The struggle for ME continues

by: Bill Orr

Fri Feb 19, 2010 at 10:04:28 AM EST

Speaker Oliver talked about the need for resilience on the part of GSE members saying it's just a matter of time for this human rights, civil rights, equality issue. In terms of why the marriage equality bill did not pass the legislature, she spoke of how the matter became framed in the context of religion and how it can be difficult for politicians to vote their gut.  She spoke of other concerns she wants to address: Don't Ask, Don't Tell, ENDA, and school bullying.  Perhaps alluding to looming battles, she said it is important for Democrats "to define ourselves and not allow others to define us."

Senator Ruiz gave a moving, emotional speech of support drawing on personal experience with a relative. Celebrity stars of GSE commercials spoke passionately as did members of the audience.

After the speeches we took to the streets bearing candles and headed to the GSE office for the traditional pizza - a nice ending for a nice day.

The rallies continue tonight (Friday) in Asbury Park and Monday in Trenton where there are two more opportunities to remind the public that New Jersey's separate, unequal and failed civil union law should should be repealed and a new law enacted that provides true marriage equality. It is important to keep this message in people's minds and hearts as even the courts, which will have to respond to GSE's planned litigation, have been known to listen to the public's pulse.