Good As You

The last statistic that I heard was that only 51% of Californians support that Constitutional Amendment. Here in California it only takes a simple majority to alter the constitution, and that is what they appear to barely have. On the other hand, the 51% is down from 60% just a few years ago. And as more of those old farts die off, the number will probably continue to decrease.

The founders of California didn't trust authorities very much, so they purposfully made it easy to amend the constitution. If this hateful amendment does pass, then at least the game isn't over.

And, some of those in-the-know are suggesting that the California Supreme Court is just about to announce that they are overturning prop 22, and may require the state to allow gay marriages. I believe the ruling is scheduled to come out toward the end of next month.

Dick Mills

Dick: I would say with near certainty that the Supreme COurt ruling is going to come down in our favor. The problem? It would like galvanize the opposition, driving that 51% back up to higher digits.

It's a really sad prospect.

Now I anxiously ponder the question: if Arizona was progressive enough to defeat a similar amendment, will California show the same colors? 10 years ago prop 22 passed with a two thirds majority...I hope that's enough time for opinions to have changed enough. Another thing to consider is that this is much more of a blunt and permanent measure being voted on, and hopefully people who lean towards being against same-sex marriage will find this too hard to swallow.

Jeremy, I do agree with you, and the last thing that I would want to do is offer any false hope. But in January 2000 just before the March Primary Election (when Prop 22 was approved), the Public Policy Institute of California polled likely voters and found that they opposed same-sex marriage 55 to 38 percent in favor.

Now we are seeing 48 to 46, while it is still a difficult uphill battle, at least it is a bit more encouraging. Another thing about the 38% from the 2000 poll is that 38% did in fact vote against prop 22. Maybe that 46% is equally as firm as the 38% was in 2000.

But my hope is probably misquided delusion.

Dick Mills

Yes... to all that but a letter from EQ CA today said that it cost the opposition many millions extra to gather way less (200,000 less) than the number of signatures they said they would. I think a fair equality campaign, aided by the Governor can defeat this fairly easity.

I am hoping the Supreme Court allows equal marriage right. Then all those which can
be performed before November will be at stake... and I am hoping there will be many celebrites and $$$ folk who dive right in and CELEBRATE their happiness and let it show,
that should help too.