Well, this is a new twist, using this in an ad. I've read several things where GLBT individuals oppose gay marriage in spirit, even where some of them still support the legality aspects.

It really sucks that they're actually taking a public stance to *OPPOSE* marriage.

However, from my perspective, it's even more unfortunate that movements for GLBTQ liberation / rights have focused so much time and energy recently on the divisive issue of "marriage." After all, "marriage" laws only serve to benefit those of us Queers who are primarily involved in 2-person relationships. Although this may fit the bill for many, maybe even most, GLBTQ folks, it certainly does not benefit ALL of us. What about those of us who are polyamorous, or anti-assimilationist Queers who don't fit into mainstream, dominant cultural values like 2-person relationships.

I myself am strongly opposed to the Federal Marriage Amendment because of the disastrous consequences it could wreck. But i personally do not lend my energy to "support" or endorsement for same-sex "marriage." I'm not "opposed" to marriage. But these days, either/or thinking has so pervaded most Gay rights groups that if you say you're not 100% behind 2-person gender-blind marriage than it's as if there's something wrong with you.

It amazes me how support for what was once seen as a Gay neo-conservative platform endorsing marriage has become a kind of litmus test as to whether or not one truly supports GLBTQ "equal rights." Some GLBTQ activists come across as Gay fundamentalists in their overzealous support of marriage as a panacea or unqualified good. Those of us who favor
GLBT Queer liberation would be wise to critique and challenge the heterosexism and misogyny underlying the institution of marriage and seek to transform gender inequality as part of our becoming included in the legal defintion of "marriage." Otherwise, it becomes the ultimate in assimilationism, trying to fit in without working to change the dominant, heterosexist culture.

Besides, we would do better to focus more of our efforts on legislation that would benefit ALL GLBTQ people: namely legislation which prohibits discrimination in employment,. housing etc... on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Also, passing hate crimes legislation is a more important issue in my eyes than "marriage". Once, these rights, which serve to benefit all GLBTQ folks, not just those in 2-person relationships, are in place, there would likely be more social tolerance and acceptance for Queers and a better chance at getting gender-blind marriage laws passed. As it stands now, all the media attention created by so many same-sex marriages taking place before the majority of Americans are ready appears to be creating a backlash which could actually result in the passage of the Federal Marriage Amendment sometime next year. After all, isn't it close to 40 states now with laws that define "marriage" as exclusively the union of one man and one woman?? All it takes is 36 states to ratify the FMA to make it part of the Constitution.

And for all you Kerry/Edwards supporters out there, do you all really think that Kerry, once elected, is above changing his mind and supporting the Federal Marriage Amendment?? Does anybody remember Clinton's promises to GLBTQ folks which he abandoned after being elected??