In the ever evolving culture war waged by the likes of Maggie Gallagher of the National Organization for Marriage, Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council, James Dobson of Focus on the Family, The Mormon Church, and countless other right wing organizations, this year's ballot measures may be the first ever to deliver severe defeats to an otherwise unblemished record of intolerance winning at the ballot box.
Usually, in these campaigns, a Yes vote means you would be siding with the right wing proselytizers that have hijacked most of religion in America. This year brings us an exception.
In Washington State, an effort is underway to repeal a recent domestic partnership law passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. Even with some questionable ballot petition practices by the Right wing, the measure will be on the ballot this November in Washington. It is worth noting that this is not a marriage law they are seeking to repeal. It is a domestic partnership law.
Referendum 71 is the ballot measure. The campaign on the side of fairness and equality is Washington Families Standing Together -- APPROVE 71 Campaign. Yes, that is correct. In Washington State, we want to approve the ballot measure the crazies worked for. I know it sounds weird.
Just to repeat, we want to APPROVE REFERENDUM 71 in Washington State. It would preserve the domestic partnership law. You can read more about it and donate at www.ApproveReferendum71.org.
How is it going? The campaign to APPROVE REFERENDUM 71 released poll results on a conference call with bloggers last night. In short, when folks hear the exact ballot language, they respond 51% in favor and 44% against.
That's good news. But, we're still weeks away from what is sure to be a low turnout election. That's why the wingnuts will be pouring money into their hate-filled campaign that seeks to deny people basic civil rights. So, please do two things: make sure that your Washington State friends know to APPROVE REFERENDUM 71 and make a contribution. I will be doing exactly that right now. Please join me.
PS -- Don't forget that folks can early vote in Washington State. In a low turnout election, it can make all the difference!!!