Like a game of Chutes and Ladders, same-sex marriage has been close to becoming reality several times before skidding all the way back. Now organizations on both sides of the issue are trying to decide what their next step will be.
Advocates of gay marriage face serious opposition, including the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage as a bond between one man and one woman. Thirty-seven states have passed their own Defense of Marriage Acts; however, it has not passed at the federal level.
Gay marriage has been approved in Massachusetts, Connecticut and several other states. It was legal for a short time in California. But last November, voters there voted to make it illegal once again with a bill known as Proposition 8.
Gay, Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD), a New England group that supports gay marriage, has already made some progress, according to Executive Director Lee Swislow. He mentioned the success of one of GLADâÂÂs cases involving Keith and Al Toney. Keith was able to get a passport using his correct married name.
The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) opposes gay marriage but supports same-sex unions. Brian Brown, Executive Director of NOM, believes that the issue will be simpler if same-sex unions can be recognized. âÂÂIf the government just acknowledges same-sex unions, then this issue wouldnâÂÂt be as big as it is now,â he said.
For these organizations, gay marriage is not dead as an issue. And one day, one side just might finish the game.