Prop 8 - Pins and Needles?

Any minute now a decision is expected on Proposition 8, or at least the decision to it's constitutionality.  Though this is a state law in California it has definite implications for us here in Texas.  No, I don't expect Texas to allow same-sex marriage anytime soon, but I do see the California law as a bellwether.

If the judge overturns the proposition, I expect California may take it to the Supreme Court and with the current court configuration I have my doubts as to whether it would stand the conservative majority there.  If it is not overturned, I suspect it will energize both the left and right.  The left will see it as another reason to push even harder for federal protections and the right will use it as a rallying cry to try similar laws in other states.

Either way, will it have any lasting impact on the lives of LGBT people in Texas and more immediately Dallas?  Maybe.  It could motivate the community to action.  Though there has been some activism of late, it pales in comparison to the initial Gay Rights movement in the 70's.  A lot of work was done for the national elections and I feel many people figured once we had a Democrat in the White House everything would be hunky-dory.  As I have stated before, I don't believe that, but I do believe at least we have a sympathetic ear in the executive branch.  That means the work done by local and state activists cannot let up.

Whatever the ruling is, one thing is for sure.  There is still a lot more work to do to make our country a place of equality for LGBT citizens and that will not be handed down in a single court case.  If you believe that, look at how the Civil Rights movement has still had to work even long after the laws were changed.  It will be a long road, but it will be highlighted with many successes, a few failures but ultimately we will win.

As Martin Luther King said, "the arc of history is long, but it bends toward justice."