California court sides with the bigots. Minority rights being voted on by the majority is not democracy; and it is not right. It was wrong to vote on it in November, and it's wrong that the California State Supreme Court upholds it today.

Recent victories for marriage equality (California, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, New York) have been tempered by recent losses (California, New Hampshire, New York, and California again). We will win this battle, even nationally, but it will take time.

Now is the time for swift action in New York. We're literally 4 or 5 votes from joining the ranks of the civilized and fair states and countries that allow gays and lesbians to marry. Here are some things you can do to help:

1. Donate to the Empire State Pride Agenda. They are leading the fight--directly lobbying the Senators who hang in the balance. Alternative donation location: New York Civil Liberties Union, who are fighting right alongside ESPA.

2. Show up tonight at a protest rally. The California decision is prompting reaction all over the country. In New York there will be rallies and/or marches in Albany, Ithaca, NYC, and Rochester. In Ohio there's a rally in Kent. In Georgia there's one in Atlanta. In Florida, we've got rallies in Fort Meyers, Lake Worth, Sarasota, and Tampa Bay. Alas, North Carolina readers, there are no rallies for you.... Info on all the rallies here.

3. If you live in NY--call your state senator and make sure they're supporting marriage equality. Talking points: 1. Every single state-wide elected official--Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, and both US Senators are on record as supporting marriage equality. 2. Polling shows that the majority of New Yorkers wants the Senate to pass it. 3. Passing gay marriage does not mean that any religion will have to perform or acknowledge same-sex marriages--religious freedom is protected. Find your Senator here.

Further reading:
1. Terrific rant at DailyKos.
2. A smart, concise way forward: The Dallas Principles.