2008 brings about one of the most anticipated and important election seasons of this decade; though the Presidential election is at the top of nearly everyone’s list, California state proposition 8 could provide a big change to the family structure of the state.
Proposition 8 strikes at the moral foundation of this state; asking whether or not the right of marriage should be extended to the gay and lesbian community. The gay marriage debate has been waging in this country for years and has been fueled by: passion, beliefs, and love from all regions of the debate.
Both sides of the argument believe that their cause is the morally responsible and ethically right one for the state to make. Each side argues that if the other side wins that the grave injustice will cause unforeseeable consequences to the state’s family structure and moral base.
Advocates for the passing of proposition 8 declare that the people of California have already spoken on this issue back in 2000, when they passed a similar proposition (prop. 22) stating that “marriages between a man and a woman are the only ones recognized in California.” Protection of the family structure as well as shielding our young children from being exposed to gay lifestyle and marriage in school; stand side by side with religious values as reasons why proponents believe same-sex marriage should be prohibited.
“God intended for man to be with a woman, not man with man or woman with woman… Acceptance of gay marriage will only lead to the further deterioration of the family structure, which has greatly diminished over the past decade, as it will allow children to be raised, in my belief, in an immoral environment that is unpleasing to God,” said retired Naval officer and proposition 8 supporter Charles Case.
On the other side of the issue, those against proposition 8 dispute that it’s not the governments place to pick and choose who should be allowed to marry. They believe that marriage rights and privileges should be allowed for any couple who chooses to engage in lifelong commitment.
“People’s fundamental right to marry who they love should not be taken from them just because they choose to fall in love with someone of the same sex. There needs to be equality for all couples regardless of sexual orientation,” said Jason Howe, media consultant for the vote no on proposition 8 campaign.
Recent polls, by the Public Policy Institute of California, show that with just over a week to go until Election Day the race has become increasingly close.
“I think the outcome will be close. The general idea of same-sex marriage continues to divide the state’s likely voters. In the latest survey, 47% of likely voters say they favor allowing same-sex couples to marry and 49% say they oppose it,” explains Sonja Petek, research assistant for the PPIC.
With Democrats and Republicans holding serve when it comes to opposing or accepting the ban; 70% of Republicans say “yes” while 67% of Democrats are saying “no” on 8. The independent voter could very well provide the tipping of the scale in either direction, since neither party hold a majority of the votes. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, Independent voters are leaning towards opposition of Proposition 8 (39% yes to 58% no). There are also just over 4% of registered voters who are still undecided on the issue that could also provide a change in the outcome.
The heels are firmly dug into the sand on both sides of the matter with each side expecting for the tug-of-war for the votes of the public to go down to the very last possible moment. The decision of the voting public will undoubtedly result in a slim margin of victory for whatever side is still standing after Nov. 4th.
http://protectmarriage.com/
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