LGBTQ Advocates Push for Marriage Protections

As Donald Trump gears up for the 2024 election, analysts suggest he may have a real chance to win both the popular and Electoral College votes, with potential flips in traditionally blue states like New Mexico and Minnesota. Meanwhile, California's new 11% excise tax on firearms, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, has sparked controversy among gun rights advocates, who argue it discriminates against low-income citizens seeking to exercise their Second Amendment rights. In the realm of civil rights, the Supreme Court's conservative majority, particularly Justice Clarence Thomas, has raised alarms by suggesting a reevaluation of landmark rulings like Obergefell, which legalized same-sex marriage. In response, several blue states are proactively seeking to enshrine marriage protections for same-sex couples in their state constitutions, anticipating potential rollbacks in rights. As inflation drives up living costs, the implications of these legislative moves and judicial opinions weigh heavily on various communities. This convergence of political maneuvers reflects the heightened stakes in both the electoral and social landscapes leading into 2024.