Voters should vote for California Proposition 8. This proposition defines marriage as between one man and one woman. It basically eliminates same-sex marriages from the definition of marriage. Individuals of the same sex will not be allowed to get married; marriage will only be allowed between two individuals of the opposite sex. (California General Election, 2008) Previously the California Supreme Court ruled that gay marriages were the same thing as traditional marriages. They did this because they thought that the definition of marriage violated the equal protection clause and was a cause of discrimination.
There are some negative effects that this proposition will have on the community as a whole. Firstly, there will be a decrease in spending, revenue will be lost, but if we consider the long run, the impact will not be very substantial. Secondly, there are people who say that it goes against equal rights. (California General Election, 2008).
There are the positive aspects that we have to consider which will improve our society and not harm us now or in the future. Marriage is an institution that needs to be protected by law. The upcoming generations should know the difference between the two types of marriages: traditional marriage and gay marriages. If this distinction is not made for them, they will not be able to identify the difference, and they might choose the wrong path for themselves. We do not want to influence our children in the wrong way, we want the human race to continue, and with the increasing number of gay marriages, this seems to be at stake.
This does not mean that gay marriages will be prohibited or they will not get the same rights and benefits that they do now. They will, but instead of terming it as marriage as mentioned in the constitution, they can refer to it by another name, such as domestic partnerships. Their rights are not being sacrificed; we are just trying to save the sanctity of marriage.
This proposition will help us not just restore the definition of marriage but also protect our children from thinking that same-sex marriages are the same as traditional marriages, and it will overturn the decision that was ruled by the Supreme Court (California General Election, 2008). Our children need to be protected because the California Education Code requires that children be taught about marriage in schools. If this proposition is not approved, then children will be taught about both types of marriages, and they will view both of them in the same light. The values and beliefs that parents teach their children will differ from those taught at school, which will lead to confusion for the child and a conflict between the two teachings. The Reverend, Pastor, or Priest will not want to have same-sex marriages in their Churches; this will lead to another conflict. From a monetary perspective, they can be sued about their status of tax exemption.
Another problem that will arise if this proposition is not approved will be that ministers will have to limit their religious speeches. They will have to be careful of what they say because if they speak against same-sex marriages, they may be sued on the basis of discrimination. Private schools that are sponsored by religions and those that give housing will have to provide dorms or living accommodations for same-sex couples. This might go against their religious teachings, and if they do not adhere, they can be sued for discrimination. (What is Prop 8?).
This proposition is not taking away rights given to same-sex couples. Everybody has a right to do whatever they want in their private life, this does not mean that they can change society because they want to have a ceremony and officially be able to get married. The definition of marriage is universal, and the state of California should adhere to the universal definition, which is marriage is a union of a man and a woman.
The other party, which is asking you to vote no to this proposition, puts forward some arguments. They say that it is about equality, freedom, and fairness. With this rule, where is the freedom of the people, such as the Priests, who do not want to be part of such an activity? Who will think about our children when they come face to face with such harsh realities at such an early age, and above that without their parent’s consent?
They say that it is not fair to have two sets of rules, one for gay people and one for everybody else. There are not a separate set of rules; the rules are the same. We are just trying to protect something that has been this way for ages, and in our opinion, it is not right to change it because if we do, then we are also changing our customs.
Some people have confused this proposition with taking away the respect and dignity of the gay population. This is not what the proposition is doing; it is just changing the definition of marriage. Gay people still have the right to live together, have a family and interact with people the way they do in their normal lives. They can adopt the lifestyle they want; nobody is changing that or attacking their personal lives. The only thing that will be changed is that they will have domestic partnerships instead of marriages. Domestic partnerships are not treated differently under the law of the state of California; they have the same rights and are equivalent to marriages. The only difference is in the sanctity of the name. (California General Election, 2008).
The main reason behind changing its name is to protect our children and the upcoming generation. We want them to learn the traditional values that their parents grew up with. Such a change would devastate society, and the population of the country will start declining. There are many other aspects that we need to think of when voting for this proposition; we can not think of just one part of the whole society. The decision will impact everyone. For a few people, we can not destroy the basis of society.
Many same-sex couples adopt children. This leads to the child feeling uncomfortable while growing up. The majority of the children still come from a household where parents are from the opposite sex. A child who comes from a household of same-sex parents will be made fun of, and this can result in the child not being confident and not having any friends, basically a loner.
Almost 61 percent of people voted for the proposition a few years ago. We need to protect their right and freedom as well. We need to ensure that parents feel safe sending their children to school, that they do not think that their child will be exposed to information that is way above his age. The legal reasoning given by the judges was flawed. The judges need to protect society and its people. They need to think about the whole, not about the sum of its parts.
Married people depend on their spouses in case of emergency, and when we go to hospitals, it should be clear about who is with whom. Otherwise, it can be an embarrassing situation for the person who got confused and the couple themselves. This is one of the problems that same-sex couples have to face. This can not be taken as an argument against the proposition because this problem is self-inflicted. Even if the couple is married, the doctors can and the staff can still get confused, and an embarrassing situation will be created. (California General Election, 2008).
When voting for this issue, we need to keep in mind the interest of the majority of the people. Gay people are still a minority in the country, and if we allow legalizing gay marriages in a way, we are allowing society to deteriorate. We need to stand up for what is right by voting yes to this proposition and helping society and its traditions.
Works Cited
California General Election, 2008, “Eliminates Right of Same–Sex Couples to Marry. Initiative Constitutional Amendment,” Web.
What is Prop 8? “Six Consequences if the Vote Fails,” Web.