Author: Charlotte Strauss Swanson
On Tuesday night, as the results for our new president rolled in, so too, did the votes on the California propositions. Fortunately, according to mercurynews.com, Proposition 4 failed – with 52.4% of voters opposed to its passing. Still, it was a tight race. The other 48% of voters supporting limitations on abortion rights may pose concerns for women throughout California. Although this was a win for the pro-choice movement, it is important to keep an eye out for the future, and keep up the fight to protect a woman’s right to choose.
On a more upsetting note, Proposition 8, also called Proposition H8te, banning gay marriage, has been passed. Although expected, gay marriage bans were also passed in Florida and Arizona, and in Arkansas unmarried couples no longer have adoption rights. California, however, was seen as a guiding light, a leader in the fight for gay rights.
In what many consider to be a blue, liberal state, why has gay marriage been illegalized yet again? Honestly, even the Terminator voted against it. Some say that many religious voters in California were active at the polls, and voted for the proposition. It should also not be overlooked that there are many pockets of right-wing conservatives living in California. Others simply were not aware of the proposition and its meaning. Whatever the reason, it is clear that there is work to be done.
Since the Court ruling in May, stating that gay marriage was legal, 18,000 couples in California have been married. The fate of these couples is now undecided. Fortunately, since the results have come in, there have been mass protests, and there is an appeal to the proposition in court.
The same spirit that was shown before the elections must continue even after the results have come in, and it has. Oxy’s phone-banks and rallies were successful; students were aware and from what I heard, voted no. This same and effective effort has continued even after the election. Although many are relieved because of the positive outcomes of the presidential elections, the fight for equality remains crucial. There are still more battles to be fought. No 8! No Hate!
Charlotte Strauss-Swanson is an undeclared first-year. She can be reached at straussswanson@oxy.edu.
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