged in court. I see no good secular reason that homosexuals should be denied marriage or adoption rights.

The only secular reasons I can think that people might have are "it's icky, so it shouldn't be allowed" (which is never a legitimate reason) and "homosexual marriage would be detrimental in every case and homosexuals are never good parents". This latter objection could easily be refuted with current evidence.

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