Gay Groups Ponder 2010 Or 2012 For Marriage Fight, What Do You Think?

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Should advocacy groups push for another gay marriage referendum in 2010, or wait until 2012? That is the question plaguing Equality California, Courage Campaign, and numerous other gay marriage advocacy groups this week.

Time is running short, as groups estimate they will need to make their decision in the next few weeks. The Secretary of State's office suggests that ballot measures be submitted to the attorney general's office by September 25th to qualify for the November 2010 ballot.

Proponents pushing for 2010 argue that 48 percent (the percentage that voted to strike down Prop 8 in November) is a dream starting point for any campaign, and that any likely Democratic nominee for governor in 2010 is already a powerful and respected supporter of gay marriage.

Those advocating a refrain from 2010, including the Alice B Toklas Democratic Club and the National Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund Campaign, argue that there is not enough consistency and strategy among grassroots organizations, and that 16 months is too short a time to mobilize the necessary 1,000,000 voters. Especially since many supporters are still reeling from the Supreme Court's decision in May.

Personally, I'm inclined to agree with the groups favoring a 2012 ballot, considering the recent disagreement over what role the City of San Francisco and gay rights groups should play in the federal lawsuit against Prop 8. The dispute hints at a lack of consistency in a movement that needs unanimous agreement.

What do you think? Wait, or charge forth in 2010?