2010 or 2012? When Should We Repeal Prop 8?

Several LGBT organizations, Equality California, HONOR PAC, Marriage Equality USA as well as Courage Campaign are surveying their members to ask them whether they support going back to the ballot in 2010 or 2012 (if the California Supreme Court upholds Proposition 8).

They are asking their members to reply to the following survey by 5pm PDT Wednesday

For example, here is EQCA's email:

1. EQCA Member Survey - Input to Possible Ballot Initiative and Future Campaign

 

If the state Supreme Court upholds Proposition 8... should EQCA support going back to the ballot to restore marriage equality to California in 2010 or 2012?

Some arguments for placing a marriage equality initiative on the ballot in 2010:

:: We should take advantage of the powerful grassroots activism that has emerged following the passage of Prop 8 by going back sooner rather than later. That energy will dissipate if we wait until 2012.

:: By November 2010, we will have full marriage equality in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and very likely in New York and New Jersey. Given these developments, Californians should not wait beyond 2010 to try and restore the right to marry.

:: In November 2010, the top of the Democratic ticket - the gubernatorial candidate - will support overturning Prop 8 and restoring the right to marry. In 2012, it's questionable whether President Obama will take that position.

Some arguments for placing a marriage equality initiative on the ballot in 2012:

:: We have hundreds of thousands of voters to convince on the issue of marriage equality. Even if we work our hardest, it will take three-plus years to do that work.

:: On this issue, time is on our side. By 2012, an even greater number of voters will have come our way. So why risk it in 2010 when we probably have a better chance in 2012.

:: We will once again need tens of millions of dollars to run a strong campaign. Given the state of today's economy and the fact that people just gave so much to the No on 8 campaign, we should wait before going right back to the ballot. 

 When do you think we should go back to the ballot box?

2010 2012 I am still not sure

Tell us more. Why did you pick date?

I voted for 2012. I am fine with either date, but I think we need to have three conditions met before our community can be assured of winning a prospective vote on marriage equality:

1. Multiple polls showing support for marriage equality above 50% taking into account the margin of error
2. Three to Five Million Dollars in the bank to support the effort on Day One
3. A detailed, written plan describing the campaign committee structure with functions clearly designated and an explicit chain of command for decision making.

Please make your thoughts known!