Nothing changes if you vote NO on Proposition 8. Everything remains exactly as it is, right now, today. You are not affected if you vote NO. If you vote yes, a minority group could lose a fundamental civil right.
Think about it: if the out-of-state proponents of Prop 8 were worried about churches losing their tax exemptions, or about free speech, or about what kids are taught in school, then why doesn't anything in Prop 8 talk about churches or free speech or schools? They could have crafted amendments to address their specific concerns, but instead they crafted a broad attack amendment that steals the civil rights of a minority group.
It has nothing to do with churches. Think about it: Are Christian churches required now to marry atheists? Have any of them lost their tax-exempt status because they don't? Of course not. The First Amendment to the US Constitution already protects churches and their right to practice their religions as they see fit, unhindered by the government. There is nothing to fear for churches. Think about it.
It has nothing to do with free speech. Think about it: Proposition 8 doesn't contain a single word pertaining to freedom of speech, one of our nations most sacred rights. Nor does the fact of same-sex couples obtaining civil marriages prevent anyone else from expressing an opinion about those civil marriages. Given how loud the pro-discrimination groups are, it is impossible to argue that those opposed to same-sex civil marriage are at any risk for being silenced. Think about it.
It has nothing to do with schools. Think about it: California law already bars schools from teaching about health and family issues in school against the wishes of parents. Schools don't "indoctrinate" students in opposite-sex marriages or couples today, so why would they suddenly start for same-sex civil marriages? And even if they did (keeping in mind parents could always opt out), would denial of same-sex relationships make them any less real? It's just another nonsensical lie told by the out-of-state supporters of Proposition 8 to try to scare you. Think about it.
It has everything to do with discrimination. Think about it: the California Supreme court, mainly Republican appointees, concluded that the California Constitution does not permit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation when they threw out a law forbidding same-sex civil marriage. They know it's against the law to discriminate, so the out-of-state supporters of Proposition 8 want to amend our Constitution to insert an exception to equal civil rights for all citizens. Proposition 8 is therefore entirely about discriminating against a minority group. Think about it.
Remember: if you have to lie to support a position, that position is not worth supporting! Proposition 8 is being sold by a pack of lies, and it is beneath us as Californians. Maybe that's how they do things in Colorado, but that's not how we do things here in the Golden State.
About me: I made California my home in January of 1998, looking to find a more progressive and healthy environment to plant my roots. I came out as a gay man in October of that year, almost 10 years ago as I write this. I own a home here, work here, attend school here, pay taxes here, and I am active in my community here. My partner and I recently celebrated two wonderful years together. I love him dearly. And though we're not quite ready to take the plunge and get married just yet, it scares me to think that we could lose that right. Join me in fighting hatred, discrimination and lies. Vote NO on Proposition 8 on November 4.
Nick Johnson
South San Francisco, California