San Diego Community

We asked about legal challenges to the anti-gay marriage prop.

Yes on 8 should not pass. Until it is equal we have the right to continue protesting. What should happen is, marriage should not be recognize by the state for ANYBODY and should only stay in the church. The state should only recognize civil unions for both straight and gay couples. -- Bobby

I think the Supreme Court should have the guts, and professionalism, to stand up and say, we have to honor the PEOPLE'S vote instead of acting as if the majority vote doesn't count and overturns the people's wishes. This issue was voted on before AND PASSED BY THE PEOPLE, and the Courts have no right to ingnore that vote! I don't get how a no vote shows discrimination, noone has been able to site a specific example. The Domestic Partner Act, which was passed, provides for the same rights as married couples already and if there is a such a big issue of taking someone's last name, one only has to go to court to have their name legally changed and assets can be left to anyone a person chooses, so what is the big deal? I could care less what people do in the bedroom but the people, and the Bible, have clearly spoken on this issue and now here we are again, wasting more money to fight a battle that was already won. -- Kathie

I think gay marrage is wrong.marrage should be Between man and woman.I voted yes on prop 8 and I'm glad to see that it has passed -- Junior

I found it bittersweet just as America was electing it's first black president, California was voting to discriminate and take away the civil rights of same sex people to be married. Discrimination is discrimination and America will never move forward until it respects the rights of all peoples. -- Geraldine

If the judge hadn't changed what California's law was on marriage that passed years ago, we wouldn't had to ratify that marriage should be between and man and woman only!!!!!!! -- Jingles

Many Prop 8 supporters say that it is about God and the bible. What happened to the constitution saying church and state are seperate? This is a equality issue and now many will face more discrimination because of sexual orientation. This is not over and we will fight to gain equality! -- Ian

I am deeply saddened by the possible passing of Prop 8. Anytime rights are stripped away from any group of people, it is a huge step backwards, and a black day in history. Regardless of your feelings on the "gay" issue, this is a human rights issue-period. Many Prop 8 supporters claim that they see this strictly as a faith issue; that marriage, as mandated by God, is between a man and a woman. Whatever happened to the separation of Church and State? -- Cheryl

it is not about gay rights...it is about HUMAN RIGHTS...and need anyone forget....ALL PEOPLE....All Humanity...ALL SOULS...have the SAME COLOR OF HEART! ~*~ it is about being a Human Being...the Right of EVERY Human Being! -- Court

Are we intolerant for not allowing any two people in love to get married? Should California allow lesbian sisters, who have loved each other, get married? Why do we discriminate against a man who wants to marry his sister? California discriminates against Muslims by banning polygamy How far are we going to let antidiscrimination take this? Do we want to have the meaning of marriage distroyed for our children? Marriage is sacred. My wife and I will do everything we can to keep marriage sacred & meaningful. -- Bruce

If marriage is defined by the church, why are atheists allowed to marry? -- Keith

It is so sad what is happening in this day and age. We just took a giant step backwards by taking away rights. There is a separation of church and state in the United States of America, in case those who voted for this proposition were misinformed. There should be nothing they can do to null the marriages because that would be retroactive. Really sickening that they would even try. -- Shannon

Heterosexual couples have done far more damage to marriage than gay couples ever could. Government should get out of marriage completely and let the religious fanatics have it. We face greater problems than this. -- Michael

The supporters of Prop 8 state that marriage is defined by the bible. What about those who are agnostic or aetheist? Why is a question of church impacting the issues of state? Church and state are supposed to be separate. Those who wish to define marriage as a man and a woman are free to make that choice, but they can not make the choice for others. -- Sherri

Prop 8 was about dealing with judicial supremacy. For judges to use an non immutable standard and just their own bias to rule us what is left of democracy? -- Roben

It was a request for a change in labels not rights. The rights were already in place. The change in label "marriage" will force other institutions such as schools to treat the gay unions differently. That was the reason for such a response for Yes on 8. -- Burgess

What don't the Gay people get? This has been voted down "TWICE." Should we re-vote on all the propositions because we don't like them. NO! We respect what the people have voted for. I never saw one torn down "NO 8" sign in my neighborhood. Just several destroyed "YES 8" signs!!! -- Art

It saddens me to think that people are glad to take rights away from their fellow human beings based on their personal religious views. Worse, the fact that the sole basis for this discrimination is religiously based means that it is clearly in violation of the separation of church and state. Yes, it is a sad day when farm animals are granted rights during the same election in which rights were ripped away from loving human beings by their fellow citizens. Shame of Prop 8 supporters. -- Margarita

is just rong that people are supporting this prop 8 i dont mine them holding hands thats there lifes i respect gay people but i dont wanna see that gay people addopts a baby and to be that same sex example male and male is not rite it should stay like allways it been male and female so please if you are addopting a baby if you are the same sex i feel sorry for the baby for his future i seen little kids on stores little kids holding hands they were like 13 years old that was just rong -- Jorge

So, in the opinion of the "No on 8" crowd, it's proper for four state supreme court judges to in effect make law by legalizing same-sex marriage in a narrow 4-3 vote, yet it's not proper for nearly five-and-a-half million Californians to overturn the decision of these four judges in a public vote. It doesn't get much more self-serving than this -- Lawrence

I'm very happy to know our state is setting a precedence for the rest of the country on what is right and wrong. We need to hold to a moral standard that will not tear down the fibers of our country. Marriage was ordained by God for two people of the opposite sex to come together as one and complete eachother. God made a woman for a man and together we are strong. -- Carol Ann

I completely disagree with the Rock representitive who argued that banning gay marriage is okay because "marriage has always been between and a man and a woman" and that the Bible says so and we shouldn't go against the Bible. Key words: SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE!!!! I don't think that's complicated at all. The COUNTRY'S constitution says "We the people...are created equal" so it is NOT DIFFICULT to see that to LEAVE CERTAIN PEOPLE OUT of that equality is UNCONSTITUTIONAL and is against the American way. Our country has made it this far by voting for Obama, it is a shame to think that we're going to fall BACK farther now because our state just can't have acceptance. -- Kristina

i dont really care if gays are together bonded or not. however the problem is the word marrage... call it partnered for life or life partners i think very few will care, however the word marrage is in the bible and it says between a man and a woman and it needs to stay that way. -- Robert

Read the Bible...and know the truth Lev 18:22 OT and Romans 1:20-30. It is very clear. -- Kevin

We voted on this issue in 2000. And now we voted again on this proposition. The no on 8 supportors need to realize this. Its not dicrimination if the people voted. -- Christine

I am a Christian, a parent, and a Newlywed. Married to my partner just 3 weeks ago. I am ashamed that Anyone would sanction discrimination and the denial of ones Constitutional rights. In no case is is right to single out one group of people and discrimnate against them. Has anyone looked at the Divorce rate of Heterosexual couples? A shame that they are not more concerned with the plank in their own eye. -- Robin

For me it isn't so much the content of Prop 8 as it is the issue that the City Attorney of Los Angeles and San Francisco are trying to undo what Californians said they wanted; by a majority. I think this is a dangerous trend to start, that if you don't like the results of an election just sue and get it your way. That is wrong. This process will only create voter apathy. -- Thomas

This is the modern day major cilvil rights issue that NEEDS to be addressed in the same regard as .....Oppression. African Americans, Women, special needs, and those in interracial marriage are just a few that have had to endure the struggle for equality.... this is a HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE. -- Christy

Prop 8 should NOT pass. Yes on 8 protesters say that they have their right to free speech and their opinion about this prop, but that in no way compares to the discrimination and inequality that it will bring about. The worst part is that it takes away rights already given to people. THAT VIOLATES constitutional rights. Marriage is not and wont be taught in schools, so that claim is not legitimate as well. Religious persons believe it goes against the church and the traditional definition of marriage. Hello, pick up a history book! We are far from traditional when it comes to a lot of key issues. God loves all and does not discriminate. Jesus forgave murderers! All people should be able to have their dream wedding no matter who they love. It's not whats between your legs, but its who you are as a person and gender doesn't have anything to do with who you fall in love with. Ever heard of the Pledge of Allegiance?! When did it change to: with liberty and justice for MOST? -- Toni

I find it hard to accept the argument of various religious groups that Prop 8 isn't about discrimination. The claim that their views are a biblical mandate is merely another example of imposing their beliefs upon others. The very fact that these religious groups refuse to empathize with the homosexual point of view is proof that they view the gay community as inferior. -- Devin

I am deeply disappointed in Californians for passing Prop 8. We have allowed discrimination into our law books yet again. I had hoped we would learn from the past: It's Jim Crow all over again. All previous Marriages should, of course, be honored. The loss of legal recognition of such unions would be devastating to these loving, monogamous couples! I'm so sick and tired of homophobia. This is a great day for America, but a very sad day for California! I shouldn't say this, but the vehemence of those who would oppress homosexuals often comes from latent homosexuality. That pastor you showed, the Rock Church representative, is a perfect example. Anyone can see that man is a latent homosexual. That hat? That manner of speech? Pleeease. He uses religion as an excuse to escape from what he perceives as shameful tendencies. God doesn't discriminate. Though the Bible uses and defines the word "marriage," if it written in our constitution it must be defined in terms that separate church from state. Amend the constitution to state "civil union," sure, but to add a discriminatory clause is shameful. We will strike this down. -- Stephanie

About same sex marriage 1) God does not need cheerleaders 2) What right do these people have to take other's happiness away? 3) Judge not and ye shall not be judged. 4) No matter how they think..they speak for God,they are living in glass houses and have no right to throw stones. 5) Live and let live and they should mind their own business. -- Steven

Regarding the protests of the Prop 8 results: It is very unfortunate that the Supreme Court ruled against the previous will of the people instead of waiting for the vote on Prop 8. A lot of hurt would have been avoided. -- Owen

The campaigns have run and the votes have been cast & tallied. The Prop. 8 "no" voters need to accept the result. If John McCain can accept defeat, they can too. Do not complain and don't give up hope; just ask Obama. -- Rico

Regarding Prop 8 - My views on marriage should remain between a man and a woman. Opposers talk about their "rights", what about the "rights" of parents who cannot control the state taking thier innocent children on a field trip to watch gay marriages. That is immoral and wrong. There is no hate or discrimination in this matter. It's about moral guidelines. Pretty soon our country will want to legalize other immoral things such as fathers marrying their daughters. You cannot "redefine" marriage. If you are an adult and you are gay, that is your choice. Don't pass a bill that teaches these acts to innocent children and redefines marriage. -- Cindy

Voting yes on proposition 8 is voting yes on discrimination. All of the arguments made against gay marriage are frivolous and based on emotion. Just because something has always been a certain way, doesn't mean that its right, or should stay that way. Everyone seems to say that gay marriage should be illegal because the Bible says so...well not everyone is religious, and there is supposed to be a separation of church and state. If a gay couple is married, it does no harm to others. It will not lead to the downfall of family values. And people who think that it will are completely ignorant. Thousands of gay couples have already been married, and continue to uphold successful relationships. If proposition eight is passed it will hurt so many people...it will discriminate against thousands. Its not fair that the dream of having one of the best days of your life, your wedding day, completely stolen from you. People argue that gay couples can have all the same rights and responsibilities but just have it called a "civil union"...but if everything is the same, why not just call it marriage?!?!? Making marriage illegal for gay couples is taking a step back in the progress of our country. I mean, whats next?! Inter-racial couples aren't gonna be allowed to "marry" and are only gonna be allowed to have a civil union. I thought America was against discrimination. I thought we were about free rights for everyone?!! Since when did taking rights away from people become okay?!?! -- Laura

Ignorance has prevailed in CA. I was so shocked when i moved here to see so many yes on prop 8 signs and little children looking all threatened by gays crouching on their teddy bears for dear life and all this propaganda against a minority group that all it wants to do is have basic human rights for them and their partners in their commited relationships. I moved to CA in August from Massachusetts and I'm so disappointed as a gay man to see hatred expressed against gay couples so openly , the churches here so involved and also shocking was that the rights of a minority group were to be decided by a majority that knows probably nothing other than what their church tells them. The media here have shown nothing of how life simply goes on as usual in Massachusetts where gays are free to marry the person they love without being harassed. The fight isn't over for gays and their partners, considering how the voting patterns were amongst young vs older people it is only time until the tide turns on more acceptance of gay marriage and gay relationships. It is hurtful to feel like a second class citizen but I will not let any proposition make me feel like i am any less of a human being or that I don't deserve basic human rights to marry and love freely the person I'm commited to. There is separation of church and state and discrimination is not something Californians should be proud of. If anything this has done is only make our community, the gay community more vigilant and stronger and more ready to fight for basic human rights. -- Sakis

I'm a 62-1/2 year old caucasian gay man. My last and probably final relationship ended more than 6 years ago with his death. The older I get, the more I resent being a member of the only group of Americans that it is still legal to discriminate against. I was in the Southeast during segregation and hated that, and had hopes that once integration happened it would happen for me as well. Forty years later I'm still hoping. -- Richard

Prop 8 was passed and it's over... It's called democracy. The majority out weighs the minority. It needs to stop now. I am sympathetic to the NO on 8 side. But the people have spoken and it's time to move on. -- Ken

voting on prop 8 should be contested. polling places were set up in some catholic church buildings with crosses still on the wall. this does not garantee seperation between church and state and might have influenced decission making for voters with religious backgrounds. -- Fraziska

I think that the people who are against Prop. 8 are afraid of change. Unfortunately they do not realize that they are discriminating against many gay and lesbian couples that they will probably never come across in their lives. These people against Prop.8 need to realize that they cannot force their views (religious or not )on other people. People should be allowed marry WHOMEVER they love (whether it be man or woman)without being discriminated for it. -- Viviana

I feel that marriage should be between a man and a woman! Throughout the bible you see this! The bible says Leviticus 18:22 says, ''Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable'' -- Ayana

When is enough enough? Stop infringing on the rights of us who believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Next you will decend upon schools, churches and the courts pushing this issue against my civil rights. -- Wendell