Perception vs. Reality

Eleven states endorsed amendments banning gay marriage in the 2004 elections. Eight of the eleven amendments also banned civil unions. Supporters of the amendment argued that changing the state constitutions was necessary to "protect" traditional marriages from the implied threat of same-sex monogamy. Yet voters showed no such urgency in states where legal recognition of gay unions is a reality, rather than an exaggerated unknown.

The citizens of Massachusetts, for example, nearly a year after the ground-breaking Goodridge decision, showed little apprehension over same-sex marriage at the polls. Much to the contrary, every lawmaker who voted against a proposed gay marriage ban was reelected, despite vows from anti-gay groups to unseat them.

Likewise, exit polls in Vermont, where civil unions are allowed, showed a staggering 77% of voters support legal recognition (civil unions or marriage) for same-sex couples as compared to just 60% of national exit poll respondents.

Kris Mineau, leader of the Massachusetts Family Institute, seized the outcome of the recent elections to criticize same-sex marriage in his state:

Our state is certainly totally out of step with the rest of the nation. Massachusetts residents must be beginning to ask themselves, "How come we're different than the rest of the country?"

Here's a hint, Kris: because myths don't pose a threat to the people who know the truth.