According to the Keen News Service, “The last polls taken before today’s voting looked mostly promising –maybe even history-making– for LGBT related issues and candidates.” Whether we win or lose at the polls nationally and in states where our freedom to marry has been put up for a vote, we need to gather to support, heal, and prepare for what lies ahead. The Institute for Welcoming Resources at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is convening a post-election virtual ritual on Thursday, November 8 (10 am PST / 11 am MST / Noon CST / 1 pm EST) for all those working for LGBT justice.
In Maine, the latest poll shows 52 percent of voters ready to say Yes to Question 1, which would legalize same-sex marriage in that state. Forty-five percent say they’ll vote No, and three percent say they are undecided. (Public Policy Polling, November 1-2, 1,633 likely voters, margin of error 2.4 points)
The latest polling in Washington State on Referendum 74 is nearly identical: 52 percent say they will approve allowing same-sex marriages, 42 percent will reject, and six percent are undecided. (Public Policy Polling, November 1-3, 932 likely voters, margin of error 3.2 points) If either Maine or Washington measures pass, they will represent the first time a pro-gay position concerning same-sex marriage has won in this country.
In Minnesota, where the question is whether to amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage, Proposed Amendment No. 1 was losing in the latest polling: 52 percent against, 45 percent for, three percent undecided. (Public Policy Polling, November 2-3, of 1,164 likely voters, margin of error 2.9 points) If voters there reject Amendment 1, it will be the second state –out of 32– to do reject an anti-gay measure to ban same-sex marriage. (Arizona voters rejected such an amendment in 2006, but then passed a similar amendment in 2008.)
Ballot Question 6 in Maryland, which would approve the marriage equality law passed by the state legislature this year, appears to have the toughest hurdle going into Tuesdays voting. The Baltimore Sun reported October 27 that the race is a “dead heat,” after holding a 10-point lead a month ago. While voters will choose either Yes or No, the Sun reported 47 percent would vote “illegal,” 46 percent legal, six percent undecided. (Baltimore Sun, October 28, no indication of number polled or margin of error).
Freedom to marry is live-blogging Election Day and linking out to developments from all four of the state campaigns. If you’re on Twitter, use the hashtag #Marriage2012 to keep up with all of the news.
Post-Election Virtual Ritual
The past year and a half, the lives of LGBTQI people and our families have been public fodder for debate, dissection and endless discourse, especially in the states of Washington, Minnesota, Maryland and Maine. Our lives, relationships and communities have also been celebrated, honored and held up as sacred and holy. Whether we win or lose at the polls nationally and in states where our freedom has been put up for a vote, we need to gather to support, heal, and prepare for what lies ahead. So join us for a time of giving thanks for our victories, lamenting the losses, singing, praying and binding up.
Join us for…
A litany read by the faith directors of the four campaigns, personal
reflection and inspiration from different religious and spiritual traditions,
song, silence, and lighting candles of hope and resistance.
A Ritual of Pause, Letting Go, Gratitude and Hope
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Time: 10 am PST / 11 am MST / Noon CST / 1 pm EST
To Participate Online:
Click here or visit www.WelcomingResources.org
To Join the Audio Conference Only:
Call: 650.479.3208; Access Code: 806 776 589