Proposition 8

I usually don't get that involved in politics. I study the issue, vote my opinion and don't do much beyond that. When I first heard of prop 8 I thought. "Oh, gays want the right to marry. Whatever...it's their choice." I didn't realize all of the other things that would go along with it. After thoroughly studying the issue, I have whole-heartedly decided to vote yes on prop 8. Please read on to learn what it is and for some of the reasons why I will be voting yes...

In 2000 the voters of California overwhelmingly passed an initiative defining marriage as only between a man and a woman. Four liberal judges in California overturned the people's vote and declared the initiative "unconstitutional."

We now have Proposition 8 on the November ballot which will amend to the State's Constitution to define Marriage as only between a man and a woman -- the idea being that the courts can't declare the State Constitution unconstitutional.

Proposition 8 is not anti-gay. Civil unions are protected under the law and enjoy the same rights, benefits, ownership, etc. as heterosexual married couples. But marriage is between a man and a woman – and should not be re-defined.

A "yes" vote on Proposition 8 will not take away any rights from homosexual partnerships. However, if Proposition 8 fails, there are many serious consequences. The following list provides some food for thought:

Six Consequences if Proposition 8 Fails

1. Children in public schools will be taught that both traditional marriage and same-sex marriage are okay. The California Education Code already requires that health education classes instruct children about marriage (§51890). 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. Ask whether your pastor, priest, minister, bishop, or rabbi is ready to perform such marriages in your chapels and sanctuaries.

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 a father. Catholic Charities in Boston has already closed its doors because of the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts.

4. Married couples will no longer have preference with regards to adoptee placement in spite of the fact that almost all experts in this field agree that children are best raised in a home with both a mother and a father.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. It will cost you 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 (highly improbable given today’s activist judges), think of the money – your money, your church contributions – that will have to be spent on legal fees.

And think of all the unintended consequences that we cannot even foresee at this time. Where will it end? Proposition 8 is pro-family and not anti-gay. Please vote “YES” on Proposition 8.

For more information go to www. protectmarriage. com

Today is the last day to register to vote for this election. Please vote your opinion, and if you feel strongly about this issue like I do, please pass this message on to your friends who might have an interest in the California election. Thanks!