Comments on: Think Different: California Proposition 8

By: Catherine

Catherine — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:52:11 +0000

I do not hate anyone from the gay community and I am voting “yes” on prop 8. It’s obvious to me from various articles and statements I have read that there are those who don’t think it is possible to put these two assertions in the same sentence. But I am writing this to let people know that there are many, many people who are voting “yes” on 8 and are not doing so out of hate. I am not motivated by hate. The reason I go out and encourage people to vote “yes” and have a “yes” sign in my yard is motivated by my love for God and His laws and commandments. As a Christian, I believe with all my soul that God Himself started this institution called marriage at the beginning of time and established it as a union between a man and a woman; that’s it! No addendums, no “but maybe later”s, a union between a man and a woman. I am working to keep God’s institution the way He established it; nothing more and nothing less. http://www.whatisprop8.com

By: Jennifer B.

Jennifer B. — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:53:39 +0000

I wish I could help others to see that wanting to preserve marriage does not have to be a prejudiced or bigoted view. I don’t know if I can explain it, but I would like to try.

I don’t think anyone should be legally discriminated against because of their sexual preference. But are homosexuals being prevented from marrying as it is legally defined? No. They are choosing partners who do not fit the definition.

I find the claim that sexual urges cannot be controlled very interesting. Perhaps the urge itself cannot be controlled, but does that mean it should not be controlled by behavior? Do you think people should act out on every sexual urge?

Is it really bigoted to think that some sexual urges should not be acted on? I do not think that this is an issue of legislating religion, but it is an issue of legislating morality. The definition of marriage should not be changed just because a certain group of people do not want to be intimate with the opposite-sex. You could make the same claim that other current legal limits on marriage are discriminatory and should be thrown out. Why are some limits okay, and others aren’t?

Perhaps some people would prefer to see all the limits on marriage thrown out–should it not be limited to 2 people? Should there be no age restrictions? Should close relatives be forbidden to marry?

If you oppose changing the above limits are you bigoted?

By: John

John — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:51:08 +0000

But Obama does not believe marriage should be defined as between the same sex. Does that make him a bigot or not? Or is he just avoiding the issue? I can see him not saying he supports it to not piss off anyone who believes in traditional marriage; but if he really would let any legislature pass that does allow same-sex marriage, when he says now that he is not for it, does that make him a liar?

By: It's Trent, Bitch!

It's Trent, Bitch! — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 04:59:32 +0000

I would have to say, John, that not all people can believe the same things. We can’t have an African American candidate without people trying to link him to terrorists or without questioning his citizenship. One thing at a time … Massachusetts, California and Connecticut have legalized same-sex marriage. New York has decided to honor same-sex marriages that occur legally in other States within the boundaries of their State. If same-sex marriage is ever going to break nationwide it is NOT going to come from the Republican party — never. A one-day President Obama (should he be elected) may not campaign or say he “believes” in same-sex marriage but I believe he will not stand in its way as time goes by. Anyone who ever wants to see same-sex marriage occur should know that that right will never come from the Republican party. No Kool-Aid, just facts.

By: John

John — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 04:42:29 +0000

What about Obama NOT supporting gay marriage? Is he a bigot too? What do you have to say about him not supporting this? Put down the obama-cool aid for a second and let’s here what you all have to say.

By: mhoneal108

mhoneal108 — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:58:05 +0000

Excuse me I meant to say a civil marriage.

By: mhoneal108

mhoneal108 — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:56:37 +0000

Penny I think what people don’t realize is that if Prop 8 passes it will be used to attack domestic partner rights in California. There is the possibility that all same-sex couple rights will be eliminated due to this passing. Marriage in a legal since is not a religious concept anyway that is why it is called civil union. To be so caught up on a word that you would deny people’s rights is ridiculous and morally incomprehensible.

By: Margie

Margie — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:43:33 +0000

What a lively debate. If only the actual TV produced one were as such.

Penny, a homosexual relationship is exactly the same as a heterosexual one. Afterall, Love is involved. Are you telling me that it’s a different kind of love simply because the 2 involved may or may not have the same equipment?

By: Andrea

Andrea — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:57:48 +0000

Legalizing the Constitution? What a concept! We need to start honoring our constitution. The Federal Government has no business in States business. Period! The same way the FED raids Medical Marijuana Clinics and STEAL doctor/ patient information!!!!! **WHAT IS THIS MESS??*** Messing/ Tampering with The United States Constitution is T-R-O-U-B-L-E. We NEED TO FIGHT THIS!!!!

Google Ron Paul, very interesting stance as a Republican on Gay Marriage and States’ rights! Anti-War…. you decide! He made me realize that it is NOT up to the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO RULE OVER THE STATES!!!

By: Penny

Penny — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:26:34 +0000

As I mentioned previously, I am voting YES on prop 8 because I believe that the definition of marriage is between a man and a woman. That is my belief. It may be different than yours, and I am fine with that and I respect your decision. I do not understand why people assume others are intolerant or close-minded just because they think differently than you. To me, tolerance is LOVE. Just because I think marriage should be defined as between a man and a woman, does not mean that I am a bigot or that I hate my gay uncles and friends. People who do not love someone for who they are are the intolerant ones. That being said, I don’t think a heterosexual relationship is the same as a homosexual relationship. That is why I think it should be called something different. This is a pro-marriage issue for me…not an anti-gay issue. Thanks for letting me voice my opinion :) Vote YES on 8

By: Erin

Erin — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 03:38:02 +0000

Lin, that is sad that Obama would not have it as part of his platform if that is what he believes. I think that is just as awful as McCain being against gay marriage, if not more awful because Obama is using the issue for political gain. In my eyes, that makes him just another typical politician. I know each candidate is guilty of that, but if you are a “new” kind of politician, why can’t you simply state what you believe, instead of pandering to those who might not agree?

By: erika

erika — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 02:34:03 +0000

thank god, because the actual campaign ads for no on 8 SUCK! you’d think a bunch of gays would be able to create a better ad. these will hopefully save the day.

By: Lawyer

Lawyer — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 02:31:47 +0000

To the person discussing the Constitutionality of granting gays the right to marry. You are correct that sexual orientation is not considered a protected class based on the current precedent of Supreme Court opinions. However, over time opinions can and have changed on MANY issues including the expansion of rights to various groups. Justices recognized the Lawrence v. Texas a fundamental right to privacy such that states can no longer criminalize sodomy or at the minimum enter the private bedrooms of citizens to punish them for natural acts. The prevailing opinion among justices at the time of that opinion and several others was that sexual orientation was unlike other protected classes (race, gender, national origin) because sexual orientation is chosen and not inherited. This is factually incorrect and when society comes to (finally) accept that being gay is not a “lifestyle choice” but a part of our genetic makeup, gays will receive the same kinds of protection as other protected classes until everyone is finally treated equally. Recall our founding fathers espoused that “all men are created equal” but even they did not consider African-Americans or women to be a part of this equality. Some day this principle will become a reality and it will take the strength of those with the courage to stand up for their convictions to make this reality happen. Those “Yes on 8″ ads are correct. Gay marriage will be taught in schools. In the future students will learn about those who fought against the tyranny of government and fought for what they believed in, the same way we learn about those same patriots of the women’s and civil rights movements. Our children will be taught acceptance and understanding. This includes respecting the beliefs of those who believe in gay marriage and those who do not. In the meantime, those of us concerned citizens have a duty to ourselves and our children to spread the message of tolerance wherever we can. YOU CAN STILL REGISTER IN CALIFORNIA THROUGH MONDAY OCTOBER 20. REGISTER TO VOTE AND LET YOUR CONSCIENCE GUIDE YOU.

By: Lin

Lin — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 02:18:06 +0000

(I’m sorry to repeat this from a previous comment page, but it’s quite relevant…)
Obama has strong ties to the HRC and other equal-rights organizations. His plan is to allow gay marriage, but it is not an official part of his campaign at this time (so as not to alienate voters, etc). If you are voting no, or would vote no, to Prop 8, then vote Obama in November.

By: Shark Tank

Shark Tank — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 01:58:54 +0000

Please get the facts straight! It makes me so mad that the Morman church is making a Yes on 8 somehow into a vote FOR religious freedom! It’s the biggest hoax of this election.

“the court decision regarding marriage specifically says “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.”

And also … about that whole “choosing your sexuality” … I certainly didn’t “choose” to be straight, it’s just who I am. And no amount of brainwashing or praying would change that.

DON’T LET THEM SCARE YOU. NO ON 8.

By: mhoneal108

mhoneal108 — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 01:08:22 +0000

forehead slammer, sadly Gavin Newsom officiated at a lesbian first grade teachers wedding. As a surprise many of her students were outside city hall at the end of the wedding to celebrate her wedding. They did not attend the ceremony and apparently the teacher and Newsom did not know it was going to happen. The Yes on 8 people are totally exploiting the situation to look like children are being forced to accept gay marriage when they didn’t even attend the ceremony.

By: forehead slammer

forehead slammer — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:10:48 +0000

Jon –

You wrote:

“why should i pay taxes so my kids can go on a field trip to see there gay teacher get married Double standard when they couldn’t come to any Conventional Marriage”

I’m having trouble following your reasoning. Do children in any class attend any weddings during any field trips? where did you obtain this information?

Yours,

Fellow Californian

By: pooneck

pooneck — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:06:33 +0000

it is sad that people cannot just accept people for who and how they are. if at the very least people could tolerate (i am not even asking for acceptance because i know sadly, that wont ever happen) other people, we could all peacefully co-exist. here, in wisconsin, same sex marriage was voted no by a pretty large margin. most people here are conservative, ass backward, bible beaters, and/or prejudice. it is pathetic. i would encourage anyone that lives in CA to vote NO to prop 8. everyone deserves the same rights no matter what their gender, race, sexual orientation, handicap, etc. who am i (or who is anyone) to judge anyone based on my personal belief system?! i feel everyone should be free to live a life that makes them happy and not be judged or stripped of basic fundamental rights because of it. PERIOD. i also urge you to join HRC (Human Rights Campaign) to help fight for equal rights. http://www.hrc.org/

By: mhoneal108

mhoneal108 — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:53:04 +0000

Nat, bigotry is bigotry. Many people have been beaten or killed just based on the perception of their sexuality even though some of them have been straight. Most people can tell I am gay. People have known I was gay since I grew up in the Appalachian mountains and I was treated ruthlessly because of it. I didn’t tell anyone. I didn’t try to flaunt it and I certainly didn’t want anyone in my high school to know it and at the time I certainly had never acted on it. No one ever asked me if I wanted to be effeminate or perceived as gay. So don’t try to act like the bigotry I have faced is just because of an urge I could have ignored, its based on a perception that people have and their bigotry regardless of if I actually was gay. This argument of course ignores the fact that I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with being black, gay, jewish etc.

By: It's Trent, Bitch!

It's Trent, Bitch! — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:35:31 +0000

Nat, thanks for your “apology” but you are coming across bigoted. It is flat out wrong to claim that sexuality is an “urge” that can be controlled. The assumption is that gays can be changed. You may not want to see discrimination against one group of people as the same as discrimination of another but it seems clear to me.

By: Nat Lancaster

Nat Lancaster — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:25:05 +0000

I’m sorry if this comes across bigoted but I get so damn mad everytime someone compares what African-Americans have gone through in this country to the gay rights fight. As an African American and a mother, I doubt my parents and I know I wasn’t asked what race I wanted to be or what race my daughter wanted to be. Some things and urges can be controlled. Being black isn’t. In just my own family’s history, there are some horrendous things that have happened only because they saw black skin so please quit acting like it’s the same thing because it is not and it so offensive to act otherwise.

By: Dusty

Dusty — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:30:51 +0000

Why isn’t there a constitutional amendment to ban divorce? Wanda Sykes said that is the biggest threat to marriage.

By: mhoneal108

mhoneal108 — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:36:41 +0000

Jon it has already been established that No on Prop 8 does not require anything. The vote is against the constitution changing. It will not require any church to do anything, and certainly not perform gay marriages unless they want to. This is a fake talking point from the Yes on 8 campaign. Yes on Prop 8 just writes discrimination into our constitution. It would be the only such law in the constitution that discriminates against a particular group in such a profound way. So everyone please vote No!

By: Erin

Erin — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:31:00 +0000

I respect the right of others to vote as they will, but I cannot for the life of me understand why people care what others do in their private lives. I find it hard to believe that people actually think letting gays get married will have any impact on them, whatsoever. I’m typically pretty conservative, but when it comes to social issues like this, I can’t agree with the Republicans I usually vote for. Unfortunately in this election, NEITHER candidate is for gay marriage. Although I don’t vote in that state, I sincerely hope there is a resounding “no” to Prop 8 in California.

By: Jon

Jon — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:22:13 +0000

i am voting yes on prop 8 simply because i think the United States Constitution says a little something about Separation of church and state and if this passes Churches all over CA would be required to marry but not just that why should i pay taxes so my kids can go on a field trip to see there gay teacher get married Double standard when they couldn’t come to any Conventional Marriage it al sounds like a bunch of double standards we give give give and have never gotten anything back