It appears that some gay activists in California are starting to doubt the wisdom of pushing to repeal Prop 8 in 2010. One group outlines some considerations that make a lot of sense, including these:
Over $81 million was raised and spent by both sides in the Proposition 8 campaign, more than in any previous anti-gay ballot initiative. Many of the LGBT nonprofit organizations doing critical work for our communities have suffered layoffs and cutbacks in services. . . . Major donors, including foundations that provided funding for critical educational campaigns, have endured hits to their portfolios, and many are exercising caution. Any successful "vote-yes" campaign will require generous support from pro-LGBT institutional donors. These donors give based on evidence of likely success, which for 2010 is filled with grave doubts. It is unlikely that we will be able to raise the necessary funds to undertake an effective electoral campaign until after 2010. . . .
The demographics of opinion on marriage equality indicate that natural changes in the state electorate, with new and younger voters replacing older voters, contributes over time to increased support for marriage equality. In weighing the options of presenting a ballot measure on statewide ballots either next year, in 2010, or in a future year, the latter portends a much greater capacity by marriage equality supporters to leverage and benefit from the natural shift in voter opinion.
Some ACLU leaders, including Matt Coles, think even 2012 is too soon (and they may be right). Equality California, which indicated preliminary support for 2010 back in May, is now (re)considering the issue.
The reality of having to get our act together -- in raising money, strategizing, volunteering, campaigning, and winning -- for an election less than a year and a half away is starting to settle in. At least, that's what I'm hoping.
2 Comments for “Can the 2010 Train Be Stopped?”
posted by I\'ll tell you what on
Prop. 8 is likely to be struck down in the Perry v. Schwarzenegger (Olson/Boies) case and will remain out of effect during the pendency of the appeal of that case. I think the reconsideration of the 2010 date is happening because people realize that a favorable ruling in Perry will zap momentum for repeal at the ballot box.
posted by The Gay Species on
But then Geoff Koff will have to get a REAL job. Even though everything he has touched has lost big, losing the large lead in FAVOR of the Court’s Decision, he needs the work and access to fill the dungeons of staff that fill HIS needs. Besides, who else can take a vacation the TWO WEEKS before the plebiscite? Why bother about CA, when the Mexican Riviera and Caribbean beckon? Getting laid is so much more important.