Here's an election result you won't hear the conservatives celebrating: voters in Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed a ban on discrimination against GLBT folks in public services, housing, and employment by an overwhelming 65–35 margin. Leading the "One Kalamazoo" campaign to pass the ban: South Dakota native Jon Hoadley. Conservative "family" groups tried twice to overturn city action before Kalamazoo leaders turned the issue over to voters. Hoadley was able to help local groups organize a voting drive and win the endorsement of numerous civic groups, including some religious groups.
In a year of Tea Party bluff and bluster, it's good to see Jon successfully fighting to take America back... for all Americans. Nice work, Jon!
Yeah, this is a good thing. To be fair I'm sure there are many Republicans who believe in civil rights just as strongly, just not the fringe element that went after Dede Scozzafava.
ReplyDeleteMore importantly, it looks like Washington passed the law expanding rights for domestic partners. Most people are not ready for gay marriage, but probably would go for civil unions or domestic partnership laws.
Hopefully gay rights haven't been pushed back by a too aggressive push for "marriage". Who cares what it's called, but it is time for legitimacy.