The Importance of Proposition 8 to Other States
- By Walter Johnson
- Published 11/4/2008
Walter Johnson
I'm a 28 year old computer programmer an web designer. Most of my interests revolve around computers and computer gaming and have been since I was 10 years old. I also love to learn new things. It has been those interests that have propelled me into earning my high school diploma and my bachelors in Computer Engineering from NC State University. Since then, I've been trying my best to better myself and my understanding of both my chosen profession and the world around me.
Proposition 8 is possibly the most controversial issue that this General Election will see, despite it's absence on the ballot of 49 other states in the United States. It is the only issue that has raised more money than the presidential election. And it has given cause for the media to actually pay attention to California issues this election year.
But how does California's referendum on gay marriage effect us all the way over here on the east coast? Will the will of one state effect the will of a nation? When examining this question, we're really examining all of the issues Proposition 8 touches on.
First and foremost is the sanctity of marriage. In my opinion, marriage should only be a term for the union between a man and a woman. This is largely due to the fact that most marriage ceremonies are typically performed by a religious leader or in a religious setting. Very few religions recognize same-sex unions and often go so far as to mention that these types of unions are "unclean". Since the majority of same-sex unions are made under the observance of a civil authority, they truly are "civil unions".
Second is the issue of civil rights for homosexuals. Some people have gone so far as to compare this type of discrimination to the type of discrimination experienced by African Americans. However, I honestly don't see the comparison. Homosexuals aren't denied jobs. They aren't denied seats in restaurants nor are they denied the services of hotels and major shopping centers. They aren't relegated to their own special bathrooms. Neither are they segregated to special "homosexual-only" units in the United States military. So until I see a gay or lesbian person arrested for refusing to give up their bus seat, I think this argument's a load of crap.
When all is said and done, regardless of the outcome of the vote, all of the states in the country will have to reexamine these issues as they relate to a growing homosexual community within our country. And whether or not you are a supporter of gay marriage or an opponent, it will foster a healthy debate over an issue that has been growing and growing every year. It is definitely something that we should be talking about as a country and an issue that should definitely be left up to the states.
But how does California's referendum on gay marriage effect us all the way over here on the east coast? Will the will of one state effect the will of a nation? When examining this question, we're really examining all of the issues Proposition 8 touches on.
First and foremost is the sanctity of marriage. In my opinion, marriage should only be a term for the union between a man and a woman. This is largely due to the fact that most marriage ceremonies are typically performed by a religious leader or in a religious setting. Very few religions recognize same-sex unions and often go so far as to mention that these types of unions are "unclean". Since the majority of same-sex unions are made under the observance of a civil authority, they truly are "civil unions".
Second is the issue of civil rights for homosexuals. Some people have gone so far as to compare this type of discrimination to the type of discrimination experienced by African Americans. However, I honestly don't see the comparison. Homosexuals aren't denied jobs. They aren't denied seats in restaurants nor are they denied the services of hotels and major shopping centers. They aren't relegated to their own special bathrooms. Neither are they segregated to special "homosexual-only" units in the United States military. So until I see a gay or lesbian person arrested for refusing to give up their bus seat, I think this argument's a load of crap.
When all is said and done, regardless of the outcome of the vote, all of the states in the country will have to reexamine these issues as they relate to a growing homosexual community within our country. And whether or not you are a supporter of gay marriage or an opponent, it will foster a healthy debate over an issue that has been growing and growing every year. It is definitely something that we should be talking about as a country and an issue that should definitely be left up to the states.
