Regular readers of this blog will be aware that I have a low opinion of “citizens” referenda, and California’s LGBT communities are probably agreeing with me at this point in time. They’re now facing a determined Opposition campaign using exactly that strategy

As I reported two days or so ago, California’s Supreme Court has given the go-ahead for same-sex marriage in the Golden State, and overturned the result of two previous citizens referenda that imposed discriminatory barriers against it.  Unfortunately, the Californian and US Christian Rights are under attack from determined opposition, as the US Advocate tells us:

[California’s LGBT communities] will be facing well-financed foes in the Washington-based Family Research Council and  “VoteYesMarriage.com”, which are spearheading the ballot initiative. They say they raised $2 million to subsidize the signature drive alone, which they claim yielded more than 1.1 million signatures — well above the 763,790 required to put the measure on the ballot. The California secretary of state is expected to do that formally by the end of June, barring any unexpected signature forgeries and the like. In post-ruling statements, both Family Research Council and  VoteYesMarriage.com said they planned to raise at least $10 million to ensure the initiative passes.

“We will need to match them dollar for dollar,” said Geoffrey Kors, executive director of Equality California.

[Television and radio advertising is scheduled which] will present personal stories of gay and lesbian Californians. “The more people understand that this is about families and loving couples — not about some sort of obscure, esoteric law — and the more we put this personal face on it, the more we get people to take a moment to think about it and to have some empathy,” said Kors. “Even the ruling talks about how this is about people, not the law.”

[In Re Marriage Cases is]”… causing people to rally around a right they now have and can lose, as opposed to something abstract.” On the other hand, the ruling might just “fire up some of the more extreme members of our state.” If the ballot initiative wins, the consequences will be grave. To have the right to marry and then have it taken away, said Jean, “could stall efforts for equality for generations.”

Sobering message. Let’s make sure they get all the help they need. Because if they don’t, the New Zealand Christian Right will try to copy the idea, and use it against us.

Recommended:

“After the Ruling, Attention Turns to Antigay Ballot Initiative ” Advocate: 19.05.08: http://www.advocate.com