I have felt like I should post something about Prop 102 (or Prop 8 be you in California) but have struggled with what to say. Let me start by saying that I understand the viewpoint of the "no" supporters. It is only by serious reflection that I've decided I am a "yes" supporter.
I'll post some links to some of my favorite articles and videos, but first I'd like to add my own thoughts.
First off, the rights of gays and lesbians should not be diminished by the passing of these propositions. I am just fine with partners having the rights of benefits, etc. We're talking strictly about the definition of "marriage." Partners will be just as much "partners" as they were before but will not be "married" partners.
A failure to pass the propositions could, however, limit the rights of religious organizations in what types of marriages they can perform. It could also limit the rights of parents in what is taught in the educational system. It could also limit the rights of adoption agencies in deciding to whom they will adopt children.
I'm sure people will still argue that homosexuals are being treated differently. I would agree. Being treated differently does NOT necessarily imply inequality. We should have equal rights but we shouldn't all be treated exactly the same.
I do not see this as discrimination. People are not the same. Does a "woman's" restroom discriminate against men? Yes, but I think most people would agree that a man's rights as a human being are not diminished by this concept. Separate bathrooms are there to protect the privacy (an important right) of the women and men.
I'm not a supporter of the ERA for this same reason. I don't think women and men are the SAME, so they should be treated differently. As a woman, I am totally okay with that! I don't feel discriminated against or "oppressed."
Another argument I've heard is that moral views don't have a place in politics. That's a little stupid. Many laws are in place based on morals. Why isn't prostitution legal? Or why can't cousins marry? Or a father marry his daughter? Clearly, we do make moral judgments as a society and expect our government to uphold us in these decisions.
Hopefully I've expressed myself in a manner that makes sense and is not horrifically offensive. Here are some of the sites that explain things a little better than I could explain them:
Video with Elder Bednar
PreservingMarriage.org Videos
My Definition of Family
1 comment:
Not that you were Mac people anyway but:
"No on Prop 8
Apple is publicly opposing Proposition 8 and making a donation of $100,000 to the No on 8 campaign. Apple was among the first California companies to offer equal rights and benefits to our employees’ same-sex partners, and we strongly believe that a person’s fundamental rights — including the right to marry — should not be affected by their sexual orientation. Apple views this as a civil rights issue, rather than just a political issue, and is therefore speaking out publicly against Proposition 8."
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