Thursday, June 14, 2007
The Massachusetts legislature was to vote (has voted as I write this) on whether a constitutional amendment on Gay Marriage should get to the people for a vote. (For the record, I'm agnostic on same-sex marriage -- I'm OK on "Civil Unions," think calling it marriage does damage to the language, and think this essay by Jane Galt is brilliant...but that's beside the point...) It should go to the people for a vote. We already have the most unaccountable, single-party legislature in the country, a legislature which routinely flouts the will of the people and ignores the results of ballot questions. They don't need encouragement. This is far too big and important a societal issue to be subject to the day-to-day business as usual Beacon Hill horse trading. The people should have a say.
Why then is the Jewish Community Relations Council sending out emails encouraging people to call their legislators and tell them to block this amendment from going forward? What the hell does further subverting Massachusetts democracy have to do with their mission? Here's part of the email I got two days ago:
The Jewish Community Relations Council Supports Equal Marriage!
Tell your legislators to vote NO!!
On June 14th, the Legislature will consider a discriminatory Constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. If the amendment gets 50 or more votes, it will go before voters on the 2008 ballot.
We need all supporters of marriage equality to urge their legislators to STOP this anti-marriage amendment in the legislature now.
Please take a moment to call your state legislator explaining why you support marriage equality. Ask them to do everything they can to keep the discriminatory, anti-gay amendment off the ballot.
To find contact information for your legislators please visit: www.wheredoivotema.com
Here's a better idea. Use the link and find out which of your representatives didn't have the courage of their convictions to let the people they supposedly represent vote on this key issue. (It failed to advance.)
Are non-profits permitted to endorse political action of this form?
I don't the issue is as clear cut as you present it, Solomon. Some things shouldn't be voted on. Shall we have a vote on whether I can nab your computer? That would be democratic, right?
I'm actually fairly moderate/conservative on social issues, but I don't agree with the logic of your comment.
We could vote on that. It wouldn't pass, and would be a waste of everyone's time. Theft is a long established legal principal. Everyone understands it - sort of like they thought they understood marriage.
A better comparison would be if a judge and the legislature suddenly decided stealing my computer wasn't theft anymore and then prevented the people from having any say in it.
Non-profits are allowed to do some amount of lobbying, but may not endorse candidates for office.