Monday, October 20, 2008

Prop 8 in California - Vote Yes

The family is very important to me and to my religion. As such, an important issue regarding all of our families is at stake this election on November 4th. Proposition 8 is on the ballot in California. Voting "Yes" on Prop 8 will add an an amendment to the California Constitution stating: "“Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”

You might ask the question--'Why is this important to me?" Well, I invite you to take a minute and learn. It is not just about defining the word marriage in a dictionary. There is much more on the line than that. This is setting up to be a showdown between freedom of religion and this new civil "right."

Some possible consequences if Prop 8 does not pass:

-This battle will be taken to other states, even those that already have laws defining marriage. Further, a legal precedence could be set in California that could establish a basis for judges' decision in other states.

-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-Other advocates of same-sex marriage are suggesting that tax exemptions and benefits be withdrawn from any religious organization that does not embrace same-sex unions.

-Accrediting organizations in some instances are asserting pressure on religious schools and universities to provide married housing for same-sex couples.

-The establishment of same-sex marriage as a civil right will inevitably require mandatory changes in school curricula. When the state says that same-sex unions are equivalent to heterosexual marriages, the curriculum of public schools will have to support this claim. If you don't think this will happen, it already has. Check out this video and this story:


There are many more reasons to vote YES on Prop 8. I invite you to study the issues. If you are in California, I urge you to vote YES on this very important issue. If you are outside out California, you can help my donating to the coalition supported by many churches and denominations. Go to http://www.protectmarriage.com/

I believe marriage between a man and woman to be ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. (The Family: A Proclamation to the World)

Sources: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-divine-institution-of-marriage

http://www.protectmarriage.com/