Why I'm Voting Yes on California's Proposition 8

All the pictures in this post were taken on my street.


Above is the sign that started it all. This was the sign that was noticed by a teacher at San Marcos High School, prompting that teacher to confront several young men and to verbally berate and abuse them. I suppose that there will be many that will call me a bigot or intolerant for my stance on this issue (and some have). I must emphasize that I do not now nor will I ever hold any ill will towards those who oppose this proposition, and I do sincerely want them to have the rights and protections they deserve. I guess that ultimately my reason for voting yes is the same as theirs for voting no. I feel the need to protect my rights.

In 1996, the Congress of the United States published their findings on families as the Healthy Marriage Initiative. It stated in part that "Marriage is the foundation of a successful society" and that "marriage is an essential institution of a successful society which promotes the interests of children." Unfortunately, studies and the experiences of other nations where same-gender marriage is permitted under law show that same-gender marriage is basically to serve the desires of the adults, not the needs of the children.

Family fragmentation is a serious issue in the United States. In April of this year, the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy released a study showing that family fragmentation is costing taxpayers in the U.S. an estimated $112 billion dollars annually. Programs to support the disintegrating family abound, but there seems to be little effort into fixing the cause of the problem rather than just treating the symptom. The family is too important a unit for us to rely solely on this "band-aid" approach.

Legally, there is much to be concerned about. Freedom of religion in the U.S. allows us to believe as we wish. That protection is not extended to how we act. In other words, we can be morally opposed to same-gender marriage, but if legal we have no protection under law if we refuse to recognize or perform these same-gender marriages. Legal experts agree that there will be conflict on this issue all along the church/state boundary that must be kept separate. These are rights that I am not willing to give up.

In 2004 during the debate over same-gender marriage in Massachusetts, Harvard Law professor Mary Ann Glendon wrote "The experiences in other countries reveals that once these arrangements become law, there will be no live-and-let-live policy for those who differ. Proponents use language of openness, tolerance, and diversity, yet one foreseeable effect of their success will be to usher in an era of intolerance and discrimination. The axe will fall most heavily on religious persons." My experience in campaigning and with my son at school have shown no contradictory evidence.

Ultimately, I have one overriding reason to support this measure. I firmly believe that we have a loving Father in Heaven who is the designer and author of all. Part of His plan is for us to be here on earth, to marry, and to create our own families. I echo the words of men called and inspired of God who solemnly proclaimed that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of his children." They continue: "Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose. ... Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony and to be reared by a father and mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity."

They warn that "the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets." And they conclude with the charge: "We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society."

I testify that the family as defined by our Father in Heaven is the most important unit in society. It is the building block of nations. I will do all in my power to defend it and to safeguard it.