A "Yes" vote on Proposition 8 changes the California Constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry but stipulating that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. In a nutshell, Proposition 8 discriminates against the GLBT community by eliminating equal rights under the law.
Equality under the law is a fundamental freedom. Regardless of your personal or religious views on marriage, we all deserve to have the same rights as law abiding citizens. No one group should be singled out and treated differently under the law.
America has a long tainted past of discriminating against minorities in this country. We have shameful history of promoting a "separate but equal" stance to continue to discriminate against those different from ourselves. Whether it has been people of color, women, and those with different religious views, those in the majority have not always acted with the interests of the people. This is the reason why we have checks and balances in our government.
Voting Yes on Prop 8 does not mean that you are keeping the sanctity of marriage. In fact, the court ruling on gay marriage already stated that “no religion will be required to change its religious policies or practices with regard to same-sex couples, and no religious officiant will be required to solemnize a marriage in contravention of his or her religious beliefs.” Your church does not have to marry gay couples and tax-exemption is not at risk.
The government has no business telling people who can and cannot get married. We do NOT need more government in our lives.
For those planning on voting Yes on Prop 8, I urge you to think of the gay and lesbians in your life that you are discriminating against. I urge you to think of your children. What if they fall in love with a person of the same sex? Don't you want them to have the same rights as you? Doesn't every person have the right to dignity and respect with the same freedoms as every other Californian?
Do not vote to take away the equality, freedom, and fairness that everyone in Calfornia - straight or gay - deserves. Vote No on Prop 8.
