Monday, January 11, 2010

If you think your position is moral, why are you hiding?

Curious legal debate in California.

In May of last year, the California Supreme Court ruled that LGBTQ Californians had the right to marry. Opponents of equal marriage petitioned for a ballot initiative to amend the state constitution to say that "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." As Proposition 8 (PropositionH8 to supporters of equal marriage), the initiative passed by a narrow margin in last fall's election.

As usual in American politics, nothing is ever over until it's been litigated to death. A court case was scheduled to start today to hear arguments that the constitutional amendment is invalid because a plebescite cannot deny the rights of individual citizens. Ironically, the petitioners bringing the action include both Al Gore's and George Bush's lawyers from the 2000 Florida recount.

But that's not the curious part.

Those seeking to overturn the amendment wanted to have the deliberations broadcast live and available on YouTube. Their opponents objected. They didn't want their testimony available for Californians to see. As of this morning their opposition to having the proceedings broadcast has apparently been upheld by the Supreme Court of the United States.

All Saints, Pasadena has issued a statement on today's ruling. It quotes the Rev'd Susan Russell, a senior associate of the parish and a former leader of Integrity USA as saying, in part:

"As a person of faith, one of the core biblical values I claim is ‘the truth will set you free’ (John 8:32). Those who argue against marriage equality should have nothing to fear from the truth – and if their arguments do not stand up to the scrutiny of our legal system then the people of California deserve to know that.”

I agree with Susan. If the defenders of Proposition 8 believe that they are advocating a moral and righteous position, why do they want to hide?

Liars hide.

Hatemongers hide.

People telling the truth don't need to hide.

Why are these people trying to hide?

1 comment:

Ann said...

And if they think most people agree with them - hence the vote-- you'd think they would want the publicity.