SAA and Prop 8

There has been a lot of talk on the A&A listserv about a discussion item for the next SAA council meeting. The text reads as follows:

In light of the passage of Proposition 8 in California, the Diversity Committee, with the support of the Lesbian and Gay Archives Roundtable, recommends that SAA Council formally and publicly advocate for the equal application of all civil rights, including marriage.

While this is an important issue for all Americans and deserves the support of individuals and organizations on that alone, it is also a significant membership issue. It is the responsibility of organizations to advocate for their members' rights. An organization that hangs its hat on concepts like diversity must be willing to advocate for them.

This recommendation is open-ended because there was not unanimity about the proper method of advocacy that SAA should take. Some responses discussed included a resolution stating support, a position statement of support, boycotting annual meetings in California until Prop 8 is overturned, holding an annual meeting in Canada, or simply adopting a policy of seizing opportunities to show support when they appear.

The Diversity Committee will work with the LAGAR Steering Committee in the coming months to identify tangible steps that SAA could take in order to ensure that this recommendation can be implemented as broadly as possible. We would be happy to provide Council with any sort of support they might need in responding to this recommendation.

Seems logical to me. As I said in my posting to A&A, I would like the opportunity to advocate for the civil rights of my colleagues in a public way, and to show my unwavering support for the archival community affected by Prop 8 and other legislation that discriminates against members of my professional group, community, family members, and fellow Americans.

There was a posting on the list earlier today that almost made me wretch. You know when you read something and you regret it; as if you are somehow sullied by it? That's how I felt. This individual who wanted to remain anonymous felt that he/she's civil rights are in jeopardy because they can't exercise their religious beliefs if gay marriage is supported. As much as I wanted to punch my monitor, as much as I wanted to tear my hair out and regardless of the fact that I went to bathroom and threw up my lunch, there is some comfort in this matter.

I and my peers grew up with people out of the closet. Thank God. They are our neighbors, friends, uncles, sisters, etc. This will pass as all things do. The fact that this individual who wrote this today felt the need to be anonymous shows that the tide is turning and people are learning, talking, attitudes are changing. You can't fight love. That may sound pathetically naive and stupid but when I read about Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, I truly believe that love can't be legislated. I cried on BART when Del died, I cried for Phyllis. I want to ask her what the secret is to a long lasting marriage. Being together for over 50 years, they have more insight on the matter than my divorced parents and my husband's divorced parents. I know archivists in our organization who need our support and I'm hopeful that as an organization, we will embrace the most ideal situation for records and families - marriage.