California’s proposed same-sex marriage ban on November’s ballot, Proposition 8, which would constitutionally ban same-sex marriages by overturning the state Supreme Court’s May affirmation of the equal right to marry.
Taking and giving rights to California taxpayers by a vote of the public is a scary process. Those for taking away the already existing rights (Yes on Prop 8 ) and those who want to maintain those rights (No on Prop 8 ) have large amount of money being tossed around.
The money is being spent (on both sides) for an agressive media campaign. The money is not just coming from those in California. One of the largest out of state funds is coming from Later Day Saints.
The coalition of Mormon churches is raising funds and mobilizing members in support of the California ballot initiative that would amend the state’s constitution to ban same-sex marriage. Senior elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints broadcast a call to Mormons to increase efforts to volunteer and donate funds to the fight, the Associated Press reports. The message went out to churches in Utah, Hawaii, and Idaho as well as California. So far, Mormons have given an estimated $8.4 million to the Proposition 8 campaign, according to Mormonsfor8.com.
Those who live in California, who are against Proposition 8, are quite angry that state’s politics is being influenced from not only religious organization (so much for separation of church and state) but majority of the $ 8.4 million is not from within California. Would you like if another state influencing your state’s politics?
California citizens and other that are against Prop 8 are flooding youtube with many videos. Here are a few:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKAqbQlWQhc
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6dBUCi32c8
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9T7ux8M4Go
My Favorite
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU4udzEbcdQ
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6Fxs4XJqOE
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUlQPnUUGU0
That is Molly Ringwald
Personal Note
Connecticut joins Massachusetts and California as the third state to recognize civil marriage for gay and lesbian couples under state law. Four other states and Washington, D.C. provide same-sex couples with access to all the state level benefits and responsibilities of marriage, through either civil unions or domestic partnerships. Three other states provide gay and lesbian couples with at least some of the basic benefits and protections made available to married heterosexual couples. New York recognizes marriages by gay and lesbian couples validly entered into outside of New York.
Gay and lesbian couples do not receive any federal rights and benefits.