Peter Tatchell: A long slog to the promised land of equality – and love
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Independent Minds
My friend Robin Tyler likes to joke that there is no such thing as same-sex marriage, because after marriage sex is never the same. Witticisms aside, she and her long-time partner Diane Olson were the original plaintiffs who bought the successful legal action that overturned the ban on gay marriage in California last year.
Together with 18,000 other gay and lesbian couples, Robin and Diane took advantage of the new legal dispensation. They got married. What joy. It was, in Robin's words, "a simple, elegant, lesbian Jewish wedding," held at the Beverly Hills Courthouse, where they had previously applied for a marriage licence – and been rejected – every year since 2001.
For Robin and Diane, the legal battle over Proposition 8 is not about whether marriage is a good institution or not. The real issue for them is equality: the right of all US citizens to be equal under the law, regardless of sexual orientation. On a personal level, it is about public recognition and respect for the commitment they have made to each other.
The battle for same-sex marriage has involved years of litigation in dozens of states. It echoes the protracted legal battles by the black civil rights movement to quash the laws against inter-racial marriages. These laws were struck down by the California Supreme Court in 1948, but only finally outlawed in all states in 1967.
It was a long, hard slog by African-Americans to win legal equality, and so it is proving for lesbian and gay Americans too. Hopes and victories, followed by disappointments and setbacks.
But to paraphrase Dr Martin Luther King Jr, one day gay Americans will get to the promised land. They will secure same-sex marriage, legal protection against discrimination and an end to the restrictions on gay people serving in the US military. These victories will help make the US a kinder, more tolerant nation, to the benefit of all Americans. As Dr King often reminded us: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
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Comments
I have no idea really what the above is all about, only to say that I have read much and seen much of what Mr Tatchell wants to happen in our society which is at great variance with accepted morals in any society, western or otherwise and just wonder why the Independent even gives this person space when for years one of his key demands was the allowing of young males to be "loved" by older men and not call it abuse...
I have never had an issue with gay on either side, some of my late mother's best friends made Freddie Mercury look pretty butch but I do have issues with a man that openly calls for making children vulnerable, I wish the gay community luck in all their endeavours but surely they could have chosen a far far more suitable frontman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnqCUvGh
ancientoneuk "what Mr Tatchell wants to happen in our society... is at great variance with accepted morals in any society," You obviously know very little about many Native-American societies and the Two-Spirits tradition they fostered. Find out more. 'Morals' are not set in stone.
This may not be what he wants but it is the impression that I come away with.
Perhaps you would quote where I have made judgements about anyone (other than Peter Tatchell) on these posts today?
Even now this smokescreen issue hides even more serious and devious practices within Westminster. Theses issues of public concern promoting furore, debate and distraction hides what is truly happening, by quietly invoking into law, further "legal" abuses to our personal private data whilst our backs are turned.
Big issue, very important, read here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2
Beyond financial charades, corporate abuses, ministers expenses and many other issues that have become public knowledge in recent times, "the people" are denied proper and open debate on our basic freedoms.
We must stop this.
The Executive Branch of Westminster must warrant the closest scrutiny and investigation on all of the events of recent times immediately.
Write to your MPs, form action groups, contact anyone that may assist in putting a stop to this crime against the people.
Oooh it may be good face to face at times but I think it is back to the hospitals at times
The cop dragged him unconscious into the garage, yanked his trousers down and committed what was described as ' an act of barbarity'.
The Gendarme appeared before a judge and was remanded in custody. He was said to be on suicide watch last night and faces 30 years behind bars.
His victim suffered what was described as ' irreparable damage'.
No I mean I agree to all I say .this story pooped in the net as was writing and trying to defend your doctor. The police come and the doctor has to look at the bottom not face to face here at least .shame is it not. It just doesn?t work at times I feel sad and bad but why do you say face to face?
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/ne
I thank you
Firozali A. Mulla
Where's the discrimination in the first case? Answer - there isn't any!