Why You Should Vote No on Prop 8

I just a few short weeks Californians well be voting on a proposition that will affect homosexuals across our state. Prop 8 would put into California constitution "Only marriage between a man and a women is valid or recognized in California". (www.protectmarriage.com/about) You don't have to be gay to see the reasons this prop is wrong.

I am asking you to put aside or at least look past your religious beliefs to see the bigger picture. I don't want to change anyone's beliefs, morals, or values. I just want you to try to look at this issue from a different point of view.

Prop 8 supporters state "It protects our children from being taught in public schools that 'same-sex marriage' is 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 personal beliefs." (www.protectmarriage.com/about) This statement is false and misleading. Even the lawyers for the California Department of Education say this claim is false. In California parents have the authority to remove their children from health instruction that conflicts with religious or moral beliefs. With laws already in place prohibiting discrimination against anyone based on race, religion, gender or sexual orientation, allowing same sex marriage will not change anyone's right to personal beliefs.

Prop 8 will eliminate a right that the constitution guarantees. Society should not have the power to dictate some ones civil rights based on different beliefs, principles, or lifestyles. Society accepted slavery, and kept women from voting, now society wants to tell us who we can and can not marry. What will be next, or should I say who would be next.

This prop is not about protecting marriage. The sanctity of marriage has already been comprised by the ease and use of divorce in our country. Marriage is a legal commitment that all Americans have the right to enjoy. Not just the people society sees fit. In the end only one point in relevant. Do we have the right to judge those who are different? Do we have the right to take away fundamental rights because we don't agree with a lifestyle? No we do not.

I cannot see how being tolerant of some one's choices and Rights could be a bad thing. All human beings should be entitled to the same rights and freedoms as everyone else, no matter what their sexual orientation is. Our country was founded on freedom, how could we let anyone take those freedoms away just because they don't believe in someone's sexual preference. You don't have to agree with homosexuality to support equal rights and the right to marry whom each of us sees fit for ourselves. We should not judge those who are different, we are all different in one-way or another. I for one do not want people taking away my rights just because I'm fat, or for any other differences. I don't think most Californians or Americans want that either. For more information on both sides of prop 8 you can visit www.noon8.com and www.protectmarriage.com

Sources: www.protectmarriage.com