The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) set up the dominoes for the abolition of gay marriage. Currently, 26 states have amended their constitutions to ban same-sex marriage, and 19 others have defined marriage as the union of one man and one woman. While progressive states like Massachusetts allow gay marriage; other states are not required to recognize it.  Same-sex partners derive not one of more than 1400 federal benefits of marriage. On the positive side, the 6-3 Lawrence v. Texas Supreme Court vote in 2003, eliminated Texas's sodomy law. That decision invalidated any state law criminalizing homosexual activity between consenting adults in private.

For the advancement of equal rights, it is crucial that members of the gay community stay informed about issues and vote! Too many elected officials in our country can truly be called crackpots. In March 2008, Oklahoma Rep. Sally Kern gave a speech claiming, "the homosexual agenda is destroying this nation," posing a greater threat than "terrorism or Islam." She added, "they are going after two-year-olds in school so they can indoctrinate them" and "gays are infiltrating city councils," going on to name communities. It's right out of Invasion of the Body Snatchers or The Stepford Wives. So while you are enjoying this year's Pride events and celebrating your sexuality, don't forget it's also your job to do something to ensure that Pride will endure.

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