You are here: Home » News » Politics » Election 2010 » Senator Boxer Nurtures LGBT Support Through Prop 8

Senator Boxer Nurtures LGBT Support Through Prop 8

Posted by: Lez Get Real on August 8, 2010.

Melanie Nathan – 8-7-10;

Senator Barbara Boxer’s campaign sent out a request in light of the Prop 8 decision.

“On Wednesday, in a long-awaited and historic decision, Judge Vaughn Walker struck down Proposition 8, ruling that the Constitution protected the fundamental right of marriage for all couples in California.”

When Judge Walker’s ruling was announced, Barbara Boxer declared:

“This historic decision is a step forward in the march toward equal rights and reflects a growing legal consensus that marriage equality is protected by the U.S. Constitution.”

Boxer’s campaign asserts “there is so much more work to do to ensure equality and supports a petition to let the Senator know where you stand in this important fight Online petition — to show Barbara and everyone fighting for marriage equality that you’re standing with them! ”

While positive reactions to Wednesday’s ruling have come from across the political spectrum, Senator Feinstein called the decision “an enormous victory.” Attorney General Jerry Brown called it “great news for California!” Governor Schwarzenegger supported Judge Walker’s ruling too and has filed asking the Court to order the immediate commencement of marriages for all in California.

But not Senator Boxer’s opponent, Carly Fiorina. She opposes marriage equality and said she disagreed with the judge’s ruling.

“It’s time to show Fiorina and our opponents where you stand,” says the campaign in a letter to supporters.

This Petition may well serve as a fundraising tool, however it is indeed a reality that Senator Boxer has been one of the LGBT communities strongest supporters throughout her time in the Senate, never once wavering on her support of our issues.

In prior articles where I have written to ask our community to Support Senator Boxer, I have received negative feedback suggesting that the LGBT community hold the Senator and all Democrats accountable for failure to take stronger leadership roles to ensure passage of LGBT legislation such as repeal of DADT and DOMA and the enactment of ENDA and UAFA, before offering any more funding contributions.

Although I understand this frustration and also feel let down by the political plays, I must say this is one case where a ‘shoot ourselves in the toe’ mentality will be tantamount to a shot in the brain! If Fiorina is elected and we have failed to provide LGBT support to Senator Boxer, we will be, by omission, albeit tacit, allowing Fiorina to get away with (if you will) her PRO PROP 8 stance.

I would rather hold Fiorina accountable for being anti-gay than have Senator Boxer pay the price for the an LGBT-tardy Democrat Congress.

But we do want to see a fight.

It is my hope that the Senator can offer an even stronger leadership role on LGBT legislation in the coming months of her term and of course thereafter, including making leadership calls on the repeal of DOMA and faster passage for UAFA as a possible stand alone Bill.

The Respect for Marriage Act, introduced by Congressman Nadler ought to be a priority especially in the face of the recent Proposition 8 decision. DOMA’s demise should not have to wait for the rest of the path to SCOTUS.