Is it Better to Fight for Civil Unions, For Now?

Many berate me anytime I suggest that the successful “everything but marriage” campaign in the state of Washington may be a short-term blueprint for how our community should move forward on marriage equality. Of course, I try to explain that I believe in true marriage equality, but I also understand that “oatmeal is better than no meal.”

Given the current American voter climate of “throw the bums out,” it’s likely that the Democratic majority in Congress, and in state legislatures, will be significantly reduced or (god forbid) eliminated. As we continue our fight toward marriage equality, we should pursue interim steps that will ensure success in the new political environment.

Many marriage activists explain to me how separate but equal can never be equal. Separate but equal conjures up the vision of “colored” facilities that were hardly equal to those offered to whites. During segregation, separate but equal was a misnomer. However, because the concept was not effectively implemented does not mean that the concept is patently bad when applied to appropriate situations. Racial segregation was not an appropriate situation. Today, most of us experience separate but equal everyday in America and throughout the world. No, I am not talking about havens of prejudice or bigotry. Think about it, where do you experience separate but equal in your every day life?

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