For the LGBT community at large, there is much to be happy about these days, particularly where same-sex marriage is concerned. It’s currently legal for gays and lesbians to be married in 37 states (and the District of Columbia). Raise the rainbow flag and celebrate.
While it’s still illegal to perform same-sex unions in the remaining 13 states, the tide is obviously turning. Even as the country waits for a decision on the subject from the US Supreme Court, the public is becoming increasing vocal about its own acceptance of gay marriage.
A new poll commissioned by the Human Rights Campaign from the Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Organization, suggests that 60 percent of likely voters are now in support of marriage equality, with a majority in favor in even the most conservative states. Previously, the record high was 56 percent.
There has been growth in acceptance for same-sex couples in traditionally conservative groups as well. Among them: 66 percent among Catholics, 48 percent among seniors, and 35 percent among Republicans.
Interestingly, the poll also found that 46 percent of people now know a gay couple who are married, keeping pace with the dramatic expansion of same-sex marriage in 2014 across the country.
Fred Sainz, Vice President for Communications at the Human Rights Campaign, said: “This poll is another conclusive sign that support for marriage equality and LGBT people overall continues to grow.
“The reality is that eight out of ten Americans now know someone who is LGBT and nearly half of our country knows an LGBT person who is married or in a committed relationship.
“The violent rhetoric of some of the so-called leaders in the dwindling anti-marriage minority leave them isolated and out touch, even with voters who otherwise support traditional definitions of marriage.”
That does not, however, mean the fight is over. Conservatives continue to explore ways to interrupt the flow of popular acceptance, and not always by legal means.
In 2014 in Houston, Texas, antigay activists forged signatures on petitions to repeal the city’s equal rights law.
Last July, anti-equality activists submitted boxes containing petitions signed by nearly 31,000 signatures in an effort to block a planned LGBT equality law. The required number of signatures under law is 17,269 for the matter to be put to a public vote.
After examination of the signatures, however, Houston City Attorney Dave Feldman announced that so many were invalid or obviously false that the recall petition fell well below the threshold.
After a long legal process, and nearly a week of deliberations, the jury in the case has delivered a mixed verdict – finding that 12 of the petition’s circulators submitted sheets that contained forgery and other flaws.
Houston Mayor Annise Parker said: “I am very pleased with the jury’s verdict, and I expect the court will apply the law to the verdict and issue a final judgment confirming that the petition failed.
“The City of Houston has had in place for over 100 years the same rules and legal requirements governing the referendum process to ensure fairness and avoid fraud, and the jury’s verdict confirms that the petitions did not meet the legal requirements.
“The plaintiffs are expected to appeal any outcome that is not in their favor. That would be unfortunate for the City.
“I believe that the majority of Houston wants this divisive fight to be over so that we are able to provide equal rights protections for all of our residents. The City is confident it will prevail.”
Regardless, an appellate court will likely decide this case. Meanwhile, the snowball toward equality continues to roll. Yes, there is much to be happy about these days…. Until next week…
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