FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Equality California Recommends Returning to Ballot in 2012 to Win Marriage Back for Same-Sex CouplesEQCA: "Waiting indefinitely to restore the freedom to marry is not an option" "Equality California is fiercely determined to win marriage back in 2012 with an aggressive campaign to change the hearts and minds of hundreds of thousands of California voters, hand-in-hand with our coalition partners, grassroots activists, allies and volunteers," said Marc Solomon, EQCA marriage director. "For us, waiting has never been a possibility. We've already talked to thousands of voters across the state. The real issue has been whether it will take 15 months or 39 months to change enough hearts and minds so that future generations of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Californians never have to fight again at the ballot box for their basic humanity." EQCA arrived at its position after carefully considering input from vital stakeholders: LGBT community members, grassroots organizers, leaders in communities of color and faith, donors and coalition partners, as well as political strategists. It also conducted in-depth analysis of turnout models, polling and fundraising. Key factors that led to the decision include the belief of leaders in communities of color that moving likely voters in their respective communities requires more time, as well as the enormous challenge of raising the $40 to $50 million dollars needed to run an effective campaign during one of the nation's worst recessions. "Waiting indefinitely to return to the ballot is not an option, but we must be strategic in selecting the election that gives us the best opportunity to permanently secure the freedom to marry. For the first time in our state's history, our community will determine the timing of an election for our equality instead of having to defend ourselves at an election chosen by our opponents," said Geoff Kors, executive director of EQCA. "Equality California is committed to working with every organization regardless of their position on when to return to the ballot to ensure that we work in a coordinated and unified way," Kors said. Equality California has already begun the critical work of talking to voters across the state with tremendous results. Since launching its "Win Marriage Back: Make it Real," effort in May -- a mobilization campaign with on-the-ground organizers, door-to-door canvassing, and outreach in communities of color and faith - the campaign has:
"We look forward to growing our partnerships with Latino, African-American, API and faith community leaders who have been advancing equality for LGBT people in their respective communities for years," said Andrea Shorter, EQCA's deputy marriage and coalitions director. "We we must continue to share our stories with our neighbors, family and friends. We know that with our absolute dedication and unity, same-sex couples will once again enjoy equality under the law." Equality California will continue soliciting feedback from community members and will hold a virtual town hall via livestream moderated by Bay Area Reporter Editor Cynthia Laird on Thursday, August 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. PDT. To join the town hall, visit http://www.livestream.com/equalitycalifornia at that time. -30- |
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