Houston Democrats

ROADwomen president Muffie Moroney opened the meeting with an announcement about the safe return of state representative Rick Noriega from service in Afghanistan and an introduction of various club leaders and local candidates. She went on to recommend passages from the book Don't Think of an Elephant by George Lakoff that are pertinent to the gay marriage issue and to give an overview of the handout entitled "Biblical Marriage: A Message from the ROADwomen Executive Committee." In a vivid description of recent scenes in San Francisco and New York, Anise Parker recalled the long lines of same-sex couples, some of whom had sold their belongings to have the money to journey there, waiting for a chance to get married. Their determination revealed a deeply-felt "hunger to honor their relationships," said Anise, and she called for everyone to fight with her "to honor all familes."

With an extensive timeline of important court cases, Mitchell Katine provided historical context. He advised the audience that the most important thing they can do as advocates for equality is to talk about it with family, friends, and community groups. Building upon the ideas of the previous speakers, Tony Carroll offered a psychotherapist's perspective on gay marriage, with an emphasis on "the universal desire for authenticity and acceptance." The speakers answered questions, and ROADwomen vice president Charlotte Coffelt reminded everyone that George Lakoff's book offers insight into the Republicans' framing of this wedge issue.

The next meeting of the ROADwomen will be on Tuesday, September 20, 2005, at the same location. The featured speakers will be state representatives Alma Allen and Scott Hochberg, whose topic will be "How I Spent My Summer Vacation," or "The Three Stooges Tackle School Funding." This sounds like a program that no one will want to miss.