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Forums > Community Forums > General Discussion
Subject: Gay Marriage amendment passes Idaho senate.

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Author Messages
Ted Vanegas
Posts:15
15 Feb 2006 20:52 Alert 
The last couple of years this proposal has been shot down by the more reasonable members of our legislature who view it as divisive and bigoted.  But unfortunately those who support this agenda are persistent, and the pressure on the mostly conservative senate was too much. 
Their argument is that the people should decide, but I find that hypocritical.  These groups want local governance and states rights only when it suits their ideology.  They fight states like Oregon and California that pass medical marijuana and assisted suicide laws, in which the vote was also put to the people. 
Would our legislature allow a proposal to go through that let the people decide if whites could marry non-whites?  Not likely. 
I was really hoping that having Nicole LeFavour as a representative would cause the conservatives in the legislature think twice on this issue.  She puts a face to those that they are trying to descriminate against.  So when they vote to pass this kind of stuff I hope they can look her in eyes. 
Even president Bush has conceded that our society should at least allow civil unions.  The Idaho amendment would grant no such consideration. 
My understanding of the constitution is that it is a contract between the govenment and the people guaranteeing certain rights and protections.  And above all, guaranteeing protection to those in the minority whose rights might fall victim to an oppressive majority.  The constitution should not be used as a political tool to remove right from certain minority groups. 
Whether for or against Gay marriage my hope is that the people of Idaho understand this agreement as well, and will not allow this to pass.  
Jen Grush-Dale
Posts:3
21 Feb 2006 3:46 Alert 
My heart is heavy with the knowledge that our legislature is so bigoted. Like you, Ted, I had hoped that having Rep. LeFavour in the House would help. Not so. I did like Popke's article in Saturday's issue of the Idaho Statesman and it gives me some hope. The younger generations see this for what it is - pure out and out discrimination. All of us who belong to other so-called minority groups (people of color, women, people with disabilities) should be outraged. Instead, we allow the establishment to divide us.
My hope is with the distant future. Our near future doesn't look very bright.
Terry Hansen
Posts:1
16 Mar 2006 5:24 Alert 
What do think about the concept that this amendment wasn't created to protect the sanctity of marriage, but was created solely as a "get out the vote" campaign to motivate ultra-conservatives to the polls this November? Is this a pattern we see each election cycle? I think this issue will backfire on the Republican party as much as House Bill 625 (abortion) did in the 1990 session.
John Thiel
Posts:1
21 Mar 2006 18:02 Alert 
I think you are dead on correct Terry. And fortunately for us supporters of Jim's election it will turn out the voters en masse in the North and East ends of Boise. Moreover I believe that moderate Republicans and independents are repulsed by being saddled with the religious fundamentalists on the right making a response by this key portion of the electorate luke warm at best. The cynicism behind the ploy is obvious to the informed voter and will be a non starter. If it does backfire, it won't be renewed, just like the Republicans backed off the abortion debate after getting soundly trounced when the state legislature tried to restrict a woman's access to her doctor. As Butch Otter at least realizes to some extent Idahoans do not appreciate government intruding in their personal lives.
Ted Vanegas
Posts:15
23 Mar 2006 16:01 Alert 
I think there is some truth there.  And that was a tactic used well by conservatives in the 2004 presidential election.  Here in Idaho I don't think Republicans feel that threatened by Democrats at this time, instead there is a civil war of sorts going on between the conservative wing and the moderates in the Republican party.  I really think the moderates are beginning to feel the heat on this and may feel they are losing ground.  I have heard a couple of moderate Republicans sheepishly say that it may be up to the Democrats to provide the moderate voice for Idahoans in the future.  I think the Democrats have a real opportunity here to take advantage of this growing sentiment. 
Bonnie Douglas
Posts:1
24 Mar 2006 22:57 Alert 
RE: the proposed amendment defining marriage: About the only thing that might speak to our special interest groups in this state will be threats to boycott Idaho for conventions, to boycott Idaho potatoes by New York restaurants, etc. if this passes. If I was in the tourist industry I would not be happy that the next seven months of local newspapers will be full of of letters discussing this.
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Forums > Community Forums > General Discussion > Gay Marriage amendment passes Idaho senate.


  

 
 
 
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