The California Supreme Court abolished the state’s same-sex marriage ban in May, sparking public celebration in some places and angry protest in others. Now some critics of same-sex marriage are fighting back with an initiative to reinstate the ban, leaving voters once again divided. Should marriage remain between a man and a woman, or is it time to widen the aisle for same-sex couples? (Editor's Note: On November 4th, California voters passed Proposition 8 to ban same-sex marriage.)
The proponents of Prop 8 paint all types of scary scenarios that just aren’t true. They say that unless you vote for Prop 8 schools will be forced to teach kindergarten children about same-sex marriage. That’s a lie. They say that churches will be sued. That’s another lie.
The truth is that loving, committed couples have already gotten married here in California without threatening anyone else’s marriage. Modern school curriculum doesn’t include any discussion of marriage in any form for young children. Clergy from all faiths are free to express their views about same-sex marriage, both for and against. Churches aren’t being forced to marry anyone against their beliefs.
In real life couples marry to make a commitment to one another. Like the commitment that Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin made to one another. They were together for over 50 years, finally able to marry legally just before Martin’s death this summer. “Ever since I met Del 55 years ago, I could never imagine a day would come when she wouldn't be by my side," Lyon said. "I also never imagined there would be a day that we would actually be able to get married. I am devastated, but I take some solace in knowing we were able to enjoy the ultimate rite of love and commitment before she passed."
The Prop 8 proponents want to take that away from Phyllis. They want to take that away from the thousands of couples that have already wed. They want to permanently deny the simple act of civil marriage to any same-sex couple in the future.
They want to take it away from me.
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