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Loading ...Gay Foes Sue Over Calif. Ballot Wording
07.29.2008 10:42am EDT
(San Francisco, Calif.) Backers of a ballot initiative that would ban same-sex marriage in the California constitution are suing attorney general Jerry Brown over the wording that would appear on the ballot in November.
The ballot question had been described as a measure to limit marriage between a man and a woman. Last week, Brown changed the description to say the proposed amendment would eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry and that it could result in California losing tens of millions of dollars in taxes.Opponents of the proposed amendment say that the new definition could sway many voters in California which is facing a huge deficit. And backers of the amendment claim Brown has twisted the wording to influence the vote.
Project Marriage coalition spokesperson Jennifer Kerns called the new language inherently argumentative and prejudicial.
Brown’s office said the original definition was written before the California Supreme Court in May struck down the state ban on same-sex marriage. Hundreds of gay and lesbian couples began lining up for marriage licenses the following month when the ruling took effect.
Earlier this month, the state Supreme Court refused to hear a challenge by LGBT groups to declare the ballot initiative illegal.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) opposes the amendment and has said he will campaign against it. Brown, a Democrat, also opposes the amendment.
Despite the legal wrangling over the initiative, a poll this month suggests the measure is likely to be defeated.
Fifty-one percent of likely voters said they would vote against the proposed amendment while 42-percent would support it.
Mark you made some good points but I have to point out you need to include deadbeat mothers too. I know they are a minority but would they be if the court did not have an anti man bias in deciding child custody.
Al this amendment is for is to prevent the people of California from discovering that gay people are all around them, they are good people, and they deserve equality under the law, and not to be victims of religious persecution which is similar – but not as suddenly violent, as that which our nation experienced by a different group on 9/11.
And as the people of California discover that gay people are good people also, they will recognize that some of the churches are dens of iniquity and lies, the faith will be broken, and the churches will lose their power, which is really what the battle is about, not “protecting marriage” (from what – equality and equity and justice?)
Imagine if we were free to spend all the millions of dollars we’re going to have to spend fighting the Konservative Kristianist Krazies on people in need instead. We could feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, nurse the sick, visit the prisoners and captives, comfort the dying, clothe the naked … you know, the things JESUS told us to do in the GOSPELS. When he healed the centurion’s “boy”, he made it quite plain he didn’t care that the centurion and his boy were lovers. He DOES promise that the judgement will fall upon those who offend the least of those, His brethren (people with AIDS? gay kids? transsexuals? the poor? the disabled? those of different races?). What an APPALLING waste of money. Kids need healthcare, and instead of providing it, we have to fight mindless bigots for the rights everybody else takes for GRANTED. Father Raymond, San Diego CA USA
It’s such a shame that the backers of this hateful proposition aren’t using their time, effort, and millions of dollars to actually “protect marriage”, oh, say from all the heterosexual men who beat and murder their wives, from the more than 50% of heterosexuals who divorce and put their children through bitter custody battles, and from the countless deadbeat heterosexual dads who desert their families and don’t pay child support.
Stating the truth is pretty worrisome for the religious right I see. Not surprising, they have been twisting “truth” for a very long time. Funny how twisted they get when it is not working in their favor. The California Supreme Court has spoken, and ruled correctly for civil rights for all. I remain thankful and will watch with delight as the proposition fails.
Legal same sex marriage is currently the State of California Constitution. If voter’s want to change it, Legally it must be clearly spelled out what the intent of “Prop 8” is. It is to take away the current legal marriage rights of same sex couples.
The Attorney General is correct in clarifying the language for the voters No court is going to rule against the Attorney General and the Citizens of California.
LOL – these religious fanatics are incredible – now they’re suing the truth? Jerry Brown is just the messenger.
OK Arnold – EXACTLY what ARE you going to do to fight this Amendment?
who are they “protecting marriage” for or is it from. i think that the religious wrong are just worried that same sex marriage will be more long lasting that heterosexual ones.
“backers of the amendment claim Brown has twisted the wording to influence the vote”as if the “Protect Marriage” coalition isn’t biased language?silly people.