I Support Prop 8

“On this one, I’m taking a stand.” by Ashley

Posted October 22nd, 2008 by admin

I’m not one to voice my political opinions very strongly or freely, not because I don’t have strong opinions, but because I hate getting into contentious arguments with people who are unwilling to listen. I don’t mind civily discussing politics and morals with people, but only when in a respectful environment and usually only if someone asks.

But on this one, I’m taking a stand. Vote YES on Prop 8. 

The thing that brought this on was an email I recieved from several people in my home ward about Google publically denouncing Prop 8.

Our position on California’s No on 8 campaign
9/26/2008 03:23:00 PM
As an Internet company, Google is an active participant in policy debates surrounding information access, technology and energy. Because our company has a great diversity of people and opinions — Democrats and Republicans, conservatives and liberals, all religions and no religion, straight and gay — we do not generally take a position on issues outside of our field, especially not social issues. So when Proposition 8 appeared on the California ballot, it was an unlikely question for Google to take an official company position on.
However, while there are many objections to this proposition — further government encroachment on personal lives, ambiguously written text — it is the chilling and discriminatory effect of the proposition on many of our employees that brings Google to publicly oppose Proposition 8. While we respect the strongly-held beliefs that people have on both sides of this argument, we see this fundamentally as an issue of equality. We hope that California voters will vote no on Proposition 8 — we should not eliminate anyone’s fundamental rights, whatever their sexuality, to marry the person they love.

I was mad when I read this. I think it is completely inappropriate for Google to make a public statement. How many of their employees don’t agree with them?

I’m all about tolerance, it’s necessary to exist in this world with other people. However, I draw a line between toleration and acceptence, which many people don’t. I’ll tolerate, aka, won’t persecute or hate people for being gay, but I won’t accept it as right or allow it to be taught as such.

And I will defend the institution of marriage in society as something that is ONLY between a man and a woman.

http://www.preservingmarriage.org/ a church site concerning this issue, says:

Having tolerance without condoning.
-We can love someone while still maintaining and advocating our standards and beliefs.

Unless Proposition 8 passes, California society will soon undergo a profound change in its basic understanding of marriage and family life.
-That will affect everyone in numerous ways. Over time, greater acceptance of nontraditional marriage will be demanded of all people. This could impact the ability of any religion to teach and practice its beliefs.

Proposition 8 will not hurt gays.
-In California, the law provides for marriage-related benefits to be given to civil unions and domestic partnerships. Proposition 8 does not diminish these benefits.

Failure to pass Proposition 8 will hurt children.
-If gay marriage remains legal, public schools will put it on equal footing with traditional marriage. Children will likely receive “age appropriate” information about sexual relations within heterosexual and homosexual marriages.

Failure to pass Proposition 8 will hurt churches.
-The court’s decision will inevitably lead to conflicts with religious liberty and free speech rights. Society will become more and more hostile to traditional beliefs about marriage and family.

There are some more good links on that site.

Why I’m voting YES:

-Marriage is a sacred institution between man and wife. Male and female. It is necessary for happiness.

-Family is an integral part of society. We dicussed this in my Anthropology Theory class, from a compltetely non-religious viewpoint. And multiple times, from various theorists, the conclusion has been drawn that family is a very very important institution in society; to teach morals, to give people a solid foundation to stand on, etc. I will not allow it to be degraded.

-Being an anthropologist, we’re taught to view other people’s views and to not judge. This is necessary when explaining or investigating some cultural practice. And a lot of people have this existential look on life, where whatever makes you happy is right.

But when it comes down to it, there IS a fundamental right and wrong. There is no blurred line. There are things that are right, and those that aren’t. Homosexuality is wrong. Even writing that, I feel like I’m being radical, just because the doctrine of acceptance and tolerance has been thrown in my face so many times. But it is wrong, and here’s a great interview with Dallin H. Oaks concerning it.

I agree with what he says concerning controlling feelings, using our agency, and making a choice. Notice how he distinguishes between using “homosexual” as a noun and an adjective. I think that’s a critical point to make.

-Not passing Prop 8 may limit religious freedoms. If the temple and church won’t accept gay marriages, the state may be forced to take away sealers’ and bishops’ ability to marry. We can’t even take that risk.

I could go on, but I think this is sufficient.

If you need further convincing, I’ve always been a fan of The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

Protect families. Protect Marriage. Protect our society. Vote YES on Prop 8.