Message from the Executive Director of The Center Long Beach about Prop. 8

I know not everyone in our community agrees with the concept of marriage, but I believe that most of us would agree that we don’t want to be discriminated against. If Proposition 8 passes with a yes vote (which we don’t want), it will be the first time in American history that a right will be taken away that was once already conferred. On the Federal level, those that are allowed to marry already receive over 1100 more rights than those who don’t. While we have made progress in California through domestic partnership, it is not enough to protect us and is no different than being relegated to the back of the bus.

Many volunteers from the opposition have been trying to confuse our community. They say they are from the Center and to remember to vote yes. They go door to door and ask if people are for marriage equality, and if they say yes they are, they remind them to vote yes on Nov. 4. These misleading tactics can swing as much as 10% of the vote, and if you have been following the polls, that would be detrimental. Millions of dollars have come from out of state right wing religious groups to fuel their campaign ads. In fact, they refer to this proposition as Armageddon…a fight between light and darkness. Whatever you can do today to make sure that this does not happen, please do so. Write a check. Take part of the day off on Nov. 4 and volunteer. Come and phone bank. Tell all your friends. One person can make a difference, and in this case, an historical difference.