This issue has come up before, but I feel a clearer definition is required.
The temptation to equate gay marriage movement with the civil rights of the 60s is high. But should they be equated or are they separate issues? I already know what the Red Queen feels: ” You either believe that all people are equal or you don’t.” I on the other hand am more cautious in this assumption. While I support civil unions, I am not sure I support gay marriage. And, being a little more centrist, believe many share my views.
To be more revealing, I feel that bringing up the gay marriage issue during the 2004 election was damaging to the Dems; and that fully embracing falls into the trap the right has set out: by falling on our sword for gay marriage proves to the ever important middle where we stand on everything in American life. RQ sees putting the issue on the back-burner as cowardice or worse.
Will we reach resolution on our differences? Probably not. But I don’t think there is one right answer either. A quick perusal of the Internet proves the same. In that light I am posting some links on the issue:
Pro-marriage ads rally people of color
Chinese Americans unsettled on same-sex marriage
Navajo Head Vetoes Gay Marriage Measure
California NAACP Endorses Same-Sex Marriage Bill
Gaily ever after: is gay marriage the new civil rights struggle or has it co-opted a legacy?
The Stakes in the Gay-Marriage Wars
Racial Divide in Queer Communities on Marriage Debate
Okay, I admit, its a bit of work, but a quick glance shows there is no easy answer on the issue, even among the left. If so, why commit ourselves to falling into a dangerous trap when even the left is not of one voice?
The smart thing may be to let the issue advance to Congress with little commitment; as bad as we think the atmosphere is, the likelihhood of the Marriage Amendment passing is small. By letting the right show their true colors, we may be able to open up debate on the issue in a less volatile way. It ain’t the 60s anymore so why act like it is?