Proposition 8

We've had lots of discussions at work lately about voting and the issues at hand. My co-worker, Andrea, phrased thoughts well about Proposition 8 on her blog. I hope she doesn't mind that I re-posted it here to help raise awareness. If she does, this post may disappear quickly ;)

The people of California voted in March 2000 that “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California.” Because four activist judges in San Francisco overturned the people’s vote, Proposition 8 will be on the California Ballot this November. California's outcome will affect the decisions of other states.

“Yes” to Proposition 8, (1) Restores the definition of marriage to what the vast majority of California voters already approved, (2) Overturns the decision made by the four activist judges who overwrote the people’s vote, and (3) Protects what children are taught in public schools about “same-sex marriage” being the same as traditional marriage, and prevents other consequences to Californians who will be forced to not just be tolerant of gay lifestyles, but face mandatory compliance regardless of their personal beliefs.

As the LDS Church writes, "the Church's opposition to same-sex marriage neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility towards homosexual men and women" but protects the family and the rights and moral agency of all people on a legal level. Currently under California law, domestic partners shall continue to have "the same rights, protections and benefits" as married spouses (Family Code 297.5), including tax write offs, families, etc (emphasis added).

In other words, if marriage is redefined to be between any two consenting adults, it takes away the rights of adoption agencies, churches, schools, and other organizations whose moral beliefs go against same-sex partnerships. Basically, it removes the choice to govern their lives and actions according to their moral code.

The Protect Marriage Coalition has asked for out-of-state volunteers to organize 800 calling teams to help with this effort to protect the definition of marriage between a man and woman before November's vote. To donate online, visit the Protect Marriage website.

For more information on Proposition 8, go here, here, or here.

This post is courtesy of Andrea and Along the Path