Prop 8

If I were to vote on Prop 8 I would vote YES. Does this mean I am racist? Does it mean I am full of hate? Does it mean I don't believe that people should have rights to be created equal? Does it mean that I think I am better than gays and lesbian couples? ABSOLUTELY NOT

Personally, I don't have a problem with creating more rights for this population. Sure, I am against hate crimes, job discrimination..etc. I don't hate this population, I actually find that the gay and lesbian friends and family members I have are very likable, caring, fun people to be around, and some of the most lovable people I know. I am neutral with the idea of gays and lesbians being joined in a bond which would include rights similar to marriage...however when this bond is called MARRIAGE I do not agree.

I do not agree when calling this bond marriage means that I do not have a right or say as to what my child is learning in school. This will create conflict between secular schools, and the values that are being taught by many parents. Parents have the right to teach their children based on their personal beliefs and values. Are our children old enough (at 7 yrs, the same age "Prince and Prince" could get taught in schools) to conceptualize this information? Is it too young to be throwing completely different values and beliefs in their direction? I find it very confusing to these young minds.

Furthermore, I do know that there are people who struggle with same-sex-attraction, but do we want this to become a learned behavior? Why should we encourage our children to participate in these relationships when we don't know how biological the tendency is. If the tendency is biological, why should we make it a learned behavior? WHY SHOULDN'T PARENTS HAVE A RIGHT TO SAY WHAT THEIR CHILDREN ARE BEING TAUGHT IN SCHOOLS? Why should calling this bond between gays and lesbians a marriage mean that we no longer have a say (as parents) as to what is being taught in the education system?

I do not agree when calling this bond marriage means that freedom of religion and speech is taken away. It is clearly not constitutional to take away the freedom, or for someone to be discriminated against because of their beliefs. So why are churches being discriminated against for refusing to marry gay and lesbian couples? Why should a photographer be fined for refusing to take pictures of these couples? (Shouldn't it be his choice? I mean, he's the one losing business...right?) How much more power will be put into the hands of the government to force beliefs and power upon people? What could this lead to? It may sound far fetched (but so do many things that are going on TODAY), but how long will it be before we are forced to believe a certain way? Will we really have these freedoms much longer?

VOTING NO ON PROP. 8 GIVES RIGHTS TO SOME, BUT TAKES AWAY RIGHTS FOR MANY

Whether I agree with Prop. 8 or not, I DO NOT find it right that the decision to allow same-sex-couples to marry in California was made WITHOUT a vote from the people. People deserve to make decisions for their society today. That is one of the blessings of being an American. If decisions are being made for us on this issue, than there is not doubt that decisions will continue to be made without the majority vote. We need to stand up for our rights as American's and not let this happen again. I am glad that this Proposition was introduced, and the people will now have a say on this issue.