The Maryland Marriage Alliance (MMA) has succeeded where George Wallace, Lester Maddox, David Duke and his KKK and others have also succeeded - they are on the ballot.
Their petitions have been certified so that their efforts to reverse legal, civil marriage in Maryland will be voted on November 6 2012.
No doubt, the MMA has benefitted and stoked public clamor, after the Maryland legislature passed civil marriage equality earlier this year.
No doubt either, that the MMA does not represent the majority of voters or of the citizens of Maryland.
According to polls, Marylanders support civil rights for all citizens, Marylanders support civil marriage equality. Marylanders support granting all citizens access to the courthouse, where marriage licenses may be obtained.
What is the fuss all about?
The fuss is about prejudice - and about un-reported sources of money spent to undermine the civil rights of thousands of Maryland citizens.
MMA spend an unstated amount of money to recruit, train and put to work some 4,000 "volunteers" to gather signatures.
Where were many signatures gathered? At churches. Shamefully, at churches.
Why are some church members willing to sign petitions? Peer pressure? Perhaps. But also misinformation and zero debate.
Was there discussion before congregants were asked to sign? Nope.
Were there opportunities at these churches for civil rights champions to raise questions? Nope.
Instead of debate and discussion, the entire anti-civil rights effort was moved out of the civil arena and put it in the religious arena. Why?
Bigotry does not want to be subjected to scrutiny. Don't ask any questions - just sign the petition.
Who is hurt by granting civil marriage rights to all Marylanders? Never mind; just sign the petition.
Why not encourage matrimonial stability? Never mind; just sign the petition.
Why undermine the economic prospects of committed couples? Never mind; just sign the petition.
Between now and November 6, we in Maryland will be treated to a renewed, well-financed and organized campaign to deprive some Marylanders of the same right to marry as all citizens ought to enjoy.
David Duke and the KKK would be proud of that other secret, anti-civil rights organization - the Maryland Marriage Alliance (MMA).
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