Repeal Prop H8: it begins. Religious Exemption included.

It's begun. On Thursday, Love Honor Cherish submitted ballot language to repeal Proposition H8 in 2010. The first moves are supported by Yes on Equality , who developed the Get-to-know-us-first campaign. Courage Campaign is working on language as well. Equality CA isn't on board with the timing, but is working on the language, with the idea that we all have to be behind whatever happens.

This amendment would amend an existing section of the California Constitution. Existing language proposed to be deleted is printed in strikeout type. Language proposed to be added is printed in underlined type.

Section 1. To protect religious freedom, no court shall interpret this measure to require any priest, minister, pastor, rabbi, or other person authorized to perform marriages by any religious denomination, church, or other non-profit religious institution to perform any marriage in violation of his or her religious beliefs. The refusal to perform a marriage under this provision shall not be the basis for lawsuit or liability, and shall not affect the tax-exempt status of any religious denomination, church or other religious institution.

Section 2. To provide for fairness in the government’s issuance of marriage licenses, Section 7.5 of Article I of the California Constitution is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 7.5. Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. Marriage is between only two persons and shall not be restricted on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, or religion.

It's begun. What are you gonna do about it?

First suggestion: HELP MAINE. Our case is strengthened if our east coast friends can preserve equality. Get there and protect equality in Maine.

Second suggestion: HELP WASHINGTON. It's not marriage, but the bad guys are attacking like it is. Approve 71.

Third suggestion: COME OUT COME OUT WHEREVER YOU ARE: as a GLBT person, or an ally. Start the conversation, and get started. Join the repeal effort.

Overturn hate.

Cross posted at Street Prophets , Daily Kos, and Gay Married Californian