In California, we have a proposition on the ballot that seeks to enshrine discrimination into the state constitution. As one of the first states in the country to legalize same-sex marriage, California took a step in the right direction towards equality. Proposition 8 would unravel that.
Much to my horror, the folks behind this measure have been preying on voters with the least information to get this proposition to pass. They’ve been spreading malicious lies (equivalent to the idea that being gay is a spreadable disease). They’ve primarily targeted the non-white, non-English speaking, low-income voters who are expected to turn out for Obama, saying that if this measure fails, homosexuality will be encouraged in schools, churches will lose their tax-exempt status, and religious believers will be sued for hate crimes. In a letter encouraging the passing of Prop 8, Senator Dennis Hollingsworth states that “unless Proposition 8 passes, acceptance of gay marriage is now mandatory for all of us.”
What happened to tolerance? What happened to non-discrimination? What happened to the erosion of a culture of hate? Senator Feinstein is rightfully pointing out that passing Prop 8 is pure descrimination. Bill Clinton is asking all California voters to reject this measure.
The proponents are very well funded and the No on 8 people are reaching out and begging for your support. They want to run advertisements all weekend to make sure that people are informed. I’ve donated money to this cause on numerous occasions and now, I’m begging you, please contribute.
If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien (regardless of what state you live in), you may contribute to this cause. If you have a few spare dollars or believe as strongly as I do that this proposition must be stopped, I beg you, please contribute. I’ve set up this donation page to encourage you to do so. For me. For all of the LGBTQ people out there who deserve to be treated equally under the law. For all of the beautiful couples who have committed their lives to loving and cherishing their partners who risk being told that their love is not real.
No on Proposition 8: My Donation Page
I will vote NO at Prop 8 to make sure we get freedom for all http://alpascual.com/blog/al/archive/2008/11/01/going-to-vote-no-on-prop-8-evolution-will-eventually-take-over.aspx
Hi DB:
Thanks for your support on Prop 8 – walked in the rain to put out doorhangers today. I really appreciate your voting comments.
Keep going on your dissertation!
I understand this is a very divisive issue and it is easy to misunderstand. When I first heard about it I was quick to jump to the conclusion that it was something related to a lack of tolerance. As I have met with leaders supporting this legislation, I have become convinced that this is the last thing they want to happen and they are very aware of this potential for misconception. People for Prop 8 emphatically support the right people have to choose their own lifestyle, they support health benefits for people regardless of their lifestyle, etc. It really does come down to exactly what you mentioned: charities and nonprofits have already been shut down over legalized attacks supported by same-sex legislation. The list of negative legal incidents is documented, is long, and growing fast–this isn’t fabricated. The writing is on the wall for charities and churches. These organizations don’t wish to harm anyone, bu they do want to protect themselves. It is very awkward, however, that legalizing same-sex marriage is causing them harm and that to fight that they must appear intolerant when that is not the case at all.
If you want to hear about people who are uneducated, people on the No on 8 don’t research the fact why people are in support of it. All they see is how their rights are being curtailed. What they do not research is, that in their march to gain equality, the rights of others have been trampled on as well in the name of “tolerance.” Because of how the laws have been written to enforce “tolerance” those who have differnt morals as you are forced to accept your version of morality. Their livelihood, their freedom to raise their children how they desire, their ability to run their businesses as they see it fit has been greatly curtailed. This is not just “isolated” incidents. This happens to large groups of people. The LGBT community uses morals as a shield and a sword when convenient, but call others “bigots” because they defend their beliefs with “morals.” THAT is hypocrasy at its finest.