America is ready

Buzzfeed has an article about Evan Wolfson and his organization Freedom to Marry. The group essentially began 30 years ago when Wolfson was in law school and wrote papers justifying the rights of same-sex couples to marry.

Wolfson's goal now is to get another marriage case before the Supreme Court. He is planning with two timelines in mind -- in 2015-2016 or in 2017-2019. He can't tell when the Court might take up a case, though there will be several to choose from. Cases are already pending in the 6th, 9th, and 10th Circuit Courts.

To get a favorable outcome from the Supremes Wolfson has a three-part plan: change public opinion, win more states, and end federal marriage discrimination.

Win more states: Oregon is up next with a ballot proposal. It is important because it is voters overturning a marriage protection amendment they had previously approved. Other states are talking, but none likely to put it to a vote this year.

End federal discrimination: With DOMA gone this is well underway, though there are various laws and regulations that need to be challenged.

Change public opinion: Freedom did a poll in early December to check on public opinion. People were asked whether they were in favor of same-sex couples getting married.

I created the chart so that it shows all results listed here.

In all states that don't already have marriage equality: 51% in favor, 41% opposed.

That is broken down to Midwest states (Pennsylvania to Dakotas): 59% - 36%

Western states: 53% - 34%

Southern states: 46% - 46%.

And… 56% said they believe their state will have marriage equality in two years.

Wolfson's big task now: telling decision makers -- politicians and judges -- that America is ready for the freedom to marry.