The passage of Proposition 8 in the state of California, which essentially, for the first time in history, strips previously existing civil rights from citizens, created some serious soul searching on my part. I've always been a supporter of same-sex marriage and a opponent to any amendments to state Constitutions that would block the right for same-sex marriage. However, regretfully, I've never been a strong advocate of same-sex marriage. I've always believed that pushing hard for gay marriage was going too far, too fast and would only serve to irritate the zealots and motivate the uninformed. Instead, I believed, the movement should be pushing for civil unions first because polling shows that most Americans actually support the idea of such rights. Then, once a majority of states had come around to respect civil unions, the push for same-sex marriage could begin.

The crushing blow to civil rights that occurred on November 4 has made me regret my previous stance...a stance that the easy and slow path would the best path to tread. I always thought simply opposing initiatives to write the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman into state constitutions was enough. I now realize that the path I was on was simply a path of placation. Why should my gay friends have to wait for such an obvious and just right? After witnessing the rallies, the tears, and talking to my outraged friends, I feel I owe everyone who is trapped in a state that discriminates against them simply because they want to have the right to express a bond of love a sincere apology. I'm sorry. And now I'm all in. Your cause is now my cause.

The passage of a measure that goes against the foundation of our country in one state makes the issue of gay marriage a national issue. The one positive that can be taken from the passage of Proposition 8 in California is that 62 percent of first time voters voted against it. The youth vote chose civil rights. The youth vote chose equality. The youth vote chose the right of a same-sex couple to marry.

Madison will be joining the national fight tomorrow with a rally on Library Mall at 12:30 p.m. I'll be there and so will Miss the Signpost, Where's Jimbo, and ]Caffeinated Politics. Will you stand up against hate?