Daily Editorial

Defeating Prop. 8 requires coming together

"....The numbers that really matter are the ones that shine light on how far LGBT rights have come in the past two decades. Just 20 years ago, gay marriage didn’t seem like a viable option for many members of the LGBT community. In recent years, when marriage propositions similar to Prop. 8 were put forth, they passed with overwhelming support. In 2000, when Prop. 22 imposed a statutory ban on gay marriage in California, the measure won by a 22-point margin.

We have come a long way in such a short amount of time. The 48 percent of the voting population who opposed a ban on gay marriage are an inspiration. Rhetoric stating that we have set the movement back 20 years belittles what progress we have made. Unfortunately, change does not come overnight in America, and as we have learned from President-elect Barack Obama, “We have more work to do.” At this rate, we can expect and hope that Prop. 8 will be an outdated and out-of-touch measure 20 years from now.

Rallies like the one in the Intersection of Death following the election are steps in the right direction. They continue to inspire students and help those who opposed Prop. 8 remember that the battle is not over. Prop. 8 opponents must continue to energize people who continue to stand for equality, while also working with those who supported Prop. 8. If you are unhappy with the results of this year’s election, plug yourself into the cause as the Stanford community continues to do its part to raise awareness, end apathy and push forward with the legislative fight.

Prop. 8 is not the end of the road; it is just another hurdle in the journey towards equality. We should keep our heads up, reach out to each other and continue building a better, more equal, California."