May 26, 2009
To the LGBT Community,
Today is a sad day in the LGBT community. The California Supreme court decided to uphold Proposition 8, which was passed by 52% of those that voted. The California Supreme court ruled that the majority still have the right to decide how to change the constitution.
We must remain vigilant in our fight for civil rights for all, to come together as a community and continue our fight with dignity, education and purpose. We must educate voters that our family values are no different from theirs; we love our children, respect our spouses, have dreams for the future just like any other couple and family.
We hope that you will reach out with us to the straight community and educate them about who we are. Remember, the longer we choose to stay in the closet the easier it is to minimize us as a group.
40 years ago the Stonewall riots took place are we any better off than we were then? Have we just changed the date on the calendar or have we made strides on the journey to change?
We must work to change the hearts and minds of the voters of California in the next year. We urge you to join us and become part of the educational process. We must fight with dignity and strength if we are to succeed.
Christine Svendsen
President – Pride of Monterey County
