Election Results 2009
It wasn't a big election year in terms of national elections, but there were some big issues at stake for the LGBT community.
Bad News
Voters in Maine overturned the gay marriage law by 53 to 47 percent. After the Maine legislature approved a bill that would make same-sex marriage legal there, gay rights opponents put Question 1 on the ballot to overturn that law. Maine will not become the fifth state to allow gay marriage. Fear and bigotry have won out.
Good News
Voters in Kalamazoo, Michigan have passed Ordinance 1856, which will ensure basic protections for LGBT citizens. With the passage of this legislation, LGBT individuals in Kalamazoo are provided legal protection from discrimination at work, in seeking housing and in enjoying public accommodations such as restaurants and hotels.
Hopeful News
Voters in Washington were being asked if gay and lesbian couples should be granted domestic partnership rights, the so called "Everything but Marriage" law. Early results look promising there. In 2008, Washington State expanded its domestic partnership law to give registered domestic partners essentially the same state rights as married couples. Referendum 71 was put on the ballot by conservative Christians in order to put the domestic partnership law up for a public vote. Final numbers will be posted as they come in.
© Kristen Price
I think it’s a sad, sad country we live in that we have to put the rights of people up for vote, just because some don’t understand and don’t care to. Sooner or later we’ll get the rights we deserve, but unfortunately it seems like it keeps being pushed back to later rather than sooner.
Human rights. It is a basic thing, and yet so many ignorant people relate human rights to their own religion and their own beliefs. It is nobody’s right to say that a heterosexual couple deserves more rights with their partner than a homosexual one. It’s going to be a long battle.
Help support Annise Parker Campaign for Houston Texas Mayor.
http://www.anniseparker.com/home
Annise a six term popular public servant in Houston is the top vote recipient in the election held on Nov. 3, 2009.
She will be the first out lesbian mayoral candidate in Houston Texas, the fourth largest city in the U.S.
She will be in a runoff race on Dec 12. and is in need of funds to help get voters out to the polls on Dec 12.
She has been a city council member and is currently the city controller. She is the best qualified candidate.
Has anyone heard anything on New mexico domestic partnerships?
I think marrage is only a big party anyways. But I would like to get married, and raise kids. (like Bet and Tina
) I wish people would be O.K with it. How long ago was Jesus born… and how long ago did people start getting married? Who says it’s gods rule that same sex marrage is wrong. I love my lord, and I’m gay… if he’s as great, and exepting as they say he is, then why would he put judgment on us for being gay, male or female. Does he judge us for being born a black girl, a native boy, a ASIAN girl NO! Where did he state his book of exeptance that homosexuality is wrong. I find hederosexuals make me uncomfortable, do I think they should not be together? Do I try to stop them from being married, no. I am fine with them! Fuck the saying “there was no Adam and Steve ; there was no Nikki and Eve” I say it’s time to evolve and stop being child-like.
Jordan, Age:17
I cannot believe that Americans are so backward. They want to tell the world that they are so civilized! At least in South Africa (a third world country) we have legal gay marriage. Of course the Christians and Muslims had a lot to say but the government decided that it would be against gay people’s civil rights to deny them marriage. At least one thing they got right! Good luck to you and I hope Barrack Obama will make a difference!
Unforthunately, I believe the word marriage has so many confused. The “marriage rights” we seek are only on a state level. Until we get equality Nationally for taxes, inheritance, etc., we should start with civil unions or domestic partnerships. I also believe that some are against gay marriage because it would open the door to other kinds of sexual relationships ~ man/boy, etc (unacceptable) ~ not even close!!! I am fortunate to live in CA where gays are accepted preety much all over the state and have not had discrimination problems. I can be open and proud!
o yea and if anybody has a comment go ahead and write me…