Gay marriage protests mark beginning of another civil dialogue

Thousands of gay-marriage supporters demonstrated in the streets of Seattle against gay-marriage bans. The protesters were focused particularly on California, which passed Proposition 8 banning gay marriage.

The sentiment underlying the weekend protests in Seattle and other cities is understandable but a more-productive approach would require talking calmly and persuasively to groups of voters who tend not to support gay marriage.

The elephant in the living room on this dicey topic is that black citizens voted overwhelmingly for Proposition 8, largely for religious reasons. Exit polls showed 70 percent of black voters supported the ban.

The smartest among us realize gay marriage is a generational issue. The fairness and respect that comes with full marriage rights likely will become law over the next several years. Many in the youngest generation of voters do not understand what all the fuss is about. They are a tolerant group. As more younger voters get involved, the issue will settle itself.

For now, if California voters won't support such an idea, you have to wonder where voters will?

State Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, told the estimated 3,000 Seattle demonstrators he will introduce a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington.

The energized protest was peaceful and served as reasonable expression about a basic fairness issue.

The heavy lifting, however, will have to be done by educating key minority leaders and individuals why gay marriage should be treated as a civil-rights issue.

The irony is that on the same day American voters of all races and religions were electing a black president, black voters were voting in large numbers against gay rights.

This is a disconnect that cries out for patience, calm and the hard work of explaining why gays feel so strongly about having this ultimate right and privilege.