With Arizona poised to be the target of an LGBT Boycott as a result of anti-gay legislation, I've taken the time to think about whether such a thing is needed in Wisconsin.
Yesterday I wrote a post supporting actor and activist George Takei's call for a boycott of Arizona if Governor Brewer signs SB106. The bill which was passed by the state Legislature is a measure that would remove public accommodation protections for LGBT people (or anyone else, for that matter) if the person or business discriminating against them claims a strong religious belief.
During the discussion of this so called "Religious Freedom" act, I received comments from friends who live in Arizona, assuring me that there is strong opposition within the state. As I noted in yesterday's post, State Representative Chad Campbell (D-AZ) pleaded with Takei on MSNBC not to boycott, but rather to "come out here and let's work together, and change this state this year."
I appreciate those friends and lawmakers in Arizona who have fought and continue to fight against prejudice, especially State sanctioned prejudice. But I have to agree with Takei, if the bill is signed, a boycott is inevitable. Now, personally, I have not had Arizona on my travel radar to begin with, apart from wanting to see the Grand Canyon before I die, and making vague references to going someplace warmer when Wisconsin is frozen solid. Of course I feel for those friends who may have to deal with a suffering economy if tourism in Arizona drops because of the state's legalized bigotry.
Now, what to do about Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is not considering the type of measure that Arizona passed, or that is being proposed in Georgia. However, since 2006, we have had an amendment in our our state constitution banning same sex marriage. This amendment is being used to contest the limited benefit couples have in this state through domestic partnerships. The ACLU has recently filed suit on behalf of four couples seeking to have their marriage recognized. State Representative JoCosta Zamarippa (D-WI) and Senator Tim Carpenter (D-WI) have introduced legislation to repeal the anti-gay amendment. We are the first state to oppose the ban through legislative action, a move that some of my Republican friends have said should be the approach instead of working through "activist judges". Unfortunately, this effort is meeting with 100% opposition from Wisconsin's Republican legislators. No surprise, actually.
Perhaps a boycott here would put pressure on the state to change. But how does one boycott it's own state? Here's where I feel the pain of friends living in Arizona. For my idea to work, I would have to put myself in the midst of the boycott. As things start to get warmer in Wisconsin (let's start with mid to upper 30's and work up from there) the Hospitality Industry will be kicking into high gear. That's where I work. But that's also the industry that houses the main target my proposed boycott - Wedding Venues.
With Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota recognizing same-sex relationships, I am encouraging all couples (LGBT and Straight alike) to hold their celebrations outside of Wisconsin. In the early days when marriage equality was moving forward, couples from Wisconsin would travel to Massachusetts or even cross into Canada to get married. They would then come home and have a local celebration, rather than impose on relatives and friends to travel in order to celebrate with them. The result was that Wisconsin got income for a wedding that it provides no benefit for.
That is about to end. With three neighboring states recognizing same sex couples for civil marriage, there is no reason to hold a celebration in a state that opposes the relationship you are celebrating. If your friends truly support and want to celebrate your marriage, they can make the short trip to do it right. There was once a movement, particularly among celebrities - and of those most notably Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, refusing to get married until it's legal for everyone. For many, I think that sacrifice is no longer necessary. By all means, get married, get lower taxes, (perhaps contribute a portion to a marriage equality campaign or foundation) and protect your relationship, inheritance, etc. Just make sure that you are bringing your wedding business to a state that supports equality for all.
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