YES on Proposition 8!

Sheri and I are breaking tradition from our usual zaniness by discussing something very important to us.

We have recently joined the Coalition for Marriage and Family in support of Proposition 8 to protect and restore traditional marriage in California. Members of the coalition include the Roman Catholic church, Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (our church), and many more.

Proposition 8 (California Marriage Protection Act) will be on the ballot this November. It is an amendment to the California constitution, and states that “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”

It is the same wording as in Prop 22 that was passed by 61% of the people in 2000. This was, however, recently overturned by a 4-3 vote of the California Supreme Court and that’s why it’s back on the ballot as a constitutional amendment.

In summary:
YES on Prop 8 – Re-establishes traditional marriage
NO on Prop 8 – Allows legalization of same-sex marriages

We are writing this post to encourage people to vote, especially to vote YES on Proposition 8.

Proposition 8 is not a political issue; it is a moral issue. It is not an issue of "us verses them", it is an issue of protecting the God-given institution of marriage between a man and a woman.

Now please don't misunderstand. By voting YES on Prop 8, that does not mean that we are against homosexuals or that we have less love and respect for them. All of us are children of God and deserve to be treated with kindness and compassion. YES on Prop 8 is a way to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

Let me give you an example of the kind of impact that NO on prop 8 would have on us - all of us. This is not a document that I made up or wrote myself. It was given to me by leaders of my church who have spent countless hours researching this issue:

Six Consequences of voting “No” on Proposition 8

1. Despite beliefs taught at home, children in public schools will have to be taught that same-sex marriage is the same as traditional marriage.

-The California Education Code already requires that heath education classes instruct children about marriage. (#51890)

-Therefore, unless Proposition 8 passes, children will be taught that marriage is between any two adults regardless of gender. There will be serious clashes between the secular school system and the right of parents to teach their children their own values and beliefs.

2. Churches may be sued over their tax exempt status if they refuse to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their religious buildings open to the public. Ask whether your pastor, priest, minister, bishop, or rabbi is ready to perform such marriages in your chapels and sanctuaries.

3. Religious adoption agencies will be challenged by government agencies to give up their long-held right to place children only in homes with both a mother and a father. Catholic Charities in Boston already closed its doors in Massachusetts because courts legalized same-sex marriage there.

4. Religions that sponsor private schools with married student housing may be required to provide housing for same-sex couples, even if counter to church doctrine, or risk lawsuits over tax exemptions and related benefits.

5. Ministers who preach against same-sex marriages may be sued for hate speech and risk government fines. It already happened in Canada, a country that legalized gay marriage. A recent California court held that municipal employees my not say: “traditional marriage,” or “family values” because, after the same-sex marriage case, it is “hate speech.”

6. It will cost you money. This change in the definition of marriage will bring a cascade of lawsuits, including some already lost (e.g., photographers cannot now refuse to photograph gay marriages, doctors cannot refuse to perform artificial insemination of gays even given other willing doctors). Even if courts eventually find in favor of a defender of traditional marriage (highly improbable given today’s activist judges), think of the money – your money – that will be spent on such legal battles.

And think of all the unintended consequences that we cannot even foresee at this time. Where will it end?

It’s your children, your grandchildren, your money, and your liberties.

Let’s work together and protect them.

Please join with us in voting YES on Prop 8

As many of you know, Sheri and I are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (a lot of you guys refer to us as "Mormons" - that's okay too). Our church is very family-oriented. To best explain what I mean, let me share the following portion of a letter that was sent from the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Church leaders in California that was to be read to all congregations on 29 June 2008:

"Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, and the formation of families is central to the Creator’s plan for His children. Children are entitled to be born within this bond of marriage. "

From this you can see why we are so concerned that Californians vote YES on Proposition 8. Both Sheri and I, along with so many of you, know that marriage is ordained of God. We have felt His guidance and support not only in our own marriage, but growing up in homes with a solid foundation of a mother and father who love the Lord. We know that the family, composed of a husband and wife who honor one another and God, is the institution that brings us happiness in our own lives, and stability in our society.

Please join with us in November by voting YES on Proposition 8

For more information:
The Family: A Proclamation to the World (this explains our beliefs on the family
http://www.protectmarriage.com/ (to find out how you can help)
http://www.coalitionformarriage.org/