Many of you I'm sure have heard about Proposition 8 that is taking place in California. Partially because we just moved from there and partially because I feel so strongly about it I have decided to take a moment to let you know about what Prop 8 really stands for and the consequences if it doesn't pass. Please bear with me.
In 2000 the voters of California passed by 61% into is constituion that “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”
This year that was overturned by the supreme court of California by 4 judges.
You may say " I don't have anything against gay people." Well neither do I. In fact I have many friends who are gay. They are wonderful people. But in here lies the problem. If Proposition 8 doesn't pass the following things will occur.
1. Children in public schools will be taught that both traditional marriage and same-sex marriage are okay. In fact on Oct. 11 a group of students were taken to a same sex marriage for a field trip.
The Ca. Education code already requires that health education classes instruct children about marriage. Therefore, if the definition of marriage is changed, children will be taught that marriage is a relation between any two adults. There will be serious clashes between the secular school system and the right of parents to teach their children their own values and beliefs.
2. Churches will be sued if they refuse to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their religious buildings that are open to the public.
3. Religious adoption agencies will be challenged by government agencies to give up their long-held right to place children only in homes with both a mother and father. Catholic Charities in Boston has already closed its doors because of the legalization of same-sex marriage in Mass.
4. Religions that sponsor private schools and which provide housing for married students will be required to provide housing for same-sex couples, even if it runs counter to church doctrine, or lose tax exemptions and benefits.
5. Ministers who preach against same-sex marriages will be sued for hate speech and could be fined by the government. It has already happened in Canada, one of six countries that have legalized gay marriage.
6.
It will cost money. A change in the definition of marriage will bring a cascade of lawsuits. Even if courts eventually find in favor of a defender of traditional marriage ( think of the money--your money, your church contributions--that will have to be spent on legal fees.)
(these 6 notes our courtesy of Jill Hymas)
Even if Proposition 8 doesn't pass same sex couples will still be able to have unions. Which means that they will be able to receive the medical benefits which was an issue they faced before. They will be able to act on medical request for their partner and to recieve the benifit from taxes. Under California law, “domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections, and benefits” as married spouses. Proposition 8 won't take that away from them. IT just won't allow the rights of the majority to be infringed upon. I know many of you won't be able to vote in the November election in favor of Prop 8. But if you could spread the news maybe someone else will know which way to vote in just a few short weeks if they live in California. This is more important in my opinion that which president gets into office. Neither McCain or Obama support the idea of same sex marriages. You can find out more information and get the logo seen above at
http://www.protectmarriage.com/
