Equality For All CA Action

[tdogg]

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to give you all a report on our EFA action here in California. This has been going on for a few weeks but I was involved this past week, Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

So far, we've collected over 10,000 pledges of support just in the Sac area. It will be exciting to see the total state numbers! Our next goal was to discourage folks from signing the Limits on Marriage petition if we ran into paid signature gatherers, and we did. I would say at least half the folks I spoke with were supportive, even if they didn't take the time to sign the pledge sheets. There were some negative but polite folks, and a handful of disgusting demonstrations but nothing TOO major (except for one poor guy today, a woman told him that someone should just take out a gun and shoot him in the head - nice huh???).

All-in-all, we think the effort was a success but it's too early to tell. We did hear that the petition was called to be turned in tomorrow, which could either mean they think there are enough signatures to qualify it for the November ballot, or they are pretty much giving up. But, if today was any indication, I think we MIGHT beat this one. The group I was with ran into 2 paid signature gathers (psg) with the Limits on Marriage petitions. I took one and another person took the 2nd. We managed to keep people from signing those petitions, and eventually the guys left. That means no signatures!! I even had a heartfelt discussion with 'my psg' and he confessed to being torn on the issue because he has gay friends he cares about very much. He was losing enthusiasm for even attempting to talk to people, and after about 3 attempts (successful for me stopping the signatures!) walked into the store and didn't come out for probably 20 minutes. I think perhaps he did some soulsearching?

It was awesome to be a part of this exciting and important action. I've met many GLBT and straight allies and we really bonded. We are probably going to get together for an 'after' party this coming Sunday where we might possibly have some news updates on the petition. We've got to keep this petition off the ballot if possible, it will certainly be way more expensive and difficult to fight if it gets on. I think the people of CA are progressive and open minded enough to NOT go for something like this, but with the endorsements and funding of groups such as Protectmarriage and Focus on the Family, it will be a tough fight.

We may be out in the field again this weekend, depends on the status of the ballot, but I should hopefully catch up on the forums in the next few days. I'm tired now, so think I'll go off to bed now. I miss you all!!!

[Zerbie]

Wowww, T, that's FANTASTIC!!!!! You did AMAZING work!!! Wow! Incredible!!


Spectacular job, Toni.

Yeah, I would expect CA voters to vote that down if it did somehow get on the ballot. We're battling to keep another one from appearing this fall. Supposedly AZ legislature may be voting on it tomorrow.

[paul]

We may be out in the field again this weekend, depends on the status of the ballot, but I should hopefully catch up on the forums in the next few days. I'm tired now, so think I'll go off to bed now. I miss you all!!!

T,

Thank you for what you are doing, all the work on our behalf.

paul

[tdogg]

The protect marriage group is saying they have 1.1 million signatures while just under 700,000 is required. The petitions will be turned in today if not in already, Secretary of State office will have to qualify each signature.

So, bummer, we are facing here what Zerbie and Arizonians faced previously - fighting the initiative heading for the November ballot.

So, fight now or save money and resources to elect politicians who believe in equality and will help overturn the anti-gay laws, decisons and constitutional amendments???

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by tdogg

The protect marriage group is saying they have 1.1 million signatures while just under 700,000 is required. The petitions will be turned in today if not in already, Secretary of State office will have to qualify each signature.

So, bummer, we are facing here what Zerbie and Arizonians faced previously - fighting the initiative heading for the November ballot.

So, fight now or save money and resources to elect politicians who believe in equality and will help overturn the anti-gay laws, decisons and constitutional amendments???

You're California!! FIGHT IT NOW!!!!!!!

(Girl, we stopped one of these in Arizona. . . if we could, California can. Really and truly.)

Go for it!!

If ya want, make a commitment to do at least ONE thing each day for the sake of equality and preventing the discriminatory thing from passing. Just ONE thing. More if you feel like. After 6 months, all those ONE THINGs will have added up to a LOT. Trust me, I done it.

You CAN stop this ridiculous thing. It can be done. You run into any doubters in your area you tell them: It can be done. WE CAN STOP THIS.
If the people in your group know they can stop it, if they all have hope, they will stop it.

[BruceChris]

He was losing enthusiasm for even attempting to talk to people, and after about 3 attempts (successful for me stopping the signatures!) walked into the store and didn't come out for probably 20 minutes. I think perhaps he did some soulsearching?

No, I think he was just hiding, and hoping that you would just go away. I think California can fight this, but it will take a lotta work. Do you know anyone who has friends in the media?

Namaste', Bruce Chris

[tdogg]

Originally Posted by BruceChris

I think California can fight this, but it will take a lotta work. Do you know anyone who has friends in the media?

Not off-hand, but excellent advice BruceChris. I'm going to see what I can come up with. And Zerb, thanks for the never ending encouragement (and your friendship).

Ok, brainstorming to do!

[Gennee]

That's great to hear, tdogg. I don't know what EFA is. Could you explain it to me. Also I'm very interested in what's going in the Sacramento regarding LGBT issues. Could you give me an update?

Gennee

[tdogg]

Hi there!

EFA is Equality For All, who organized the actions to try and stop the petitions from going through, by stopping paid signature gatherers from getting enough signatures to qualify the anti-gay marriage initiative from being on the November ballot. You can check out the website: equalityforall.com

They explain it much better!

They are now preparing to launch a campaign to convince voters NOT to vote for this initiative. There is no reason at this point to believe there aren't enough signatures, so EFA is organizing and gearing up. That will include of course obtaining contributions, phone banking, and I'm not sure what else. Zerbie has the experience of fighting an anti-gay ballot initiative (and I will seek your guru-ness Z!!!).

But, an interesting concept from a small article (having to do with a book but can't remember the name off hand) in the current Curve mag - an author says we are going about this the wrong way. The way to get equality is to fight to do away with the institution of marriage all together, and fight to give every family equal rights, no matter how that family might be put together. Interesting, not sure I emotionally grasp that right now.

Interesting side note - our (semi) Republican governor has publicly declared he does not support the anti-gay marriage initiative. That has totally ticked off the backers of this initiative, Protectmarriage.com. I had to visit the site, although I must admit it made me ill. However, as one very wise young woman told me, you gotta visit the enemy's camp to see what's going on now and then...(thanks again Z!)

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by tdogg

Hi there!

They are now preparing to launch a campaign to convince voters NOT to vote for this initiative. That will include of course obtaining contributions, phone banking, and I'm not sure what else. Zerbie has the experience of fighting an anti-gay ballot initiative (and I will seek your guru-ness Z!!!).


I'm sure EFA knows what they need to do. Our "NO" campaign did a variety of things, community outreach, phone calls. Been there, done just about all of it.

The best thing you can possibly do is start talking about it now. Talk to EVERYONE you know and everyone you meet between now and November. I kept brochures with the amendment text, explanations of why it was bad, and other talking points with me at all times. Always kept a stack in the car, and in my tote. Kept business cards and fridge magnets in my purse in case I was caught without my tote.

DH and I spoke about the amendment and the deleterious effects it would have with everyone from vendors at the Arizona State Fair to waiters and waitresses at restaurants. I literally approached strangers in the streets, usually at community events/fairs, but once, I saw a guy getting out of a car with gay pride stickers on it, so I approached him and asked if he knew about the amendment, and it turned out he didn't. So I explained it to him and gave him the brochures from the vote no campaign. He shook his head and said "They're always up to somethin', aren't they?" Thanked me and promised to vote No.
I also nagged my colleagues, friends, and teachers to death. Got a vote NO tee shirt about 2 months before the election and wore it - oh, must've been 3 days a week.


But, an interesting concept from a small article - an author says we are going about this the wrong way. The way to get equality is to fight to do away with the institution of marriage all together, and fight to give every family equal rights, no matter how that family might be put together. Interesting, not sure I emotionally grasp that right now.

)

That's not a new concept. It's been floating around for a while. I think the main problem with that is that society as a whole is not going to go for it and if we were to actually try to do away with the institution of marriage, all we'd do is hand over "proof" that "the gays" in fact are just after the destruction of marriage. I think all it would do is hand over ammunition.

[tdogg]

I tend to agree with you on that. Especially because the vast majority of people do believe in the institution of marriage, whether or not they would include gay marriage.

Good advice all of it. I will have to keep information on hand, and getting a T-shirt would be excellent. That's one way to start up the conversation.

[Gennee]

Originally Posted by tdogg

Hi there!

EFA is Equality For All, who organized the actions to try and stop the petitions from going through, by stopping paid signature gatherers from getting enough signatures to qualify the anti-gay marriage initiative from being on the November ballot. You can check out the website: equalityforall.com

They explain it much better!

They are now preparing to launch a campaign to convince voters NOT to vote for this initiative. There is no reason at this point to believe there aren't enough signatures, so EFA is organizing and gearing up. That will include of course obtaining contributions, phone banking, and I'm not sure what else. Zerbie has the experience of fighting an anti-gay ballot initiative (and I will seek your guru-ness Z!!!).

But, an interesting concept from a small article (having to do with a book but can't remember the name off hand) in the current Curve mag - an author says we are going about this the wrong way. The way to get equality is to fight to do away with the institution of marriage all together, and fight to give every family equal rights, no matter how that family might be put together. Interesting, not sure I emotionally grasp that right now.

Interesting side note - our (semi) Republican governor has publicly declared he does not support the anti-gay marriage initiative. That has totally ticked off the backers of this initiative, Protectmarriage.com. I had to visit the site, although I must admit it made me ill. However, as one very wise young woman told me, you gotta visit the enemy's camp to see what's going on now and then...(thanks again Z!)

Thanks for the update, Tdogg.

Gennee

[royalartisan]

Well I certainly would have signed your petition if I had been there !
However, I live in Riverside County...so yeh.

:P

Still, great work and keep it up !

I'll never understand this need to "protect" marriage....from the big, bad homosexual sinners who want to "destroy its sanctity." ::eyeroll::

[tdogg]

Actually volunteers were all over the state, mostly at Wal-Marts, Targets, Raley's and Trader Joe's. EFA is gearing up to fight the November anti-gay ballot issue (protectmarriage.com - check it out, pure evil) so check the website, there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved anywhere in the state! Thanks!!

[Emproph]

Not that it's unexpected, but it's nice to hear the numbers.

Especially in regard to the EFA mission.

SAN FRANCISCO -- A new study said same-sex weddings will provide California's economy with a substantial boost, creating thousands of jobs and much needed revenue.

The study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law said direct spending by same-sex couples will add $684 million to the state's wedding industry and $64 million to the state budget over the next three years.

http://www.10news.com/news/16553415/...=sand&psp=news

[tdogg]

California is expecting couples from all over the country to come here and get married, so an even bigger boost to the economy. Not to mention, a boost to love. And the more marriages, the less likey the initiative will pass in Nov.

Boost the economy, grow love, be equal. I love it!

[Rick336]

Originally Posted by tdogg

California is expecting couples from all over the country to come here and get married, so an even bigger boost to the economy.

Man. I wish I owned a bakery in LA right now. I say bakery because owning a wedding dress shop is just too....well....you know....too......gay.

Bakeries are way butcher. And you get to make little pink roses out of icing.

Rick

[tdogg]

Originally Posted by Rick336

Man. I wish I owned a bakery in LA right now. I say bakery because owning a wedding dress shop is just too....well....you know....too......gay.

Bakeries are way butcher. And you get to make little pink roses out of icing.

Rick

Just make sure the cake doesn't taste like cardboard!

Perhaps you want to check into opening a wedding chapel. Seems like we have a few county clerk who have announced they will stop performing all marriages, because of, well, truthfully of course, a lack of money. Interesting their decisions came almost immediately after the supreme court decision! Could be a lucrative business opportunity in our conservative counties!

[pnggrad79]

Thanks TDogg for all you are doing in California to ensure that the Supreme Court's decision to allow gay couples to marry stays the way it is. I got married in Canada to my wife and still, to this day, 4 years later, wonder how on earth my marriage threatens my straight neighbor's marriage. It doesn't. Why do these people think it does? I haven't seen it yet!!! If we just live and let live and love, this wouldn't be a problem. But the tide is turning, I hope it reaches Texas soon.

[tdogg]

The arguments of those opposed to same sex marriage are hollow. They are starting to sound downright ridiculous, even to those who might not otherwise be supportive. For those using the religious excuses, the simple fact of separation of church and state renders their points moot. For those who may not necessarily toss the bible as a defense to their position, arguments of "traditional marriage", procreation, increasing a burden to state and county coffers, changing the marriage license applications, etc., it all sounds like a lame excuse.

Maybe I've been reading the crap too long, but I have yet to hear a valid point from the opposition.