Ruling on Prop 8

I know that today's ruling by the CA Supreme Court is disheartening. Many of us, within the LGBT community, feel outraged or sorely saddened. Many other emotions spin. All of them are valid, without question.

I would like to posit, however, that despite this wash of emotions and the prospect of another round of lawsuits ahead of us... Our Minority is NOT defeated.

In fact, there are many great strides taking place in our country at this time. Let us keep in mind recent legislation in Iowa, the thrill of the decision in Vermont... the consideration of same-sex marriage rights coming to a vote in New York State. And this is just to name a few highlights.

Perhaps it will serve us well to realize the gift that the conservatives have given to our community, by continuing to fight so hard against our access to equal rights: They have brought the issue of marriage equality, for example, to the forefront. And for the first time in many decades, our minority is becoming more cohesive; we have claimed a vision of Equality as our own... we are working together to achieve that goal.

Let's keep this opportunity in mind. We all know that Equality is one of the foundations of our nation, and that right is on our side. We WILL achieve equal rights and equal recognition. We simply must continue to claim them as our own, and put forth the cohesive effort to exact these tenets into law.

Marianne Puechl, co-founder
The RainbowWeddingNetwork Family
rwneditor@gmail.com