If you were unsure who is behind the drive for a Connecticut constitutional convention to enable ballot initiatives, it's becoming ever more clear. The Family Institute of Connecticut and their national allies are trying to use this process to get a constitutional amendment to ban marriage equality on the Connecticut ballot:
Opponents of gay marriage say their easiest political work is done: Most states have passed laws or constitutional amendments banning recognition of same-sex unions.
Now they say their task is getting more difficult: Seeking to ban same-sex marriage in some of the nation's most gay-friendly states, including Connecticut.
The anti-gay and misnamed "National Organization for Marriage" (NOM) will likely be raising substantial funds for the cause, as it has done to advocate for a California ballot initiative:
NOM, a taxable political advocacy group that can raise money without contribution limits, has quickly built up some fundraising muscle.
It started a California chapter in January. By March, the group had raised just over $775,000, according to campaign finance filings. Only the California umbrella group ProtectMarriage.com has raised more for the cause.
And who is behind NOM? It is directed by none other than the former, overpaid director of the Family Institute of Connecticut, Brian Brown!
NOM is no stranger to Connecticut. Last year, NOM President Maggie Gallagher testified alongside a collection of crackpot allies at a Judiciary Committee hearing on marriage equality, producing some breathtaking insights on gay and straight sexuality:
By the way, I know gay people who think gay sex is wrong. It's not impossible, it's not common, but it is possible. [....] I think a lot of straight sex is wrong, but nobody seems to listen to me.
Love Makes A Family is asking supporters of marriage equality to sign a petition opposing the call for a constitutional convention. Other things you can do to support the cause of marriage equality:
Join LMF activities on "Decision Day" - the (as yet unknown) date when the Supreme Court decides on the constitutional right to marriage equality.
Finally, the LMF PAC has come out with its endorsements for the August 12 primary elections:
House
Hector Robles (Hartford, Democrat, 6th district)
Gary Holder-Winfield (New Haven, Democrat, 94th district)
Susan Johnson (Windham, Democrat, 49th district)
Rep. Deborah Heinrich (Madison and Guilford, Democrat, 101st district)
Senate
Sen. John Fonfara (Hartford and Wethersfield, Democrat, 1st district)
Duane Perkins (Danbury, Bethel, New Fairfield and Sherman, Democrat, 24th district)
Meanwhile an FIC blogger has called for support of a set of anti-gay candidates in the primary (I can't link to a hate group). Now you know whom not to support.
(R) Witkos - Canton, State Senate
(D) Mazurek - Wolcott, State Rep
(R) Noujaim - Waterbury, State Rep
(D) Lydia Martinez - Bridgeport, State Rep
[....] the #1 race on AUG 12: Pro-marriage Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey, Deputy Speaker of the House
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