How Arizona Beat Anti-Gay BigotryPaul Hogarthbyline‚ Nov. 14‚ 2006After a long string of defeats, Arizona became the first state in the nation on November 7th to defeat an anti-gay marriage initiative. In 2004, thirteen states passed a constitutional amendment against marriage equality, with an average passage rate of 71%. This year, marriage amendments were on the ballot in eight states – and seven approved them. But in four states the passage rate was less than 60%, and South Dakota barely approved its amendment by 12,000 votes. More South Dakotans voted against the marriage ban than voted for an abortion ban – in a state where the overwhelming majority of voters consider themselves “pro-life.” And Arizona made history by saying “no” to bigotry as it rejected its amendment by a 48-52 margin. There are many factors that explain this victory – among them a growing marriage equality movement that has become better at grass-roots organizing, over-reaching by the far right in rolling back more than just gay marriage, and a more sophisticated effort by gay rights activists at framing their message. But Arizona was able to exceed the magical 50% mark and defeat such an amendment because it made a more systematic effort at message development that persuaded enough “swing” voters. Arizona’s victory provides some valuable lessons for marriage equality supporters if they are going to win in future elections. |