Victory over Prop 8: The struggle for equality continues
March for marriage equality, San Francisco, Aug. 4
Photo: Bill Hackwell
Statement of the Carlos Alvarez for Governor Campaign
Carlos Alvarez, candidate of the Party for Socialism and
Liberation, is running for governor of California on the Peace and
Freedom Party ticket. Alvarez became the Peace and Freedom Party nominee
as a result of winning that party’s June 8 primary. The multi-tendency
Peace and Freedom Party is the only ballot-qualified socialist party in
California. For more information on the Carlos Alvarez campaign, click here and here
Peace and Freedom Candidate for Governor of California Carlos Alvarez
joins the LGBT community in celebrating the Federal Court decision that
overturned Proposition 8. Alvarez is openly gay and a member of the
Party for Socialism and Liberation.
This victory comes on the heels of militant struggles that took to
the streets of California and spread throughout the nation in
repudiation of anti-LGBT bigotry and in favor of marriage equality.
It is the pressure of the mass movement for same-sex marriage rights
that pushed back the right wing and strengthened the court case against
Proposition 8. The fight is far from over, however; the right wing is
appealing the decision on Proposition 8 and will continue funneling
millions of dollars into hate-based campaigns that attack the LGBT
community.
Alvarez stated the following regarding the court decision: “This is a
victory for the people that fought against Proposition 8. My campaign
continues to demand federally recognized same-sex marriage rights, as
well as adoption rights and an end to the discriminatory ‘Don’t ask,
don’t tell’ policy. We must also extend protections from discrimination
based on sexual orientation and gender expression. More money must go to
HIV/AIDS funding instead of being cut as was done by Governor
Schwarzenegger.”
We can’t depend on either the Democrats or Republicans to bring about
equality. Just like Jerry Brown gives lukewarm support to same-sex
marriage rights, corporate-backed politicians will always pay lip
service to the communities they wish to win over. Others like Meg
Whitman were very vocal in their support of Proposition 8. The Alvarez
for Governor Campaign has always stood for equality and will continue
fighting until all the demands of the LGBT community are met.
No to anti-LGBT bigotry! Fight for equality!
