In a night that initially looked like it would bring a liberal sweep, California voters have demonstrated that the fight for equality has only entered a new phase for social movement actors. And I say -- let's fight!
With 90% of precincts counted, Proposition 8, which would amend the state constitution to define marriage in heterosexual terms, leads by 4 points. While Democrats and younger voters were largely against the measure, 70% of blacks and about 59% of Latinos voted for it. Prior to the election, advocates of Proposition 8 said that they believed higher turnout among blacks and Latinos could help them secure passage of the law. Catholics also strongly supported the measure.
The support of the anti-gay initiative among traditional Democrats proves that Obama's election does not reflect a tremendous ideological shift in the nation. Even in deeply blue California, where Obama won by over 20% of the vote, voters decided to reverse a liberal Supreme Court ruling on gay rights and deny gays and lesbians equal opportunity to marry. I devoted a series of prior blog entries to this subject (see links listed below).
With 90% of precincts counted, Proposition 8, which would amend the state constitution to define marriage in heterosexual terms, leads by 4 points. While Democrats and younger voters were largely against the measure, 70% of blacks and about 59% of Latinos voted for it. Prior to the election, advocates of Proposition 8 said that they believed higher turnout among blacks and Latinos could help them secure passage of the law. Catholics also strongly supported the measure.
The support of the anti-gay initiative among traditional Democrats proves that Obama's election does not reflect a tremendous ideological shift in the nation. Even in deeply blue California, where Obama won by over 20% of the vote, voters decided to reverse a liberal Supreme Court ruling on gay rights and deny gays and lesbians equal opportunity to marry. I devoted a series of prior blog entries to this subject (see links listed below).
Split Ticket? What California's Battle Over Same-Sex Marriage Means for U.S. Liberals
Strong Support for California Anti-Gay Measure Proves That Many Blue-State Voters Embrace Red Agendas
Anti-Gay Group Thanks Obama, Seeks to Exploit Black Homophobia to Constitutionalize Bigotry
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