The Ryan Thomas Collection

Equality has rung loud and clear in the past seven days or so. The setbacks felt in November 2008 are still very real, but the hope for equality pushed forward as three events nationwide proved that it is only a matter of time before marriage equality transcends across the nation and it has conservative bigots shaking in their boots. Last week, Iowa’s supreme court ruled laws against same sex marriage in their state unconstitutional. This week, Vermont’s legislature passed a marriage equality law granting same sex couples the right to marry. Vermont’s governor threatened and followed through on his veto. In an incredible turn of events, Vermont’s legislature overrode the veto making Vermont the fourth state to have marriage equality. On the heels of this momentous event, the first where the legislature provided marriage equality rather than the courts, D.C.’s council approved a measure that would let the district recognize same sex marriage from other states. This needs congressional approval.

Within just a week’s time, we have witnessed a great offensive against injustice. The religious right is scared and they should be. When you have right and justice on your side, you are bound to prevail. There is a reason why democracy beat fascism in WWII. There is a reason slavery and segregation ended. The rights of the people must always prevail in a free society, whether it be enforced by the Courts, the legislature, the people or the President himself.

Today, the Courage Campaign sent emails to members informing those for equality that the religious zealots of our nation have released a new nationwide television campaign that misconstrues the truth and plays off fear. Fear tactics only work so long before people become smart to them and although this new commercial is a slap in the face, it does prove that those against equality have no substantial argument and thus, must rely on fear.

The National Organization for Marriage launched their “Religious Liberty” television commercial campaign that they report is a $1.5 million campaign. The first commercial is entitled “Gathering Storm.” It is scheduled to play on Californian televisions at least eight times a day. Viewing the commercial, the background looks like a great storm that God himself created in Egypt as Moses attempted to free the Jews from slavery in “The Ten Commandments.” It is a 30-second spot filled with lies, including everything from gay marriage being taught in schools  to religious institutions being wrongfully persecuted by the government for anti-gay preachings. The commercial feels like it is actually demonizing marriage equality, not just working to persuade against it. It proves that the religious right will stop at nothing and they truly have no boundaries. It made Rick Jacobs, Chair of the Courage Campaign, sick and it makes me sick too.

Take a look at the commercial with a waste basket next to you. The Courage Campaign is raising funds to do what they call “turning fear into hope.” The Dolby Family has challenged the Courage Campaign to raise $25,000, which they will match, to be put towards training camps and sessions to build a grassroots army to counter this horrific commercial and future releases by this demeaning and vicious religious organization. For, this certainly is not going to be the only one.  Donate here: http://www.couragecampaign.org/TurnFearIntoHope

Again, be forewarned. What you are about to view below is disturbing and filled with fearful lies:

Fight against it here: http://www.couragecampaign.org/TurnFearIntoHope