Slog
News & ArtsThursday, September 17, 2009
Homo A Tale of Two Yard Signs
Posted by Dominic Holden on Thu, Sep 17, 2009 at 1:24 PM
The pro-gay lobby has this one:
And the anti-gay lobby has this one:
Discuss.
2
one of these looks different from the other...
one of these makes the other here..
hey does anybody know when Megan Fox put that pretty little mark on her wrist?
one of these makes the other here..
hey does anybody know when Megan Fox put that pretty little mark on her wrist?
3
Ugh. It's not marriage, it's domestic partnerships. You'd think the right could get that part right.
That said, at least the Rejects make the issue clear on their signage. The Approvers don't totally make it clear what's at stake, and could lose critical votes if only because their signage is bad.
That said, at least the Rejects make the issue clear on their signage. The Approvers don't totally make it clear what's at stake, and could lose critical votes if only because their signage is bad.
4
the green one is boring- the checkmark/v is so lame. it looks generic, but mostly really really boring. (i thought gays were supposed to be creative...)
the black and white one looks stark- the family looks in danger. It makes me afraid for the future.
the black and white one looks stark- the family looks in danger. It makes me afraid for the future.
5
Referendum 71
Ballot Title
Statement of Subject: The legislature passed Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5688 concerning rights and responsibilities of state-registered domestic partners [and voters have filed a sufficient referendum petition on this bill].
Concise Description: This bill would expand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations accorded state-registered same-sex and senior domestic partners to be equivalent to those of married spouses, except that a domestic partnership is not a marriage.
Should this bill be: Approved ___ Rejected ___
Ballot Measure Summary
Same-sex couples, or any couple that includes one person age sixty-two or older, may register as a domestic partnership with the state. Registered domestic partnerships are not marriages, and marriage is prohibited except between one man and one woman. This bill would expand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of registered domestic partners and their families to include all rights, responsibilities, and obligations granted by or imposed by state law on married couples and their families.
Ballot Title
Statement of Subject: The legislature passed Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5688 concerning rights and responsibilities of state-registered domestic partners [and voters have filed a sufficient referendum petition on this bill].
Concise Description: This bill would expand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations accorded state-registered same-sex and senior domestic partners to be equivalent to those of married spouses, except that a domestic partnership is not a marriage.
Should this bill be: Approved ___ Rejected ___
Ballot Measure Summary
Same-sex couples, or any couple that includes one person age sixty-two or older, may register as a domestic partnership with the state. Registered domestic partnerships are not marriages, and marriage is prohibited except between one man and one woman. This bill would expand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of registered domestic partners and their families to include all rights, responsibilities, and obligations granted by or imposed by state law on married couples and their families.
6
Wel, golllly. They always done said I waz a re-ject so I guess I go right ahead and vote re-JECT. By gum.
7
1
everyone involved made it clear domestic partnership was just a step to marriage. don't blame the other side for taking you at your word. your arrogance is your greatest weakness. next to your stupidity. and after your perversion and deviancy. and the disgusting ickiness.
everyone involved made it clear domestic partnership was just a step to marriage. don't blame the other side for taking you at your word. your arrogance is your greatest weakness. next to your stupidity. and after your perversion and deviancy. and the disgusting ickiness.
9
I want a yard sing that says: Protect Washington's Families, Approve... and the rest of the sign as it is.
10
Sigh. They can't argue their point on the real issue, they must lie instead. That's the problem with bigotry, there is no honest integrity filled justification that can be found for it.
12
I think some could also read the second sign as saying:
REJECT the concept of MARRIAGE=ONE MAN, ONE WOMAN
In which case, they might vote to APPROVE that concept by checking the "Approve" box.
REJECT the concept of MARRIAGE=ONE MAN, ONE WOMAN
In which case, they might vote to APPROVE that concept by checking the "Approve" box.
13
The Approve Referendum 71 should include a picture of a happy family, too. Notice how the Reject has an X and the Approve has a CHECK? Don't we actually fill in the box, anyway?
And the J in Reject looks like it's reaching under to tickle E's bottom.
I don't appreciate how the Reject hijacks the = sign.
And the J in Reject looks like it's reaching under to tickle E's bottom.
I don't appreciate how the Reject hijacks the = sign.
14
I wonder if the Approve sign shouldn't also say marriage=one man+one woman, since R-71 doesn't dispute that.
15
"Hijacks the = sign"? I'm pretty sure the = sign had meaning before it started being used by HRC et al.
16
The way my eyes went, I saw: REJECT Marriage. Even after I read the rest of it, I was left with a negative vibe. The "Approve" sign, even with the cliché checkmark/v, is so much more inviting! If I were to vote on this measure based solely upon these signs, I would totally vote to approve.
17
#9 gets it. Why do the good guys always play softball on these things? Prop. 8 might have actually passed had they brought the same unscrupulous game to the fight.
The approve sign is nicely done, however.
The approve sign is nicely done, however.
19
10
what is the real issue?
have sponsors not said that domestic partnership is just a waystop on the way to gay marriage?
do you not believe them?
the right does.
by so stating proponents of marriage/partnership alienate those who support domestic partnership but oppose gay marriage.
it was an arrogant and short-sighted tactic and did a lot to bring us to this point.
in WW2 America defended it's freedom in France and on Pacific islands and didn't wait for the Nazis and Japanese to land on our shores.
similarly the right is defending marriage by trying to repeal partnership.
it is a totally logical and prudent strategy.
no lying is involved.
are you unable to see that or is it just so much more fun to call names and feel morally superior than to face the issue at hand?
what is the real issue?
have sponsors not said that domestic partnership is just a waystop on the way to gay marriage?
do you not believe them?
the right does.
by so stating proponents of marriage/partnership alienate those who support domestic partnership but oppose gay marriage.
it was an arrogant and short-sighted tactic and did a lot to bring us to this point.
in WW2 America defended it's freedom in France and on Pacific islands and didn't wait for the Nazis and Japanese to land on our shores.
similarly the right is defending marriage by trying to repeal partnership.
it is a totally logical and prudent strategy.
no lying is involved.
are you unable to see that or is it just so much more fun to call names and feel morally superior than to face the issue at hand?
20
From an advocacy marketing perspective, WAFST wins. Use of uplifting colors (and coincidentally WA state's signature colors) versus an offensive and almost irresponsibly busy sign that seems almost non-sequitur.
21
As much as I like "Protect Washington's Families, Approve R-71" or "Approve R-71 - Think of the CHILDREN!" my favorite continues to be "Approve R-71 - Mark 12:17", perhaps with some christian iconography.
23
When the DP bill originally passed in April '07, Josh quoted Ed Murray: "We'll come back with another bill next year with another set of rights, and we'll keep doing it until we reach marriage equality."
http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Conte…
How exactly is it lying for them to take him at his word and use it as bigot-inflaming ammo? Who didn't see that coming?
http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Conte…
How exactly is it lying for them to take him at his word and use it as bigot-inflaming ammo? Who didn't see that coming?
25
@18 - Ah, I was hoping for sarcasm, but yes, it is lost in blogs, and also my sarcasm-sense has waned significantly since I moved to Seattle. Sorry!
26
The sooner we can post the names, addresses, and signatures of those who signed the petition, the sooner we can have a real discussion.
But hate is something people have inside them, even when they cloak it in polite words and code phrases, thinking you don't know what they mean.
But hate is something people have inside them, even when they cloak it in polite words and code phrases, thinking you don't know what they mean.
28
@26 Will, I hate to be a pessimist, but I don't think discussion will persuade anyone. Even when you approach them with their own words, they will not be swayed. You can show them where in the Bible it says their rejection of equal rights is wrong, you can show them studies of how kids raised by gay parents fare no differently than those raised in “traditional” homes, you can introduce them to gay families… it will make little difference to most of these people.
29
The silhouetted family is creepy, like they're about to eat brains.
Also, notice the woman is turning towards her man submissively. Very traditional.
Also, notice the woman is turning towards her man submissively. Very traditional.
30
Aside from the blatant lie, their sign is just so negative. I hope the voters of WA see right through it.
33
@29 That was the first thing I notice too. The mans legs are wide apart, like a karate stance, and the woman is sort of awkwardly shifting her weight, clearly not strong and defensive like the man, or maybe that she's turned towards him. I really don't think it takes too much reading into to see that.
34
TO ALL CONCERN -
The most current version of the poster for the Approve - that word Preserve has been Changed to Keep .... Keep is more common, says the law exists, action sounding, a bit more aggressive, etc...... and preserve = granny's jam.
All the 15,000 SGN posters used the new wording.
FYI. George
The most current version of the poster for the Approve - that word Preserve has been Changed to Keep .... Keep is more common, says the law exists, action sounding, a bit more aggressive, etc...... and preserve = granny's jam.
All the 15,000 SGN posters used the new wording.
FYI. George
37
@32: My shirt is covered with coffee and I'm sure I came quite close to drowning as my nasal cavity filled with tempest blend.
38
The reject sign has an even smaller font for "71" than the first one... which is good.
And yeah, I agree that the Reject sign is really snotty and negative... better than a neutral Rossi-esque sign.
And yeah, I agree that the Reject sign is really snotty and negative... better than a neutral Rossi-esque sign.
39
Seattle LGBT Equality Weekend October 10 – 11, 2009
Seattle OUTProtest has brought together a grassroots coalition of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and straight people and organizations to organize a series of solidarity events to coincide with the National March for Equality this October.
March and Rally
Forty years after the Stonewall Rebellion, we march in solidarity with our brothers and sisters and allies in Washington, DC to demand equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states and to show our public support for the Approval of Referendum 71 here in Washington state.
Sunday, October 11
2:00 pm: Volunteer Park, 10th Ave E & E Prospect
5:00 pm: Rally, Federal Courthouse, 7th & Stewart
Thinking Queerly: Community Workshops on LGBT Issues
Community organizers and activists will present a series of workshops on a range of issues affecting the lgbt community including Stonewall and lgbt movement history, homelessness, hate crimes and self defense, lgbt health, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, lgbt legal issues, Gay-Straight Alliances, marriage equality, and more.
Saturday, October 10
9:30 am to 5 pm
Piggot Auditorium, Seattle University
HIV/AIDS Vigil
As the AIDS pandemic nears its fourth decade, we gather to educate and raise awareness about the continued struggles of people living with HIV/AIDS and their families, friends, and support networks as well as to demand all resources and all funding necessary for prevention, treatment, and a cure.
Saturday, October 10
Starting at 6 pm
Seattle Central Community College South Plaza, Broadway & E Pine
Generation Q Mega Mixer
Come mingle and mix with seasoned leaders and activists of the GLBTQ community at the Generation Q Mega Mixer. Young leaders (25 and under please) will have the opportunity to socialize, learn from, and quite possibly have a dance off with some of the community's most inspiring members in a relaxed social environment.
Sunday, October 11
6:30 pm
Sole Repair Shop, 1001 E Pike
Seattle LGBT Equality Weekend March & Rally
http://nationalmarch.seattleoutprotest.o…
Get involved with one of our planning committees! Contact for more time and details:
March/Rally Committee, March@seattleoutprotest.org
Workshops Committee, Workshops@seattleoutprotest.org
Outreach Committee, Outreach@seattleoutprotest.org
Mixer Committee, Mixer@seattleoutprotest.org
HIV/AIDS Vigil Committee, Vigil@seattleoutprotest.org
Biweekly General Organizing Meetings, please contact whitney@seattleoutprotest.org for time and location.
National Equality March: Equality Across America
www.equalityacrossamerica.org
Approve Referendum 71
Keep the Domestic Partnership Law
More...
Seattle OUTProtest has brought together a grassroots coalition of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and straight people and organizations to organize a series of solidarity events to coincide with the National March for Equality this October.
March and Rally
Forty years after the Stonewall Rebellion, we march in solidarity with our brothers and sisters and allies in Washington, DC to demand equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states and to show our public support for the Approval of Referendum 71 here in Washington state.
Sunday, October 11
2:00 pm: Volunteer Park, 10th Ave E & E Prospect
5:00 pm: Rally, Federal Courthouse, 7th & Stewart
Thinking Queerly: Community Workshops on LGBT Issues
Community organizers and activists will present a series of workshops on a range of issues affecting the lgbt community including Stonewall and lgbt movement history, homelessness, hate crimes and self defense, lgbt health, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, lgbt legal issues, Gay-Straight Alliances, marriage equality, and more.
Saturday, October 10
9:30 am to 5 pm
Piggot Auditorium, Seattle University
HIV/AIDS Vigil
As the AIDS pandemic nears its fourth decade, we gather to educate and raise awareness about the continued struggles of people living with HIV/AIDS and their families, friends, and support networks as well as to demand all resources and all funding necessary for prevention, treatment, and a cure.
Saturday, October 10
Starting at 6 pm
Seattle Central Community College South Plaza, Broadway & E Pine
Generation Q Mega Mixer
Come mingle and mix with seasoned leaders and activists of the GLBTQ community at the Generation Q Mega Mixer. Young leaders (25 and under please) will have the opportunity to socialize, learn from, and quite possibly have a dance off with some of the community's most inspiring members in a relaxed social environment.
Sunday, October 11
6:30 pm
Sole Repair Shop, 1001 E Pike
Seattle LGBT Equality Weekend March & Rally
http://nationalmarch.seattleoutprotest.o…
Get involved with one of our planning committees! Contact for more time and details:
March/Rally Committee, March@seattleoutprotest.org
Workshops Committee, Workshops@seattleoutprotest.org
Outreach Committee, Outreach@seattleoutprotest.org
Mixer Committee, Mixer@seattleoutprotest.org
HIV/AIDS Vigil Committee, Vigil@seattleoutprotest.org
Biweekly General Organizing Meetings, please contact whitney@seattleoutprotest.org for time and location.
National Equality March: Equality Across America
www.equalityacrossamerica.org
Approve Referendum 71
Keep the Domestic Partnership Law
40
The woman is wearing a dress - but not the kind indicated on women's restroom signs - more like a jumper - but just femme enough so you don't think it's just a short guy with Mary Travers hair. Walking toward their uncertain, albeit white, gayless future. How charming... How MGM... How fraudulent...
41
@12 - Exactly. Reject Marriage!
I'd thought the Approve 71 sign was far too softball when it first came out, but next to the oppo's literature, it looks classy.
I'd thought the Approve 71 sign was far too softball when it first came out, but next to the oppo's literature, it looks classy.
42
Funny how Oregon Gary, Thrice-married Larry and their minions claim to just be taking Murry et all at their word as their basis for their lying campaign, when all spring Oregon Gary was accusing Murry et all of lying about their true intent being legalization of same sex marriage.
Not to mention the fact that such an argument doesn't hold water. If you are against marriage equality, but OK with domestic partnerships granting rights - cause you're not a bigot,right?- wouldn't the logical course of action be to support SB 5668, but fight to repeal any subsequent legislation granting full marriage equality? Then again, this assumes that Oregon Gary and Thrice-married Larry are susceptible to logic and not bigots. Two things I find very doubtful.
Not to mention the fact that such an argument doesn't hold water. If you are against marriage equality, but OK with domestic partnerships granting rights - cause you're not a bigot,right?- wouldn't the logical course of action be to support SB 5668, but fight to repeal any subsequent legislation granting full marriage equality? Then again, this assumes that Oregon Gary and Thrice-married Larry are susceptible to logic and not bigots. Two things I find very doubtful.
44
Oh yeah, and why the hell doesn't WaFST's sign say PROTECT FAMILIES in great big letters? Since unlike for their opponents it is actually true!
45
You can get an approve referendum 71 campaign yard sign of your very own right here:
http://www.cafepress.com/approve71
They make great gifts!
http://www.cafepress.com/approve71
They make great gifts!
46
I see a problem: silhouettes of people in the anti sign, no people in the pro sign. Is this going to wind up like Prop 8, where the pro-gay side is too chickenshit to show actual gay families? Are we going to lose YET ANOTHER ONE?? Oh well, candlelight vigils are a good place to hook up...
47
It most definitely reads as REJECT Marriage to me. I'm sorry they feel their marriages are rejects. Mine is just fine, even with Teh Gayz going and muddling the definition and all.
48
Why don't the gays get in on the "family holding hands" imagery? It seems to be devastatingly effective.
50
It would be so much more effective and just as truthful if the Reject campaign slogan was
Don't let the Government allow fags to infect your children with AIDS!
REJECT I-71
51
If APPROVE R71 wants to take the moral high ground and stick to the D.P. line, kiss the election victory good bye. If APPROVE R71 wants to win the election they will have to come out fighting with a strong right punch, i.e. and as others have stated with lines such as the following:
"SAVE WASHINGTON'S CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND VALUES APPROVE R-71".
At this point it looks like the Moral High Ground is being taken.
The radical religious extremists have already framed the debate, YES they have. The question now is whether one wishes to enter the arena and fight to win or not. Fighting is not pretty and there is no "Moral High Ground" in a fight.
"SAVE WASHINGTON'S CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND VALUES APPROVE R-71".
At this point it looks like the Moral High Ground is being taken.
The radical religious extremists have already framed the debate, YES they have. The question now is whether one wishes to enter the arena and fight to win or not. Fighting is not pretty and there is no "Moral High Ground" in a fight.
52
How about we just mess with them and have a bunch of signs made up that look just like their signs, but have a big "Approve" instead of "Reject"?
After all, it would be true. SB-5688 keeps the definition of marriage as "one man, one woman"
After all, it would be true. SB-5688 keeps the definition of marriage as "one man, one woman"
53
Ref 71 is one step to legalizing gay marriage? Even tho it extends domestic partnership benefits for heterosexual couples, who are 3 out of 4 who apply for it? Right.
With or w/o gay marriage, Ref 71 provides legal benefits to those who want an alternative relationship with out all the social connotations of being married. Rejecting it only hurts them, it will never stop the tide of LGBT rights.
With or w/o gay marriage, Ref 71 provides legal benefits to those who want an alternative relationship with out all the social connotations of being married. Rejecting it only hurts them, it will never stop the tide of LGBT rights.
54
I'm amazed only one right wing troll has shown up here, but it's good s(he) reminds us that we can get smug and complacent and lose. So (SIGH) get out your paypal and click away -- I just did. Notice the trolls, whenever they appear, never explain HOW gay partnerships or even marriage will destroy marriage. I mean did all these white folks just marry people of the opp gender because they thought they couldn't marry someone of their gender? Marriage for marriage's sake?
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