Some things never change. Take, for example, Mike Huckabee, the ordained Baptist minister and Republican presidential candidate.

In 15 years, Huckabee’s ignorance hasn’t wavered. Just before the Christmas holiday, Huckabee again outlined his opposition to same-sex marriage.

“It’s not because I don’t like them,” Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas, said of gay people. “It’s because I like even more the idea that the heart and soul, the essence of our civilization is in the family. It’s not in the government. It’s not even in some institution, not even the church. Before there was the church, and before there was government, there was family. … When you mess with the design, you end up messing with results. We can’t afford to do that. That’s why you will never hear me waver.”

While the religious right can take comfort in Huckabee’s commitment to ignorance, the GLBT community and its allies will celebrate its commitment to change.

We will celebrate 2007’s victories and focus our attention on making progress in 2008.

Despite setbacks, it was a banner year for the GLBT community at the local, state and national levels.

We were witnesses to progress, victories, violence, challenges and, most importantly, change.

Mayor Jerry Sanders voiced support for same-sex marriage; Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a record number of GLBT bills into law, and the Democratic presidential candidates announced a unified front on the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

David Rubin was sworn in as the first openly gay Superior Court Judge in San Diego County, Sen. Christine Kehoe secured a nondiscrimination policy for state military personnel, and the community recognized Lambda Archives 20th anniversary, and 20 local heroes.

At the other end of the spectrum, the number of hate crimes increased locally, Gov. Schwarzenegger vetoed a same-sex marriage bill, and Congress fumbled legislation that would have provided GLBT people with new, mandatory protections.

The local community divided on the news of the closure of the 2200 Club, and the delayed 301 University proposal; it united, however, during the San Diego wildfires in October.

Jan. 1 will usher in a host of new protections for GLBT Californians. While we should take the time to reflect, and thank those who have effected positive change for our community, we must focus our efforts on the work that lies ahead.

In 2008, Congress has vowed to pass the Matthew Shepard Act. We must continue to strive for an inclusive ENDA. And, we must continue our fight for marriage equality. These are three pressing issues facing the GLBT community in 2008.

We must hold our elected officials accountable.

With three separate elections in 2008, the GLBT community must be prepared to make an impact at the polls. Deadlines for voter registration are as early as Jan. 22. Make your voice heard.

With regard to marriage equality, you can become involved with The Center’s Marriage Equality and Education Project or Equality California’s “Let California Ring” campaign.

We’re better equipped now than we have been before, with new allies and new rights.

2008 can, and will, be a year for great progress.