Tyranny of the majority
Editor’s Note: You can read more Jami Floyd blogs on “In Session.”
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Jami Floyd
AC360° Contributor
In Session Anchor
Today, the California Supreme Court heard arguments on whether to overturn Proposition 8, the state initiative that outlawed gay marriage last November.
Gay marriage is one of those polarizing issues in American life — like abortion and gun control. People stake out a position and they don’t want to hear what anyone on the other side has to say. But I am here to tell you that, even if you are opposed to gay marriage, even if you voted for Prop 8, you want to listen up; because this case isn’t just about gay marriage. It’s much bigger than that.
This case is about the civil rights of all Californians, and by extension, all Americans. With the ban on gay marriage, California did something that no other state in the history of this country has done: It took away an already established civil right. Imagine someone suddenly telling you your marriage is no longer valid – for whatever reason.
I have said before that Prop 8 was mean-spirited and it was. But more to the point, it was unprecedented. And it’s not the kind of precedent we want in America. This country was founded on the principal that the majority, well intentioned or not can’t simply erase the rights of the minority. That’s just plain un-American.
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Filed under: 360º Follow • In Session • Jami Floyd • Proposition 8 |
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Tyranny of the Majority is exactly right.
All it comes down to is this: The Right of the Individual trumps the Right of the People. Always.
But listening to part of the hearing today, I think they will not annul the already married, but will allow the amendment, with the caveat that the SSC could direct the Legislature to amend the wording in the Law to "Civil Union" for all Californians
When will they reach a decision on this? What is involved?
As a Californian, I was shocked when Prop 8 passed. I hope it is overturned.
Prop 8 truly is un-American and I hope what voters did to pass it gets overturned.