The following images were shot at two Proposition 8 protests in Los Angeles, California in 2008 and 2009.
Below: November 2008, just after general election in which Proposition 8 passed as a Constitutional Amendment in California.
Proposition 8 reads that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."
Sexuality and gender can be very ambiguous concepts. I am not worried about the sexual orientation of the people who teach our children or protect our country. It is not of my business. This power does not belong in the hands of legislators or religious leaders, though their hateful language persists. As our government is based on a democratic system, we voters must evaluate our motivation of thought.
How we treat one another is crucial - we are all connected.
We cannot afford to turn away good leaders because of sexual orientation. We cannot afford to deny an orphaned or homeless child a home due to sexual orientation of the potential parents. When will we as a society embrace content of character, rather than skin tone, gender, or sexual orientation?
Anyone who has voted against same-sex marriage has done so based on some level of fear. And I wonder if these people have ever enjoyed a friendship with someone of sexual orientation different than their own. If they had, they might recognize that THEY are just like US.
It is the hope of many that these basic civil rights are soon recognized all over the United States. It is in the interest of ALL. Here's to hoping in 2010.
Below: Images shot in May 2009 on the day the California Supreme Court ruled to uphold Proposition 8.
At Left: Daniel Choi
Photos: Dan Warner
