Consider the 'facts' before voting on Prop. 8

Daily Democrat
Article Created: 10/29/2008 08:09:06 AM PDT


On Nov. 4, voters will have the opportunity to cast their vote on Proposition 8, the "California Marriage Protection Act."
Walking precincts and calling voters on the phone has given me the opportunity to see the goodness of the people in my community. Whether they agree or disagree, for the most part, they are courteous and respectful. I hope the same is true in other parts of California.

Another thing I have noticed is that many people are unclear about what a "yes" and "no" vote mean. I hope that everyone who votes on Proposition 8 votes the way they truly intend.

To clarify, a "yes" on Proposition 8 will amend the California constitution to read "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."

A "no" vote will essentially leave it up to the courts to decide the definition of marriage. Currently, the California Supreme Court has decided (by a 4-3 ruling) that marriage includes same sex as well as heterosexual couples. But Judge Baxter, of the California Supreme Court, wrote in his dissenting opinion, that this ruling "creates the opportunity for further judicial extension of this perceived constitutional right into dangerous territory.

I hope that the people of California will think carefully before voting on Proposition 8 - that they will be clear about what their vote means, not just for now but what its impact will also be for the future.

GLORIA HUBBLE, Woodland