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SOULFORCE PRESS RELEASE: November 5, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Paige Schilt,
Media Director
Cell: 512-659-1771
paige@soulforce.org
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Statement from Soulforce Executive Director, Jeff Lutes:
Today is a day of blessing seasoned by loss. For even as America’s historic presidential election ushers in a new dawn of fairness and inclusivity, a majority of voters in Arizona, Arkansas, California, and Florida have voted, once again, to exclude some Americans from the fundamental promise of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Ironically, from the very beginning of his campaign, President-elect Obama abjured the politics of division and exclusion that have marred our political process by depicting some groups — immigrants, poor people, people of color, and LGBT people — as dangerous "others" who threaten our national identity. Obama’s own story gives us hope for a more perfect, and more fully inclusive, union. But, as always in our nation’s history, there remains more work to be done in order to make our most cherished ideals a reality.
My heartfelt gratitude goes to all of the dedicated, tireless people who worked to defeat discriminatory ballot measures. Soulforce shares your pain, disappointment, and concern for the many couples and families who are more vulnerable because of this legislation. The extent of the misinformation that we faced in these struggles was daunting, but please know that your work has already borne fruit. And take comfort in knowing that those who voted for discrimination are mere footnotes to larger trends in public opinion — which is shifting in favor of legal recognition of same-sex couples — and to the larger narrative of American history — which is continually refining its promise of liberty and justice for all.
Soulforce is a national civil rights and social justice organization dedicated to freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance.
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