Gay Marriage - Where We Go From Here

In November 2008, the voters of California passed legislation that outlawed same-sex marriage in this state.  That law was immediately fought and today, June 26, 2013, four years and eight months later, it has been put to rest, being found unconstitutional.  Gay marriage is once again legal in California.

One of the reasons for the passage of the original proposition was the influx of money into this state in support of the measure.  One of the largest donors to this movement was the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), more commonly known as "the Mormons."  The Mormons were in favor of this legislation and worked hard to pass it.  While the church officially recognizes donations of less than $200,000, many news sources place LDS money at closer to $20 million.  Added to this was the enormous number of volunteer hours the Mormons put in going door-to-door in favor of this initiative (and who knows better about going door-to-door than the Mormons?).

Putting this in perspective, it must be remembered that in 2008 our state was still being governed by Arnold Schwrzenegger.  "Mismanaged" would probably be a better term.  We were hurting financially and a sudden jolt of cash was just what our state needed.  Along came the Mormons to help out.  We should really be thanking them for their assistance in our time of need.

In fact, we should go even farther to show our appreciation.  Once gay marriages are again being performed in the Golden State, we should make Salt Lake City the gay honeymoon capital of America!  Happily wed gay and lesbian couples should flock to the Beehive State to spread around our money and our unique style of mirth.  After all, fair is fair.

Some newly wed gay couples may have their sites on a less domestic honeymoon site.  There is a solution for those couples as well.  While not as financially affluent as their Mormon counterparts, the Roman Catholics did their part to help pass the proposition.  The Knights of Columbus financially backed the measure and the California Catholic Conference was very vocal in their support.  As a way of saying, "thank you" to those hard-working Catholic men and women who also helped our state, we should make The Vatican our international honeymoon capital of choice.  Just picture all of those angelic gay faces, hand-in-hand strolling through the Vatican Museum, looking at the gorgeous gowns and red Prada shoes worn by Popes of the Past.  The scent of dust mingles with the odor of Axe as one astute young man points to his husband and whispers, "Can you believe she wore that?"

Yes, I believe it is time the gay community give back to those who helped our state in our time of need.  We need to stand proudly and say, "thank you" to the Mormons and the Roman Catholic Church in a way that they will truly understand our meaning.