Third Time's the Charm
Dan and Steve first became domestic partners in 1995 and were one of the few couples personally married by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom during the "Winter of Love" in 2004. (Steve is the Mayor's Chief of Staff.) They have shared a home in San Francisco for over 13 years and have two beautiful children, Katherine and Michael. But this September wedding was the first time the couple's commitment was legally sanctioned.
However, a California ballot initiative is threatening to take away the right for couples like Dan and Steve to be married under California state law. Proposition 8, which will be on California ballots November 4th, would amend the California State Constitution to say: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." Similar measures will be on the ballots in Florida and Arizona, and one that would prevent gay couples from adopting children will be on the ballots in Hawaii.
So, instead of asking for coffee makers and monogrammed towels, Dan and Steve asked guests to make a donation to Equality California's No on Proposition 8 (Stop the Marriage Ban).
Jewish tradition teaches that each of us, created in God's image, has a unique talent, with which we can contribute to the high moral purpose of tikkun olam, the repair of our world. Excluding anyone from our community lessens our chance of achieving this goal of a more perfect world.
And in case that isn't motivation enough, Brad Pitt is donating $100,000 to help fight the marriage ban.
Comments
No matter their view or stance on marriage or yours, I do think they have a right to be called 'Bride' and 'Groom' One's rights should not have to be taken, in order for another's to be given...esp in the name of traditions and family!
http://www.pacificjustice.org/resources/news/focusdetails.cfm?ID=PR081002a
Posted by: Gina | October 3, 2008 1:04 PM
Bravo to them. For all the hatred in the world, for all the broken families, the orphaned children, the homeless hearts, those who have no one to love, for those who have no one to care for them - let us celebrate those who have found another soul to care for - and I am familiar with Brad Pitt's and Angelina Jolie's position on this issue. For those who are able to take a stand and to love as they are able to, legally - let them do so. Who are we to judge them, or anyone? There is an old Indigo Girls song, "Love's Discovery" that talks about this - letting love be a gift to the world in the face of hatred, ignorance and intolerance.
Posted by: sayfordwilson | October 7, 2008 6:43 PM