My partner and I was among the 2000 standing outside of San Francisco City Hall tonight, declaring that our fight to secure marriage equality for all Californians was far from over. Similar vigils were held across California in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose and other major cities.

I had hoped the turn out would be closer to 5000 but the lateness in notice and hour likely affected the attendence. Speakers included local politicians, religious leaders and people who played key roles in the No on 8 campaign. All worked hard to buoy our spirits and instill a sense of hope, encouraging us to keep up the fight. It was a cathartic experience that helped ease the seesaw of emotions I had felt all day. Here are a few photos from the vigil.

Inside, Looking Out is very pleased to publish this special guest column by
Mark D’Elicio, a personal and long-time friend who, like many of us, is deeply affected by the passage of Proposition 8.

With the passage of Proposition 8 in California on November 4th, the state constitution will be amended to contain a definition of marriage in California as being the “union of a man and a woman,” and while there are many who now believe that the institution of marriage is now and evermore defined within a context is pleasing to God, I’d like to point out what the amendment will NOT state:

1. The constitution will not state that a marriage is between
a man and a woman who love each other.

2. The constitution will not state that a marriage is between
a man and a woman who respect each other.

3. The constitution will not state that a marriage is between
a man and a woman who take care of each other.

4. The constitution will not state that a marriage is between
a man and a woman who are faithful to one another.

5. The constitution will not state that a marriage is between
a man and a woman who are able to raise a family.

6. The constitution will not state that a marriage is between
a man and a woman who give back to the community-at-large.

7. The constitution will not state that a marriage is between
a man and a woman who want to make the world a better
and more caring place.

You see, by defining the paradigm of marriage as merely the union of a man and a woman, the constitution will not take into account that “normal” marriages are quite often marred by infidelity, abuse and disrespect.

What many often fail to remember is that constitutions are the laws of man and not the laws of God. As Christ said, “give unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s,” what he was really saying was that God cared not about man’s money, taxes or laws — these are conventions of mortals and not of God. As a dear friend (a born-again Christian in fact) once said to me: “God sees and respects love not laws.”

No law will ever take away my heart or my soul. No law will ever take away my aspirations and dreams. No law will ever diminish that which I cherish. No law will ever relegate me to being something that I am not.

I suspect that in the afterlife, I will be surrounded by those I loved and who loved me. God has no time for those who wish to deprive others of their rights. I trust there are about 52% of Californians I will NOT see in the afterlife. If it were up to them, no one would gain admittance to heaven except those of like-mind and that by definition is un-Christian.

Barack Obama wins, and is the 44th president of the United States.

Proposition 8 is winning, 53.7% to 46.3, with 22% reporting.

Are these tears of joy or are they tears of sadness?

They are both.

You’ll be glad you did. Off to campaign for No on Prop 8! More tonight!

Until then, watch this video: