Protecting Marriage

This November California will be voting to protect marriage. We believe the sacred institution of marriage should be between one man and one woman. To protect that definition, we need to vote Yes on Prop 8!

What exactly is Prop 8?

Proposition 8 is a simple and straightforward voter initiative. It contains the same 14 words that were previously approved in 2000 as Prop 22 by over 61% of California voters: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." Because four activist judges in San Francisco wrongly overturned the people’s vote, we need to pass this measure as a constitutional amendment to restore the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman. Once this is passed as an amendment, it cannot be overturned again by judges.

Proposition 8 is about preserving marriage; it’s not an attack on the gay lifestyle. Proposition 8 does not take away any rights or benefits from gays or lesbians in domestic partnerships. Under California law, "domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections and benefits" as married spouses. There are no exceptions. Proposition 8 will not change this.

So why is it so important to vote Yes on Prop 8? Massachusetts and other countries have changed the traditional definition of marriage and everyone living in those jurisdictions have been affected. If Prop 8 does not pass in California, similar consequences will be seen in this state! Here are my top three reasons why we need to vote Yes on Prop 8:

1. Protecting Marriage means protecting our Religious Freedom!
In places where same sex marriage has become legal, the freedoms of religious institutions have suffered. The following is a quote I found that explains it much better than I can:

"The prospect of same-sex marriage has already spawned legal collisions with the rights of free speech and of action based on religious beliefs. For example, advocates and government officials in certain states already are challenging the long-held right of religious adoption agencies to follow their religious beliefs and only place children in homes with both a mother and a father. As a result, Catholic Charities in Boston has stopped offering adoption services.

Other advocates of same-sex marriage are suggesting that tax exemptions and benefits be withdrawn from any religious organization that does not embrace same-sex unions. Public accommodation laws are already being used as leverage in an attempt to force religious organizations to allow marriage celebrations or receptions in religious facilities that are otherwise open to the public. Accrediting organizations in some instances are asserting pressure on religious schools and universities to provide married housing for same-sex couples. Student religious organizations are being told by some universities that they may lose their campus recognition and benefits if they exclude same-sex couples from club membership.

Many of these examples have already become the legal reality in several nations of the European Union, and the European Parliament has recommended that laws guaranteeing and protecting the rights of same-sex couples be made uniform across the EU. Thus, if same-sex marriage becomes a recognized civil right, there will be substantial conflicts with religious freedom. And in some important areas, religious freedom may be diminished." http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-divine-institution-of-marriage

For more articles on Freedom of Religion issues involving same sex marriage, check out these:

Canadian Catholic Priest Opposes Same Sex Marriage Faces Possible Prosecution

Artist Hit for Refusal on Beliefs

Christian photographers fined for refusing same-sex ceremony

California Supreme Court Rules Doctors Must Provide Treatment That Violates Their Religious Beliefs

This country was built on allowing people to believe and worship as they pleased, so please protect our religious freedom by voting Yes on Prop 8!

2. I thought California was a Democracy??
In 2000, 61% of Californians voted to protect the traditional definition of marriage. Because of four liberal judges, same sex marriage is currently legal in California. This is not what the people wanted! Please protect the people's choice by voting Yes on Prop 8!

3. Protecting Marriage includes Protecting Children!
In areas where same sex marriage has become legal, some public schools have used that has a way to indoctrinate young children in the belief that it is natural and normal to participate in homosexual behavior. All of this is done without parental notification!
This video tells of a family from Massachusetts whose kindergartner was taught about same sex marriage. The father was arrested when he went to the school and requested that he and his wife be notified before their children were taught things that were against their basic Judeo-Christian beliefs.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1815820715/bctid1822459319

Recently a first grade class in San Fransisco took a field trip to a same sex wedding ceremony and the school justified it as an educational experience. Read the article here. We cannot let children grow up in a world where they are taught this is normal and natural by teachers whom they respect and admire.

Read another article about teaching children homosexuality in the classroom here.

I am a firm believer that children have the right to be raised by loving a mother and a father. If Prop 8 does not pass, more children will be raised in same sex homes. "Extensive studies have shown that in general a husband and wife united in a loving, committed marriage provide the optimal environment for children to be protected, nurtured, and raised. This is not only because of the substantial personal resources that two parents can bring to bear on raising a child, but because of the differing strengths that a father and a mother, by virtue of their gender, bring to the task.
Traditional marriage provides a solid and well-established social identity to children. It increases the likelihood that they will be able to form a clear gender identity, with sexuality closely linked to both love and procreation. By contrast, the legalization of same-sex marriage likely will erode the social identity, gender development, and moral character of children. Is it really wise for society to pursue such a radical experiment without taking into account its long-term consequences for children?" http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-divine-institution-of-marriage

Please help protect our children and vote Yes on Prop 8!

**If you want to learn more about Prop 8 and its supporters, visit www.whatisprop8.com.

**The Yes on Prop 8 campaign is a “grassroots” effort and can use all the support it can get from Californians and those who live outside of the state. Click here to learn how you can support Californians in protecting marriage!