A Republican's take on CA's Prop 8...the ban on same-sex marriage...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

And, surprise, it's not what you think...

Have a look:

Why Prop. 8 is a losing proposition
Political mistakes have put the proposed same-sex marriage ban on the rocks.

By Arnold Steinberg
July 12, 2008
In March 2000, Californians passed Proposition 22, making the Defense of Marriage Act law: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."

Now comes Proposition 8, the California Marriage Protection Act, on the Nov. 4 ballot. This too reads: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."

Proposition 22 was an "initiative statute"; Proposition 8 is an "initiative constitutional amendment." In 2000, Proposition 22 won, 61.4% to 38.6%, victorious in 52 of 58 counties. Proposition 8 is most likely going down to defeat in November. All because the folks who brought you Proposition 22 miscalculated in 2000, and now, with Proposition 8, they've compounded their error.

Proposition 22, once passed, had the force of law, but, as with all statutes, it was subject to judicial interpretation.

That's what happened when the state Supreme Court overturned it May 15, ruling that it conflicted with the California Constitution. Writing for the 4-3 majority, Chief Justice Ronald George said, "An individual's sexual orientation -- like a person's race or gender -- does not constitute a legitimate basis upon which to deny or withhold legal rights" -- in this case, the right to marry.

More at link:

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-steinberg12-2008jul12,0,4554282.story

Arnold Steinberg is a Republican political strategist and analyst.

[exothermic]

1. Well, ole Arnold's a prick but at least he's a realist prick.

:shrug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. Yup, he is!

I will give him that!

:hi:

[Maat]

3. Exactly.

This prop is gonna fail .... sez me. Yahoo!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. I agree with the Republican author...

I believe it will fail too!

[terrya]

5. I think it's going to fail also.

Schwarzenegger opposes it, Obama has come out against it. I don't live in your state, but from what I've read, I don't really see a huge groundswell of support for this amendment. That is, enough of a groundswell to justify enshrining bigotry into your constitution. California isn't Idaho or Texas or any of the other red states who have passed these amendments.

And if, as I expect, on election night, when we get a new Democratic President and a bigger majority in Congress...I expect...I hope...Prop 8 will be defeated. Which will be yet an even happier reason to celebrate...so that the gay and lesbian couples who have gotten married...including pretty damn fine DU'ers like ronnykmarshall and his partner...will have their marriages protected. :-)

And I'm recommending this thread.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. Thank you so much, my dear Terrya!

I am very touched at your comments and at your rec!

:hug:

[Maat]

7. Me, too.

The latest polls show the prop losing in a big way! Yahoo!

[FreeState]

8. I hope your right....

because I have tickets to see Madonna in Petco Park (San Diego) on Nov 4th and its going to be an all out party to see her, yet alone with the first Black President and Marriage Equality firmly the law... god I can't wait:)