Connecticut Marriage Decision Refocuses Debate

The decision by Connecticut’s Supreme Court Friday requiring that the state recognize gay marriage has been hailed by supporters of LGBT marriage rights. At the same time however, it has renewed fears in the community that backlash from these decisions might push through state amendments banning gay marriage in states like California.

The battle to stop Proposition 8, California’s gay marriage ban has been making headlines lately, particularly in light of a huge fundraising gap between the amendment’s supporters and Equality California, which has spearheaded opposition. Last week, Equality California blasted members, warning that they were $10 million behind ProtectMarriage.com in fundraising efforts. As a result, according to San Jose Mercury News, almost $4 million has been thrown into the fight to defeat Proposition 8, with another $4 million promised.

While this is all great news, I have to admit I’ve been a little disappointed in the lack of attention being paid to ballot measures elsewhere with consequences just as dire. My home state of Florida for example, has an amendment on the ballot (No. 2) which would also ban gay marriage. While I understand the unique nature of the fight against Proposition 8, who’s to say that opposing No. 2 isn’t just as important? Florida has the fourth largest population of any state in the Union and the amendment language is so broad that it would threaten domestic partnership benefits in the same way Michigan’s did. Surely, stakes that high require a little national attention.

I’m especially surprised that more attention hasn’t been paid to Governor Charlie Crist’s support of No. 2. If nothing else, this at least provides some comedic relief to ever-rising election-year tensions. Remember how Governor Crist announced his engagement over Fourth of July weekend? Those of us with a more cynical view argued that he was only doing this to make himself more appealing to Sen. McCain – for month’s his name had been thrown around as a potential running mate. Gay rumors had plagued Crist for years. And as far as I’m aware, he still hasn’t gotten married, despite reports that his wedding was planned for early September.

A gay Republican governor supporting a marriage ban in Florida, site of such gay meccas as Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale and Key West? Come on! That’s news!