NAACP and Julian Bond Call for Overturn of Proposition 8

Now this is major. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) storms into the 21st century and calls for the overturn of California's Proposition 8. National Board Chair Julian Bond—who has an excellent record on LGBT rights and marriage equality—and newish CEO Benjamin Jealous announce the veteran civil rights organizations supports measures before the state legislature that challenge the amendment which denied marriage rights to same-sex couples.

Bond and Jealous urged passage of HR 5 and SR 7, resolutions which call for the invalidation of Prop 8 and ask the California Supreme Court to overturn it. Bond says it's a matter of equal protection. "The NAACP has long opposed any proposal that would alter the federal or state constitutions for the purpose of excluding any groups or individuals from guarantees of equal protection," adding the amendment "threaten[ed] civil rights and all vulnerable minorities."

This is the first time the national organization has weighed in on same sex marriage. Last fall the California chapter of the NAACP filed amicus briefs with the California Supreme Court in the legal challenges against Prop. 8. The state chapter was also part of the original lawsuit that brought same sex marriage to California. This is significant because its  Only a week after its 100th birthday, this signals a welcome and dramatic policy change. "This is not your grandfather's NAACP," notes Ron Buckmire, the black gay California activist and political strategist.

So much for blacks opposing gay rights and marriage equality.

Thanks MICHAEL, RON and KEITH

Comments

[M. Mark]

Now that's HOT!
You go Julian Bond!

[CA]

how is that for turning 100 years old? they are determined to stay relevant in the age of obama and same sex marriage and i applaud them. congratulations and thank you for supporting us, we will support you

[FREELEO]

WE LOVE JULIAN BOND!!

[Anti-believer]

Unbelievable!!!

Congrats!

NAACP.... can you talk to those hypocritcal religious folk too?

Those know-it-alls act as if they've been to heaven and met God. They also think they got a free ticket into heaven just because they are str8 BUTT I KNOW they are having butt sex just like me!

[Mel Smith]

I love Julian Bond. Please support the NAACP.

[Kevin]

First time here, great blog, Rod.

Great job Julian Bond!

Thanks for discovering us, Kevin. Glad you appreciate it. -RM

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[martine]

this is such great news. i hope this is the beginning of a conversation on gays in the black church, gay rights and eventually marriage. this is truly a momentous occassion.

bless you julian bond!

[brohemian]

as a former colleague (and current fan) of ben jealous, this doesn't surprise me. y'all don't sleep - jealous & bond are shakin things up at the naacp!

[alicia banks]

i love julian and the naacp!

if only they influenced more ignorant preachers and church sheeple..

great news rod

thanks
ab