Ballot Recommendation: No on Proposition 8

Proposition 8, also known as the Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry Act, will appear on the November 2008 ballot in California. It was previously titled the Protect Marriage Act. It has also been known as the Same-Sex Marriage Ban or the Limit on Marriage Amendment. If it passes, it will add a new constitutional amendment to the California Constitution that will have the following text: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." The ballot title for the measure says that Prop. 8 "eliminates the right of same-sex couples to marry".
-Ballotpedia

I am a white, heterosexual, Christian, conservative Christian male who is voting no on Proposition 8.

I am well aware that many individuals have a personal, religious or other issue with homosexuality. That is at the core of this evil (yes evil) ballot initiative which violates the core principles of the Republican Party of limited government, individual liberty and personal accountability.

In addition to being a sacred and emotional tradition, marriage is also a business proposition. In our common law, we've acknowledged the right of parties to enter into agreements with one another and that such agreements can be legally recognized.

At the same time, we have a right to our opinion in this country and a right to not be forced to participate in that which we believe in.

Proposition 8 is contrary to conservative values and does nothing to prop up the values of those who do not agree with homosexuality nor would it do anything to save the state of heterosexual marriage which is in big trouble in some quarters. Permitting same-sex couples to marry has absolutely no affect on anyone's heterosexual marriage.

Nor would it require anyone who does not support same-sex marriage - such as churches - to do so.

More importantly it protects the rights of individuals, keeps families whole and encourages committment and demand accountability for the well being of individuals. If Proposition 8 were to pass, it would devastate many of California's families.

This is why Republicans such as Governor Schwarzenegger, Ward Connerly (can't get more Republican than him!), Dennis Zine and others are supporting a no vote.

Though California is increasingly liberal and will award Barack Obama it's electoral votes by a big margin, that in and of itself is not enough to defeat this awful measure. Indeed, Obama's popularity may have the affect of drawing out larger numbers of African-American and Latino voters who are politically liberal but socially conservative. At the same time the segment of California's population that are traditional values voters will be out in force.

That's why it's important that free thinking Republicans, libertarians and centrists make sure to get out and vote against Proposition 8 and preserve marriage equity.