what exactly is prop 8?

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This is a very tough question to answer, and the answer, much like any politically charged issue, depends on which side of the issue you are on.

Pro Prop 8 Answer: It is a proposed amendment on the ballot to protect the sanctity of marriage as being between 1 man and 1 woman. Eliminating the California Supreme Court's decision to allow gay marriages to take place within that state.

Anti Prop 8 Answer: It is a proposed amendment on the ballot that would take away the fundamental rights of gay persons to pursue happiness by taking away the right to marriage that was already granted by the State Supreme Court.

The truth of the matter is this:
If you take away the word "gay", and replace it with any other minority group, you can see immediately how wrong this amendment would be. For example, if we replace the word "gay" with the word "Mexicans", then we are stating that as a people we don't think that Mexicans should have the right to marry and raise families like anyone else. This removal of basic fundamental rights is wrong, irregardless of personal religious beliefs.

There have been many ads from the Pro Prop 8 factions stating that they don't want their children to be taught in schools that this is okay. There is nothing in the California State Educational Code that requires any teaching of marriage or marriage practices to be taught in the schools, thus this argument is rendered invalid.

Personally, I believe that, right or wrong, people voted to seperate church and state a long time ago, thus the religious movement needs to be thrown out when determining state policy. To tell a group of people that they are ineligible for the same rights as everyone else is morally corrupt and reeks entirely too much of the "seperate but equal" policies of Nazi Germany and of the 1950's American Civil Rights movement. Fundamental rights such as those to life, liberty, and the pursuit of hapiness that are guaranteed in the American Constitution should apply to everyone, unless they have done something to have those rights removed (such as being convicted of murder or other similar felony crimes).

I support freedom for all those who choose to exercise it. I personally plan to vote "No" on Prop 8.

[Sidenote to Yoho] - Actually, look again, "Civil Unions" do NOT have the same rights as marriages. They do not recieve the tax breaks that a married couple gets, they are much less likely to be allowed to adopt children, or even become foster parents. They are not granted the same rights as a spouse regarding medical care and treatment of their significant other unless they also have a Power of Attorney on file, something that "married" couples do not have to do. They are not treated as "next of kin" in the event of an untimely death. "Civil Unions" are the 'seperate but equal' that people want to avoid....Show more

Proposition 8 is an initiative measure on the 2008 California General Election ballot titled Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry. If passed, the proposition would "change the California Constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in California." A new section would be added stating "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."

In my opinion Separate but equal is not equal. I don't live in CA, but if I did I would vote no....Show more

YES ON PROP 8

Marriage is a side product of a right that we do indeed enjoy which is religious freedom; marriage being a religious institution. However it, in itself, is not a right.

No one has the right to marry whomever he wants. Gays can already get marriage licenses on exactly the same terms as anyone else. Everyone is equally barred from marrying another person who is under a certain age, or too closely related, or of the same gender, or already married to another. Sound reasons underlie all these requirements, which apply equally to everyone, male and female. Gays can already get marriage licenses on exactly the same terms as anyone else. Homosexuals are seeking a special right. They already have the same right to marry the rest of us have-the right to marry a person of the opposite sex. Limiting marriage to one man and one woman doesn't discriminate on the basis of sex or sexual orientation. Gays already have the liberty to live their lives as they choose, set up housekeeping, share income and expenses, make contracts and wills, and transfer property. What they are now demanding is respect and social standing for a lifestyle that others believe is immoral (like mixed-gender cohabiting).

Proposition 8 is about preserving marriage; it’s not an attack on the gay lifestyle. Proposition 8 doesn’t take away any rights or benefits of gay or lesbian domestic partnerships. Under California law, “domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections, and benefits” as married spouses. (Family Code § 297.5.) There are NO exceptions. Proposition 8 WILL NOT change this.

The narrow decision of the California Supreme Court isn’t just about “live and let live.” State law may require teachers to instruct children as young as kindergarteners about marriage. (Education Code § 51890.) If the gay marriage ruling is not overturned, TEACHERS COULD BE REQUIRED to teach young children there is no difference between gay marriage and traditional marriage.

http://www.protectmarriage.com/...Show more

If I could vote I would most certainly vote NO on Prop 8. If you vote yes, you would want to overturn the Supreme Court's decision of making gay marriage legal. We absolutely HAVE to vote no because everybody needs to take a chill pill and allow these freaking people do what they freaking want. It's their choice, not ours to say who they can and can not marry. ...Show more

It's a proposed state amendment to ban gay marriage and take away rights from gay couples in California, AFTER the state already legalized it. If it passes, it will be the first time in American history that basic rights have been taken away from a group of people, after they were granted those rights.

It's a result of Republicans, and the majority of people funding don't even live in California, most of the funding has come from hateful right wing "Christian" organizations in the south....Show more