Conn., Calif. decisions affect more than just those states

Between The Lines has one thing to say to the Connecticut Supreme Court: Thank you!
Not only for the 4-3 decision that puts Connecticut in position to be the third state in the nation to treat same-sex couples the same as opposite-sex ones in regard to marriage, but also for their timing.
Because let's face it. It's three weeks until Election Day – and not just any Election Day. THE Election Day. The one that will decide the future course of LGBT rights.
First and foremost, we're poised to finally elect a president that will actually support equality and do away with discrimination in the forms of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and the utter lack of anti-discrimination policies in schools and public places. Electing Barack Obama could be the difference between a total standstill on our issues and a huge leap forward. He's vocal on our issues and what he says is promising. Sure, politicians don't keep all of their promises, but then again, no recent president has ever promised to uphold such standards of equality for LGBT Americans.
However, the presidential election isn't the only one that's important. The Michigan Supreme Court election could take prejudiced, sexist, racist and homophobic (and not-so-honorable) Justice Cliff Taylor off the bench, and the congressional election could put openly pro-gay marriage candidate Gary Peters in Congress. That's just to name a few.
And sometimes, the most important elections are the ones that happen in other states.
Of course, in this case, it's California.
We've said it before and we'll say it again: California matters. Not just to LGBT Californians. To LGBT people in Michigan, in Iowa, in North Carolina, in Alaska – you get the idea.
If marriage equality is upheld in California, it sets a precedent for the rest of the country that is much larger than any statement made by equality in Connecticut or Massachusetts.
However, we shouldn't write those states off either. As was brought up before, the Connecticut decision comes at a perfect time. With marriage equality in the spotlight in yet another state, it casts a positive light on the issue just as the battle was getting gory in California.
There, while Prop. 8 proponents funnel more and more money into their lie-filled, hateful commercials, Connecticut gave the No on 8 side free good press.
But it's not enough, and we can't leave it to Californians and Brad Pitt to save marriage equality. Donate to No on 8. Get educated and vote for the rights candidates – especially in races like the one between Chief Justice Taylor and Judge Diane Hathaway, where the margin of undecided voters is as high as 70 percent due to a lack of knowledge about either candidate.
Know who the good candidates are who will support LGBT equality and teach others. Learn what the important fights are and donate to them, even if they don't affect your state directly.
A lot hinges on this election and more than ever, knowledge is power to make the right decision.
Lastly, thank Connecticut.