Vote YES on PROPOSITION 8

We have been busy lately advocating a "Yes" vote on proposition 8. The bishopric in our ward worded it best by putting it this way- "Proposition 8 is not a political issue, but a moral issue."

For those of you who don't know, proposition 8 will ensure that, "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." As part of a Christian organization we have been walking around neighborhoods on Saturday mornings to educate and seek support on this topic.

Originally we were pretty nervous to do this but soon discovered it is a lot like the mission. Like talking to people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, this is something we believe in and don't want to be ashamed to share. We have spoken with people on both sides and have happily discovered that no one has been openly rude or disrespectful about it. One man even said to us, "I don't agree with you, but I appreciate that you are out doing something you believe in."

On the whole, the experiences we have had on Proposition 8 have been positive. Our testimoies that marriage is ordained by God have grown. Our faith has also grown as we have stepped out of our comfort zones to represent something we believe in. As our church has come out and said, we too believe that "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. "

To clarify we want to say that we respect and love all people no matter what choices they make in this life, but we must stand up for what we believe to be right. Here is a quote taken from a pamphlet we have been distributing.

"Proposition 8 is Pro-Marriage and Children- It doesn't take away any rights or benefits from gay or lesbian domestic partners. Under California law, they "shall have the same rights, protections and benefits" as married spouses. Proposition 8 will not change this. It just wouldn't be called marriage, and public school teachers wouldn't have to tell children it is the same as marriage."

We have felt so strong about this proposition because we are afraid of the consequences of it not passing. These consequences stem from the fact that many Christian organizations believe in the moral principles taught by Jesus Christ himself. True Christianity should not fold under social or political pressures no matter how strong. Churches that will not perform marriages for same-sex couples and Christian adoption agencies that will not allow these couples to adopt children may be penalized by the government. Churches may loose tax-exempt status and the right to perform marriages. Adoption agencies may be forced to close their doors. With fewer adoption agencies, the alternative to adoption (abortion) may also increase. If Prop. 8 does not pass in California, such movements could spread throughout the United States.

As we have become involved in Prop. 8, we have realized the value of our freedoms and the importance of becoming involved in political issues. We have the right to vote and to stand up for what we believe in. We know that many people reading this blog are not Californians and will not be voting on the issue, so we just want to encourage you to be aware of the issues that you will be voting on in your state and of the issues that the election candidates believe in. We are afraid of the restrictions that may be placed on religious organizations if Prop. 8 does not pass. These are consequences that many voters in California are not aware of although the result will depend upon how they vote. So in other words, "BE AN EDUCATED VOTER!!!! YOUR VOTE COUNTS!!!!!"

To learn more about Proposition 8, please visit www.ProtectMarriage.com.

ONE MORE FOR PROPOSITION 8

We just want to restate a few things that we have said about Proposition 8 for anyone wanting to know more of its consequences. We want to say first off that neither we nor the groups actively supporting Prop. 8 hold anything against same-sex couples and that this is not an issue of tolerance or intolerance. We are completely tolerant of everyone. If this passes, it will not take away any rights of same-sex couples. California law says that they have the same rights as heterosexual spouses. Their union just would not be called marriage.

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