The mayor of San Diego Jerry Sanders, a Republican, testified in the Proposition 8 trial in California on Tuesday. He talked about his conversion from marriage equality opponent to proponent. Sanders’ daughter is a lesbian.
Testimony also included expert witness Lee Badgett, a University of Massachusetts professor, who cited a study of how same-sex marriage affects opposite-sex marriage. According to studies, the rate of heterosexual marriage has not changed in places with same-sex marriage. So how does same-sex marriage affect opposite-sex marriage? Not at all.
In testimony from Sanders and Badgett, the question of civil unions and domestic partnerships was addressed. Why wouldn’t gay and lesbian couples just accept these and prefer marriage? Because anything less than marriage makes them feel like second-class citizens.
Great concise round up! I have to say I’ve been very impressed by the strength of the expert witnesses called in the case. All acting to speak for gay marriage have done so incredibly well and been able to easily field any questions from the legal team acting for the Proposition 8 side.
I hope the result of the trial is as positive but I really wouldn’t want to speak too soon following recent events in Massachusetts.
Here’s the way I see it, Michelle. California repeals same sex marriage. Massachusetts votes for right wing candidates. New York votes down same-sex marriage. So where does progress come from?
Texas.
What’s the most important Supreme Court decision on LGBT rights? Lawrence v. Texas. And what’s the largest city in the world with a lesbian mayor? Houston, Texas. And who has the lesbian sheriff? Dallas, Texas. And the lesbian D.A.? Austin, Texas. And the smallest city in the country with a gay mayor and a gay city councilmember? Kemp, Texas.
So forget conservative old Massachusetts. You want to see where progress is coming from. Look to Texas.
David, you are so right! I have to say that whilst I was aware of all of the individual LGBT elected officials and the court decision I’d never acted to put them all together like you have, and it’s quite an impressive thing to look at when you do.
Massachusetts has been a blow but I totally agree with you. This is not the time for focusing on the losses but looking to move forward… with Texas at the helm!