Civil and Human Rights Given, Then Taken Away in the Legislature: Marriage Equality Loses in NY Senate

Maine's depressing vote in November, which took away marriage equality rights previously granted. A victory in May, but this past week, NY's equally depressing vote overturning marriage equality in the NY State Senate. It's getting to the point where I won't be surprised if we vote to reinstate slavery or repeal women's suffrage soon.

Apparently, human and civil rights which I had mistakenly thought were protected by our Constitution are not at all covered by it. And activists leading the fight for marriage equality have not been able to counter influence from churches and other religious institutions mobilizing congregants against same-sex marriage.

It's led me to start thinking that if churches are acting like political groups, then perhaps they should be subject to the same financial disclosure laws lobbyists are. Currently, it's optional for churches to submit IRS 990 forms that other non-profit organizations, certainly ones who have far smaller budgets, are required to. Some say that to require financial disclosures is for government to intervene in church affairs. But if there's no financial transparency, how do we know churches are not engaging in the mixing of religious and political affairs, which also violates the separation of church and state?

That aside, I want to focus on two women senators in the NY State Senate who voted in favor of marriage for lesbians and gays. They gave admirable speeches that testify to why I and many other straight people believe that marriage equality is necessary, inevitable, and imminent.

NY State Senator Diane Savino:

And here's NY State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson:

I am so moved and inspired by them both. They are two of the latest women who've spoken out on behalf of what is just, alongside sisters and brothers whose lives are directly engaged in what every human being should have if that's what they choose: the rights and responsibilities, joys and challenges of marriage. We cannot and will not give up this fight.

Cynematic blogs at P i l l o w b o o k. H/t to Julie Blitzer for the links to videos.