Yesterday, there was a march through West Hollywood to protest the California Supreme Court's decision to not overturn the constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. While I completely understand the disappointment and believe that Prop 8 is wrong, I didn't agree with the protest at all.

First off, they were marching through West Hollywood. If there was ever an example of preaching to the choir, it's that. Some other protests made more sense, going to the Federal Building, but even then, I don't agree with the protests and, honestly, a part of me was glad that the court ruled as it did.

For Gay Marriages to truly stand in California, I think it has to come from the people. It has to be a ballot measure that is passed by the majority. The courts had already spoken in favor of equal rights but the people rose up and voted it into the constituion. If the court then shot it down again, the conservatives would have a new cause to fight for. They could rail against activist judges who were forcing a different set of values onto the majority.

Furthermore, I think the issue in California could also push the White House to move towards what really needs to happen; the end of D.O.M.A. and a Federal bill giving equal protection to all couples (personally, I'd give all couples civil unions and take the word marriage out of the law books). I'm also not sure if what will really work to help promote the equal rights of all couples is people yelling and blocking traffic. 

All in all, the equal protection issue is one that will be and needs to be address during the next election. I think time will change people's hearts and minds and there will be a new movement towards equal rights; a movement led by the people, not the courts.