Taking Sides: The Debates Surrounding Proposition 8
Those In Favor
Following the California State Supreme Court decision to overturn "the people's vote" against same-sex marriage there was a public uproar from voters who felt affronted. Presently, the group's rebuttal to the decision involves a fast enactment to "restore the definition of marriage," as between a man and a woman, which they hope is carried out by Proposition 8 on the November 2008 ballot. Those in favor of Proposition 8 feel that the State Supreme Court, headed by what they call "four activist judges," wrongfully overturned the wording that Proposition 22 put into the state constitution.
The Proposition 8 activists argue that voting for this piece of legislation is not an attack on the gay way of life because it does not strip gay and lesbian couples of the benefits granted to those in a domestic partnership. Through the enactment of Proposition 8, three elements are guaranteed to the group.
- In the state constitution there will be a restoration of the definition of marriage to the "traditional" wording, stating that marriage in California will only be recognized if it is between a man and a woman.
- The decision made by the California Supreme Court, which overturned the wording voted in after the 2000 election, will be reversed.
- Children who attend public schools will learn that marriage is only legal if between a man and a woman, since those opposing same-sex marriage are concerned that in the future teachers may be required to teach children the meaning of marriage.
More can be found out about those in favor of Proposition 8 by visiting www.protectmarriage.com.
Those Who Oppose Proposition 8
Those in favor of same-sex marriage fight back against the onslaught of anti-gay activists, stating that the United States of America was founded on the principle that all people are created equal. Same-sex marriage supporters want these core rights to translate into the California constitution by not allowing any clause that singles out a particular group of people for different treatment.
Activists also state that denying gay and lesbian couples the right to marriage is in turn refusing those couples the same respect and dignity that marriage entitles two people seeking the title of "married." Many also argue that it is a freedom of a citizen of the United States to chose whether they want to marry their significant other or not, and by implementing Proposition 8 they would be declined a freedom that all other Americans are allowed.
The bottom line for those opposing the ratification of Proposition 8 is that all groups, gay or straight, are seen equally under the same laws, and that no group of Americans are denied the fundamental rights that are stated in the constitution.
For more information on the opinions of those who are against Proposition 8 visit www.noonprop8.com.