For lesbian, gay,
bi and trans rights
Socialists denounce
right-wing ballot measures
Workers
World Party candidates Monica Moorehead and Gloria La Riva issued the following
statement in response to the large number of right-wing ballot initiatives of
national significance that are aimed against lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans
people.
Right-wing
groups such as the Christian Coalition and the Coalition for the Protection of
Marriage are waging a state-by-state war against lesbian, gay, bi and trans
people.
Forty-four
states are either considering or have signed into law legislation that denies
same-sex couples the right to marriage and all of its economic and social
benefits.
The
lesbian, gay, bi and trans communities and their supporters are fighting
Initiative 416 in Nebraska, the broadest ballot measure ever introduced against
same-sex marriages. It aims not only to enact a total ban on same-sex marriage
but also to nullify any civil unions or domestic partnerships. This would
include same-sex contracts between family members like mother-daughter
businesses or powers of attorney.
In
addition to these bigoted measures, the right wing is behind many other
initiatives to disallow other rights for lesbian, gay, bi and trans
people.
In
Oregon, activists are battling Ballot Measure 9, which would prohibit any
positive or even neutral mention of homosexuality in the public schools,
including community colleges. The impact of Ballot Measure 9, if passed, would
compound the oppression and violence already faced by lesbian, gay and bisexual
youths. And trans youths of all sexualities would also become targets in many
schools and
communities.
Research
shows that the effects of these initiatives reach far beyond just changing the
law. In communities where these measures are launched--whether successful or
not--anti-gay and anti-trans bashings double, as do racist, sexist and other
bigoted attacks.
As
Workers World Party's presidential and vice-presidential candidates, we offer
our unconditional solidarity to those in the lesbian, gay, bi and trans
communities--from Dade County, Fla. to Las Vegas, Nev. --who have been fighting
these long battles. We can see the results that their hard work has yielded. In
Vermont, civil unions between same-sex couples are now permitted. And in states
like Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, initiatives that support
same-sex marriage are
pending.
As
women and socialists we understand that in a capitalist system such as the U.S.
the state exists to protect private property. The subjugation of women is an
integral part of capitalism. Those who do not conform to traditionally
restrictive, patriarchal nuclear families--strong, independent women and
lesbian, gay, bi and trans people--are a direct threat to the balance of power.
And the prejudice, violence and laws that promote these "family values" are
instruments of class
rule.
As
women of color we share a common enemy with lesbian, gay, bi and trans
people--many of whom also experience sexism and racism. The same forces behind
this bigoted legislation are also pushing back affirmative action in a similar
state-by-state
assault.
Our
response to vicious attacks against oppressed communities is to build a united,
multinational people's movement. The gay liberation movement took to the streets
during the historic Stonewall Rebellion in 1969. And since then the lesbian,
gay, bi and trans movement has continued to demonstrate what we also know: Our
ability to fight the right wing lies in our collective power.
That's
why we are running an activist campaign. It's not about getting the most votes;
it's about building the struggle for liberation.
This article is copyright under a Creative Commons License.
Workers World, 55 W. 17 St., NY, NY 10011
Email: ww@workers.org
Subscribe wwnews-subscribe@workersworld.net
Support independent news http://www.workers.org/orders/donate.php)
HOME :: U.S. NEWS :: WORLD NEWS :: EDITORIALS :: SUBSCRIBE :: DONATE
Email
this article
Printable
page