THANK YOU LAURA BUSH

By Andrew Birnbaum

The rain poured down on Ron and me as we lay on the San Francisco sidewalk, trying unsuccessfully to sleep. It was the evening of February 15, 2004, and we had travelled to the City hoping to take advantage of its brave decision to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples. To preserve a space in the ridiculously long line, we had elected to spend the night outside City Hall. Because the right of gay couples to marry was (and is) subject to government rationing, there was no way to predict which couples would secure licenses. The uncertainty was greatest for out of towners like ourselves, because we could not simply return another day. So you can understand my elation when Ron and I were indeed pronounced spouses for life.

My joy was dampened when I learned George W. Bush was pushing a Constitutional Amendment banning marriage equality. I remember wondering how Laura Bush would react to the weddings. Although I fervently disagreed with her husband's policies, I always felt there was something likable about Mrs. Bush as a person. I was thus disappointed to hear her say gay marriage was "a very, very shocking issue" and "Let's just leave it at that." If Mrs. Bush personally supported marriage equality, she was not risking any political capital on the issue.

Now, like Cindy McCain before her, Mrs. Bush has stated her support for gay marriage. The timing is interesting. Her husband is out of office, his legacy is unclear, and she is marketing a new book. My first reaction (which is not unique to me) was one of suspicion: she was not there when the gay community needed her support, but now that she has a product to sell… But I realize chastising one's supporters is no way to build a movement. Plus, I never walked in Mrs. Bush's shoes, much as I might have liked to on those nights I had one beer too many.

Much has happened in the six years since Mrs. Bush's 2004 statements: (1) the 2004 weddings were annulled by the California Supreme Court, (2) the Court then ruled in favor of marriage equality, (3) Ron and I married again in 2008, (4) Californians voted against marriage equality, and (5) the Court ruled against marriage equality but upheld the 2008 weddings.

This is a rapidly changing area of law, and one-time opponents of marriage equality reemerge daily as civil rights advocates. Yes, it would have been great if Laura Bush had used her platform as First Lady to support marriage equality. But so what? She is on the side of equality now. If you don't like the timing of Mrs. Bush's announcement, you don't have to buy her book. But I for one feel nothing but gratitude to Mrs. Bush for her courage in speaking out in favor of equality.

My first instincts were right. There is something likable about Mrs. Bush as a person. Thank you Laura Bush. And welcome to the struggle. The setbacks are excruciating but the rewards are unmatched; I invite everyone to work against the former and share in the latter.

Andrew Birnbaum @ shenluk.blogspot.com