Report Vandalism

The Yes on prop 8 campaign is collecting tales of vandalism and theft. If you or someone you know has had a sign stolen broken or otherwise been abused for your stance on traditional marriage. Report it here

Two more.

We have two more opinion pieces that explain the education problem and prop 8.

What do I mean? Well, the "No on Prop. 8" campaign maintains that, if Proposition 8 fails, kids will not be exposed to same-sex marriage instruction in school; yet it maintains that gay marriage is a fundamental right. Huh? If gay marriage is a fundamental right, then it should be taught in school. Can you think of another fundamental right that is not taught in school? The campaign's dirty little secret? They know gay marriage will be taught in school and they are desperate to say anything so that we don't figure it out on our own.

full article here.

and

If Proposition 8 fails, my school district will teach gay marriage and Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell knows it!

Of course, school board members like me, some teachers, and some parents will resist this type of instruction. But like the Borg in the Star Trek Series, the law, education code, judges and pro-gay marriage groups will eventually force their "tolerant" view of gay marriage on all children in public schools.

full article here.

More on the Teaching of Homosexuality in Schools

The following documents show the laws in California regarding the teaching of homosexuality in schools and how they are applied.

http://www.gsanetwork.org/resources/pdf/SB71FactSheet2.pdf

Note that when it comes to the discussion of homosexuality parents aren't allowed to opt out.

This is a sample of some of the teaching going on.

http://ifprop8fails.org/DNA/GayAgendaInstructions.pdf

and finally the ACLU's plan to spread gay marriage to all 50.

http://www.aclu.org/pdfs/lgbt/camarriage_joint_20080609.pdf

Note how key California is in that plan.

Now clearly passing prop 8 will help prevent the spread of gay marriage to the rest of the US. As far as the teaching goes yes on prop. 8 may not be able to help but at least it gives us a way to object.

2 for 1 Donation Drive

One of our more fervent supporters has promised to donate a dollar for every dollar that is donated up to a million. You can donate here https://www.icontribute.us/protectmarriage/initiative/truth-web/. So it turns out that we are getting beat on the advertisement campaign. We need to get more of our message out. If you can spare it please donate.

Prop. 8 and Civil Rights

Dee Garrett was a civil rights activist with Martin Luther King. She disagrees with the idea that proposition 8 is about civil rights. I'll let her speak for herself.

Same Sex Marriage Affects Every Family

Today we have one of the foundational arguments about the effects of same sex marriage. This video shows exactly what is going on. Please give it a watch.

School holds surprise 'Gay' Day for kindergartners

A number of Yes on Prop. 8 ads have claimed that same sex marriage will be taught in public schools. The other side has claimed that those ads are lies, despite very well publicized cases. We have yet another here.

School holds surprise 'Gay' Day for kindergartners

Parents outraged at public elementary's secretive 'coming out' event

Posted: October 22, 2008
9:34 pm Eastern

By Chelsea Schilling
© 2008 WorldNetDaily

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Some parents are shocked to find their children are learning to be homosexual allies and will participate in "Coming Out Day" at a public elementary school tomorrow – and they claim the school failed to notify parents.

One mother of a kindergartner who attends Faith Ringgold School of Art and Science, a K-8 charter school in Hayward, Calif., said she asked her 5-year-old daughter what she was learning at school.

The little girl replied, "We're learning to be allies."

The mother also said a Gay Straight Alliance club regularly meets in the kindergarten classroom during lunch.

According to a Pacific Justice Institute report, Faith Ringgold opted not to inform the parents of its pro-homosexual activities beforehand. The school is celebrating "Gay and Lesbian History Month" and is in the process of observing "Ally Week," a pro-"gay" occasion usually geared toward high school students.

The school is scheduled to host discussions about families and has posted fliers on school grounds portraying only homosexuals. According to the report, a "TransAction Gender-Bender Read-Aloud" will take place Nov. 20. Students will listen to traditional stories with "gay" or transgender twists, to include "Jane and the Beanstalk."

Some parents only recently noticed posters promoting the school's "Coming Out Day" tomorrow – celebrated 12 days after the national "Coming Out Day" usually observed on Oct. 11. When WND contacted the school to confirm the event, a female representative replied, "Yes, it is scheduled on our calendar."

When asked if the school made any efforts to inform parents, she refused to answer and said Hayward Unified School District would have to respond to additional questions. However, the district did not answer its phones or e-mails, and a voicemail recording would not take messages. "Coming Out Day" is not listed on the district's online school calendar. Some of the parents contacted Pacific Justice Institute for representation when they learned the school was pushing pro-"gay" events for young children without warning. 

Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute, said opponents of California's proposed ban on same-sex marriage, or Proposition 8, often say the measure would not have an effect on public schools– but this is one of many recent developments that prove otherwise.

"Do we need any further proof that gay activists will target children as early as possible?" he asked. "Opponents of traditional marriage keep telling us that Prop. 8 has nothing to do with education. In reality, they want to push the gay lifestyle on kindergartners, and we can only imagine how much worse it will be if Prop. 8 is defeated. This is not a scenario most Californians want replayed in their elementary schools."

Yes On Prop 8: Teacher Rants Against CTA

This one angers me. Teachers have to pay union dues in order to work. The unions then turn around and give the money to unrelated political causes. How is that not forcing a person against their conscience? But I don't want to lose focus. We have another video. This one is of a California school teacher talking about the California Teacher's Association donating money to defeat prop 8.

On Sign Stealing and Sundry Skullduggery

I've heard much in recent days about sign stealing. Even people paid to steal signs. People being harassed. Car lights bashed out over a bumper sticker. Property defaced. I don't understand why people don't learn that this kind of behavior only hurts their side. It brings to mind this wonderful quote.

No matter what side of the argument you are on, you always find people on your side that you wish were on the other.

-Jascha Heifetz

Russian-American violinist (1901 - 1987)

Q&A On Proposition 8

This is from an email from Mark. I generally don't like forwarding emails, but I thought I'd make an exception.

Questions & Answers

About Proposition 8

What is Proposition 8?
Proposition 8 is a simple and straightforward voter initiative. It contains the same 14 words that were previously approved in 2000 by over 61% of California voters: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."

Because four activist judges in San Francisco wrongly overturned the people's vote, we need to pass this measure as a constitutional amendment to restore the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman.


What does a YES vote on Proposition 8 mean?
Voting YES on Proposition 8 does 3 simple things:

1. It restores the definition of marriage to what the vast majority of California voters already approved and human history has understood marriage to be.
2. It overturns the outrageous decision of four activist Supreme Court judges who ignored the will of the people.
3. It protects our children from being taught in public schools that "same-sex marriage" is the same as traditional marriage.

What does a NO vote on Proposition 8 mean?
If Proposition 8 is defeated, the sanctity of marriage will be destroyed and its powerful influence on the betterment of society will be lost. The defeat of Prop. 8 would result in the very meaning of marriage being transformed into nothing more than a contractual relationship between adults. No longer will the interests of children and families even be a consideration. We will no longer celebrate marriage as a union of husband and wife, but rather a relationship between 'Party A' and 'Party B.' The marriage of a man and a woman has been at the heart of society since the beginning of time. It promotes the ideal opportunity for children to be raised by a mother and father in a family held together by the legal, communal and spiritual bonds of marriage. And while divorce and death too frequently disrupt the ideal, as a society we should put the best interests of children first, and that is traditional marriage. Voting No on Proposition 8 would destroy marriage as we know it and cause profound harm to society.


Will Proposition 8 take away any rights for gay and lesbian domestic partners?
No. Proposition 8 is about preserving marriage; it's not an attack on the gay lifestyle. Proposition 8 doesn't take away any rights or benefits from gays or lesbians in domestic partnerships. Under California law, "domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections and benefits" as married spouses. (Family Code §297.5.) There are no exceptions. Proposition 8 will not change this.



If Proposition 8 passes, what will happen to the same-sex marriages that have already taken place?
Under Proposition 8, the validity and recognition of all marriage in California would be limited to a man and a woman, including past and future marriages, as well as marriages from other states or countries. The rights and obligations of same-sex couples who obtained marriage licenses before Proposition 8 passes will be up to the Courts to decide.


If Proposition 8 does not pass, will my children be forced to learn about gay marriage at school?
Yes. In health education classes, state law requires teachers to instruct children as young as kindergarteners about marriage. (Education Code §51890.) If the same-sex marriage ruling is not overturned, teachers will be required to teach young children that there is no difference between gay marriage and traditional marriage.


Why is Proposition 8 needed? Didn't we already vote on this issue?
In 2000, over 61% of Californians voted to reaffirm the traditional definition of marriage as only between a man and a woman (Proposition 22). However, because this language wasn't put into the California Constitution, four activist judges from San Francisco wrongly overturned the people's vote in a closely divided 4-3 decision. Proposition 8 reverses the court's decision by restoring the definition of marriage as a man and a woman in the state Constitution.



Could the California Supreme Court overturn the people's vote again and declare Proposition 8 unconstitutional?
No. By amending the state Constitution directly, the court cannot declare Proposition 8 to be unconstitutional, as it did with Proposition 22. Proposition 22 added a regular statute to the California Family Code. Regular statutes are a "lower" law than the state Constitution. By adding the language of Proposition 8 to the state Constitution, which is the highest source of law in the state, the California courts would be required to uphold traditional marriage.


Who supports this initiative?
A wide range of national, state and local pro-family organizations, churches and individuals have formed a broad-based coalition to support Proposition 8. To date, the coalition represents over one million people in California. To view a list of supporters, visit www.ProtectMarriage.com.


What will happen to the domestic partnership laws if Proposition 8 is enacted?
Nothing. All laws on the books regarding domestic partnerships will remain intact. Gays and lesbians in domestic partnerships will continue to enjoy all the legal rights and benefits that married couples enjoy. Proposition 8 does not affect those rights and benefits.


Where can I find more information about Proposition 8 or get involved in the campaign?
You can visit the Proposition 8 Web site at www.ProtectMarriage.com or call

(916) 446-2956. There are a number of ways to get involved with the campaign, including volunteering, donating and helping to spread the word about the importance of voting YES on Proposition 8.



Vote Yes on Proposition 8!

Prop. 8 T - Shirts

They have proposition eight t-shirts over at whatisprop8. Get em while they're hot.

Proposition 8 in plain english

We have here a remarkable little cartoon on proposition 8. It is a little out of date, since Connecticut's ruling, but I'll think you'll find it informative anyway.

Prop. 8 an Attorney's View

Over at The Gr8 Prop 8 Deb8 we have an attorney's well written opinion on prop. 8. For many of us traditional marriage is a moral issue, compounded by the possibility of many dire consequences for religious freedom. From the article,

Now let’s all get one thing straight: religion will be affected by a redefinition of marriage. Both liberal and conservative scholars admit that the outcome of Proposition 8—whether passed or rejected—will dramatically shape the First Amendment landscape.[3] The basic premise of the debate pits First Amendment rights of free exercise against Fourteenth Amendment guarantees of equal protection. And legal scholars betting on the outcome predict universally that free exercise will lose the fight.[4]

I recommend reading the whole thing.

All 4 Candidates Support the Traditional Definition of Marriage

I found this on our sister blog run by Cedric. It's a video from the vice presidential debate, and aptly points out that all four of the major presidential and vice presidential candidates are opposed to redefining marriage. I might add, and I know it's been pointed out ad nauseam, but the last time the vote was 60-40 in favor of keeping the traditional definition of marriage. The opposition is more vocal but we are in fact in the majority both here in the state and nation and world. Yes on prop. 8.

Voting Yes on Prop. 8

Alright everybody our first guest post comes from Sidney. She's been helping to keep me informed on these issues and I thank her for her staunch support. 

Hey Everybody! I have been helping out on the yes on prop 8 campaign. I want to explain to my friends why I'm spending my time doing this. For those of you who don't know which proposition prop 8 is, let me tell you about it. Several years ago a ballot came up about giving homosexuals the right to marriage in California. The vote was 60 to 40 in favor of keeping marriage between a man and a woman. After the vote, the Supreme Court of California over turned that decision. Now this item has come back up and it is time for people to revote. A lot of people feel that this is about equal rights. I don't think it is. While I agree that it is wrong to treat people differently based on sexual preference, race, religion, or anything else.

I want to take the time to say what the consequences would be if this ballot did not pass and homosexual marriage was allowed to happen. Many of the results are already being seen in Massachusetts.

First, let's talk about what would happen to religious groups. For those religious groups that are against homosexuality, they will be forced to allow homosexuals to marry in their churches. Pastors, Fathers, Bishops or whatever will have to perform those rites if asked. If there is a refusal on their part, most likely they will be sued. That may end up going as far as the supreme court.

Secondly, let's talk about what would happen to our children, whether we have them now, plan to in the future. In Massachusetts, teachers and schools are now allowed to teach homosexuality to children of any age. They don't have to tell the parents or get permission. I don't look forward to anyone teaching my children something that I don't believe in. That topic should be discussed between parents and their children. In San Francisco recently a female teacher invited her six year old students to her marriage to another woman. Because it was a field trip during school hours permission slips were needed. At least two children were not permitted to go to the wedding. Imagine having the other children come back and tease the ones who were left behind. These children will now be accused of being racist. Yes, children that age learn how to call people mean names. They pick that up from adults.
I want to conclude by saying this is not just about civil rights for everyone. It is about what the effects will be on our children and our futures. Please consider this ballot very carefully. I don't want to home school my future children, but I will if I need to. Research this topic and find out all the facts. This is going to be a vote where everyone's voice will count.

On the Education of Children

It has come to my attention that some people don't believe that children will be taught gay marriage in schools. Even going so far as calling the most recent yes on prop 8 ads untruthful. Let me give my experience. 

In high school, and mind you this is more than ten years ago so this has gone on for years, we had on multiple occasions guest speakers that were brought in with the admitted and sole purpose of telling us the gay lifestyle was OK. These were perfectly nice people. They told of they're unjust persecution and yes they were unjustly persecuted. They told us how much they loved each other. They told us society was wrong for disagreeing with their behavior. They told us the Bible was wrong. Yes, they quoted from the Bible. They didn't know the Koran so the islamic kid in class was unmoved. My point is, despite the supposedly high minded intents of my teachers, they were not there simply to present their story and it's OK if we disagreed. They were there for the unabashed purpose of indoctrination.

We didn't realize when we went to class that that would be the lesson for the day. My parents certainly had no idea what went on. Keep in mind though that I was in high school and old enough to understand the issue. What we have now is 1st graders going to lesbian weddings. Who probably enjoyed the trip, but certainly aren't old enough to understand the issue and that's the insidious thing.

Passing prop. 8 won't stop schools and teachers from pressing their own agendas in class, but it will give parents some basis to object. The longer gay marriage is legal the more entrenched it will be and the less parents will be able to do control their children's education.

Hurray! We're winning.

According to this CBS poll we are ahead in the polls 47 to 42. This is a marked shift from the week before when we were down five points. This means our efforts to pass prop. 8 are effective. We have just a few weeks left and five points is just a slim margin. We need to keep getting our message out there.

First Post

I've started this blog as a place where myself, friends, family, associates, etc., can post their thoughts, feelings and opinions about proposition 8, the amendment to protect traditional marriage in California. I am LDS and so look to this statement of the church to guide the discussion here.

The focus of the Church’s involvement is specifically same-sex marriage and its consequences. The Church does not object to rights (already established in California) regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the family or the constitutional rights of churches and their adherents to administer and practice their religion free from government interference.

The Church has a single, undeviating standard of sexual morality: intimate relations are proper only between a husband and a wife united in the bonds of matrimony.

The Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility towards homosexual men and women. Protecting marriage between a man and a woman does not affect Church members’ Christian obligations of love, kindness and humanity toward all people.

As Church members decide their own appropriate level of involvement in protecting marriage between a man and a woman, they should approach this issue with respect for others, understanding, honesty, and civility.

The full text can be found here.