Emotional Board of Supervisors backs Prop. 8 challenge*

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted this afternoon to join a lawsuit filed by the City of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Santa Clara County challenging the constitutionality of Proposition 8, the anti-gay marriage initiative voters passed by a narrow margin this month.

The vote was carried by the board’s three Democrats: Supervisors Gloria Molina and Zev Yaroslavsky, who proposed the board join the lawsuit, and Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke, who voted in support.

Of the two Republicans, Supervisor Michael Antonovich was out of town, and Supervisor Don Knabe left the meeting just as speakers began.

More than a dozen speakers appeared in support of the board’s vote and opposition to Proposition 8, including Los Angeles City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo, San Francisco City Atty. Dennis Herrera and several gay couples. Both Molina and Yaroslavsky, who have officiated at same-sex wedding ceremonies since California legalized them in June, said they acted out of a sense of duty and personal responsibility.

Yaroslavsky pointed out a couple he married who were among those speaking in support of the vote.

“Some of us may ask why the county supervisors would be involved and get so involved in this issue,” Molina said, citing the board's responsibility to supply marriage license, uphold the law and “balance the enforcement of Proposition 8 with recognizing the constitutional right of all our citizens.” Molina added, “On a personal note, I am here to say that the passage of Prop. 8 saddened and angered me on various levels.”

Yarolslavsky noted that was “a close call” given how divided the state and county have been on the question of gay marriage. He said that he was not always a supporter of gay marriage (he supported civil unions instead) but said he “was persuaded” by colleagues and his children.

“It’s very important for the County of Los Angeles to be at the table on this,” he said. “It doesn’t hurt anybody. It doesn’t adversely affect anybody else.”

*Update: Antonovich had earlier said he would not support the legal challenge. His statement: "The appropriate time to have raised legal objections was prior to the election –- not after the people have once again voted on the issue. This move will disenfranchise voters who turned out in record numbers to participate in the process and have their voices heard.”

-- Molly Hennessy-Fiske

Photo: Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Helios]

Any of you out there who think homosexuality is a choice are really telling us that you could choose to be gay. What you are really saying is that you ARE gay, but have been suppressing it. Any gay person, or ACTUALLY straight person, knows that they could never choose to be any way but what they are. I'm straight, and I could never choose to be gay. So, the truth is that you bigots are just letting the world know that you have denial issues. SHame on you for seeking to oppress your own kind.

[Christine]

Why do we even have elections? Whatever side of the issue you are on THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN! If you want to change it, have another vote, our tax dollars should not go to this.

[Juan Hernandez]

Let the democrate process run it's course. No matter which side of Pro. 8 you are on. IIt is wrong to support the Pro. 8 and keep silent on the harrassment, vandalism and intiimidation because people voted in the decomcrate process according to their concious. I votred but now I see that if ever the homosexual community would be the majority they will be the begots, promoters of hate and intalorance. We are seeing a preview. The supervisors are elected to protect all side. Shame on you

[Willis]

Rights being taken away? It was done to slaveholders.
Legislating morality? We have laws against murder, child molestation, etc. If homosexuals are upset that many equate homosexuality with other moral issues that are disapproved, talk to those in these other groups society has said NO to at their outlandish requests. They probably feel the same way.

Homosexuals come from the point of view that it's all nature, not nurture. And the classic, why would ANYONE choose a a lifestyle that is looked down on?
People make choices all the time, to murder, to abuse children, etc. They also have the choice NOT to do those things, rather than explain it away to biology.

[informed1*]

Most reasonably agree that to denigrate a whole sector of our society and expect higher deference in return is unrealistic. Contrary to what proponents of 8 may want everyone to believe, the gay community "did not start this fight". For that matter, neither did Gavin Newsome nor "renegade judges" nor . . . . None-the-less, clearly, gays and others, such as myself who support equality and liberty for all, now find ourselves embroiled in the fight of our lives: Ardently defending our Constitution and passionately protecting everyone's rights.

Prop 8 supporters equate legal challenges aimed at overturning it with the trampling of majority's will, expressing much angst over it. They offer up vivid descriptions of emotions ranging from sadness to anger and even thinly veiled threats of "wait and see what will happen if it's overturned". Their postings are notably devoid of empathy or compassion toward those whose Consititutional protections they annihilated and whose basic human rights they decimated by means of a legally questionable initiative passed via a deceptive campaign.

Consequently, based upon their current behavior, their criticism of No on 8 protesters makes me wonder: Honestly, if roles were reversed, would they react differently? Seeing those who've stripped their rights smugly holding signs saying, "God doesn't like you the way you are" or "You're going to hell", would they not feel hated? Thusly relegated to 2nd-class citizenship, would they not pursue it as a civil rights issue? When physical violence is inflicted upon them while they are peaceably protesting without consequence to the perpetrator, would they not feel discriminated against?

Answers to these questions may be forthcoming sooner than you think: Prop 8 proponents claim they are protecting marriage. Yet, ironically, if and when our Consitution's equal protections clause is enforced by our courts, heterosexual marriages will be nullified. We will all then gain first-hand understanding of and far greater sympathy for our same-sex citizenry's plight. Or naught, where Prop 8 proponents are concerned. They will likely continue to blame others for heterosexual marriage's demise: Gavin Newsom, "renegade judges", "disloyal public servants", pre-Prop-8 same-sex marriages, etc. However, odds are they won't "just accept the verdict" when it comes to defending their own marriages.

[Jim Spriggs]

fredc, is there some point to all your hypothetical questions?

[fredc]

We don't have colored and non-colored locker rooms because there is no fundamental difference between them. But we still have men and women locker rooms. Can a man claim equal rights and walk in the women's locker room? No, there are differences between men and women. There are differences between two men and two women. There are differences between two men and one man/one woman. There are differences between two women and one man/one woman. Should marriage counselors be retrained to deal with male couples, and then retrained again for female couples? Should child psychologists be retrained to deal with male parents, and then retrained again for female parents? These are the kinds of issues Massachusetts is dealing with. This is not a religious issue but a logical one. Apples are not oranges, but our state tells us apples must be oranges and now we have to somehow sell apples as oranges.

[Madeline]

I'm going to take a little time to address some concerns raised on this forum by Kate, simply because her views summarise the worst of the misconceptions about same-sex marriage.

(1) Actually, same-sex marriages are recorded from before the advent of Christianity. There are also recorded same-sex marriages within Christian churches between the 8th and 18th centuries. It's not new.

If marriage was solely about reproduction, then you should be banning all infertile pairings from marrying (including for reasons of ill health or age), as well as dissolving the marriages of couples who don't have children. Why aren't you? Because marriage is not just about reproduction. Moreover, why shouldn't reproductive technology count? (And I'll note that, in fact, with current technological developments, two women could have a child without the need for a sperm donor.) Should couples who need IVF treatment be banned from marrying?

(2) The provisions of the CA Constitution were indeed written before the idea of same-sex marriage. I believe that was one of the arguments used by the State Supreme Court to justify extending the protection to homosexuals - the spirit of the constitution was to prevent discrimination, and the specified groups reflected the period in which the constitution was written.

(3) How would you like it if I told you that you that your sexuality had just been banned - but don't worry, you've still got the same rights as everyone else, you just have to marry a woman? By that argument, the interracial couples of the 19th century had no cause for complaint - they could marry any member of their own race that they liked. Did that stop it being discrimination? No.

(4) Perhaps if you are born 5'2'', you'll never be a professional basketball player - does that mean we can ban you from basketball courts? If you're born blind, can we ban you from art classes? That's still discrimination. And not even analogous, since homosexual couples are quite capable of loving relationships analogous to those experienced by straight couples.

(5) How exactly have the opponents of Proposition 8 been cramming their values down your throat? I'd think it was rather the opposite - you crammed your values down their throats, declared their relationships illegitimate and of a lower value - and then acted surprised when they complained. Don't get high-and-mighty on us. We're not the ones taking away rights.

[Ellis]

Bottom line is this..... it all revolves around the poor job that men as fathers have done raising their children.... being at times a provider but not truely having a relationship with their kids.....Most of my gay friends all have this in common..... Men we have failed and now we are reaping our reward.

[Molly Higgins]

We live in a dictatorship. We have voted twice on this issue. The elitist, corrupt politicians, and "judges" who think we are stupid want to steal our rigts away by voiding our votes.

[ExcuseMeDope]

Stacy A above, you are so typical of the excessive emotes supporting perversion because you cannot comprehend the simple structure of language. Your citation of Galatians 3:28 (KJV), “...for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." ... blah, blah, blah is quite unfinished. This brainiac, happens to be a CONDITIONAL qualifier. In other words feeble brain, IF you ARE in accordance with God's will, Laws and Commandments THEN "ye are all ONE in Christ Jesus."
And why is this qualified statement? Pay attention; Christ also said, "Think NOT that I am come to destroy the LAW, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." (Matt 5:17) Didja miss this one too; "For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in NO WISE PASS from the law, till all be fulfilled. (Matt 5:18) Now to PROVE (Biblically) that you sodomites HATE God: "...Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." This means to NOT be given over to reprobate, i.e. SODOMITE behavior. Next time, first; LEARN to read in context.

[Mel W.]

To Chas >

That already exists, it's called THE MORMONS!

[Mel W.]

To Noneck and others...Marriage IS NOT a religious institution. Atheist get married all the time. A marriage license is issued by the GOVERNMENT not by a Church. You can decide to have a religious ceremony if you like, or you can get a non-secular ceremony at the courthouse or where ever you like.

So please stop being brainwashed by others and learn for yourself. Remember, the bible has been used to deny women their rights, blacks their rights, and "non-christians" their rights. The state can not continue to discriminate based on religion, no matter how many of you vote. (and by the way, since the absentee ballots have been counted, the new tally is 50% to 50%!!!!)

If the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was put up for a popular vote at that time would it have passed? NO, so just because a bunch of people are voted to discriminate doesn't mean it is right. We will win in the End!

[Stacy A.]

God, as it turns out, does not care about gender, in marriage or otherwise.
Let's word it like a logical proof:
The Bible is the inerrant Word of God.
The plain language of the Bible means what it means, and needs no fancy explanation.
Later sections of the Bible laying out the Word of God overrule any contradictory previous sections.
Galatians 3:28 (KJV):
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
This clearly means, God draws no distinctions of race, nationality, social class, nor gender ... "ye are all ONE in Christ Jesus."
Since God doesn't concern Himself with race, nationality, nor gender, then it means that in marriage, God is not concerned about gender either.

If God were so concerned about gender in marriage, then that verse should have ended with "ONE in Jesus Christ, except that marriage is between a man and a woman." But it doesn't say that! So therefore God is opposed to Proposition 8!

This means that The Roman Church and the Mormons are clearly sinning against God's word. If we get another bad hurricane, it will be because the Roman Church and the Mormons have departed from God!!! (paraphrasing the wacky preachers who blamed Katarina on gays)

[Scott]

I am sick of hearing about the "will of the people" being overturned: When the "people" vote to discriminate against a minority group like gays, it is the court's JOB to protect the minority by overturning the prejudicial, hateful law--or in this case, the divisive and bigoted illegal constitutional revision that is Prop. 8. You don't get to take away civil rights by popular vote. PERIOD.

Also, civil marriage is NOT a religious institution. Once government begins issuing marriage licenses, the religious aspect is removed. You have NO right to legislate your religious beliefs or to use them as a basis to deny other people rights. End of story. I hope the courts do the right thing again and overturn Prop. 8; it's time to stop using religion as an excuse to discriminate.

[jakeinla]

Kate: Thank you for so eloquently putting it into perspective. Maybe we should just recede into the shadows from whence we came and deal with it. I'm just so glad that people fought for women's rights so that you are able to speak your mind freely on this blog, as well as cast your ballot in elections. Not too long ago women were no more than chattel, bought and sold into marriage, and a time when this sort of thing was considered a radical change to the constitution. Thank you so much for forgetting history and women's suffrage, and your diligent work to keep discrimination from the majority, being forced onto the minority. I'm sure the women's movement would be so proud of you for standing up to discrimination. Way to go Kate! California can certainly learn from you and history. (intended sarcasm)

[PeterPatnter]

The main problem with Prop. 8 is that it was placed on the ballot ILLEGALLY, and therefore passed illegally.

The Constitution of California specifically requires that structurally fundamental changes in the Constitution CANNOT be created by the "initiative" process, but rather must be created by an alternative process called "revision".

A "revision" has to begin in the California Legislature, and be passed by more than a mere majority. The Prop. 8 proponents KNEW IN ADVANCE that they could not get EVEN a majority in the Legilsature, so they took a sly route, hoping to circumvent the Legislature.

Was that honest? Was that up-front with the electorate? Was that "moral"? Was that the kind of thing we want children to learn to do? Heck no, that was a slimebucket approach to pushing a structurally fundamental change into effect.

Yes it could have been challenged before the vote, but at that point it seemed that rather few voters would buy into such an antihuman-rights change, so such a preelection challenge would have seemed to be a waste of time and money. Only later did it turn out that the choice also was painted in false colors by its proponents, duping many honest voters into voting for the bigoted thing.

In particular Black and Latino voters were deceived into overlooking the minority-rights aspects of the measure, at a time when majority voters were about to turn out in mammoth numbers. So, WHO tried -- and who's STILL trying now -- to overturn the TRUE will of the people?

Let's remember that the entire Legislature (whose vote is required for a Constitutional "revision") has been elected by a vote of the people of California -- so again, WHO was circumventing the will of the people?

Oh, but there's an important question here: was Prop. 8 making a "structurally fundamental" change in California society, and thus in the Constitution? Judging by the intensity of sentiment on both sides of all the comments above, the proposition surely did make a structurally fundamental change -- and therefore should have been presented as a "revision".

[Samantha]

Is this the new America? When you vote someone overturns it. If you give your honest opinion you get slapped in the face. If you say what you really think then you have to resign from your job? I voted yes on prop 8. My pastor did not persuade me, and I even read the material. I was not confused when I voted. It was my choice to vote and I did. A woman still has a right to choose right? If I want to vote I still can right. If you want the laws to change go to the courts. Don't hate the people because they used their right to vote. You also have the right to vote, and you lost. We are Americans not barbarians. Martin Luther King was peaceful in his demonstrations. He was not barbaric. If you believe what you believe is true than go to the courts; good luck with that.

[Guy]

I live in Florida where we just passed a constitutional amendment barring gay marriage that is much more restrictive than California's Prop 8. The amendment passed with 62% of the vote (60% was required). I'm straight with a wife and two kids. Both my wife and I voted against the amendment because we know gay people who have had their loved one get sick and then been booted out of their life by their loved one's family. Regardless of the fact that I don't support the amendment it is now a part of our state constitution. As such, it is the law of the land. Regardless of whether I agree with it, or not, it is the law. For those who supported Prop 8, I suggest that instead of venting on boards like this about the tactics now being employed by those opposed to the amendment, get organized and make it clear to the California Supreme Court justices that if they once again repeal the will of the people they will be recalled. Recall every one of the justices that declare the constitution unconstitutional.

[Kyle Fritz]

So many of you keep saying "Marriage is defined between a Man and a Woman". That is simply not true. Marriage has been redefined many times over the years and not just by the Gay issue. I am still legally married to a man here in California. Ask the people in Massachusettes or Connecticut what the definition of marriage is. Go futher ask all Candadians or Spaniards or several other places in this world where gay marriage is a part of thier culture. The poor kids of the man who said he would never expose his kids to a society that would accept it. Guess they won't be seeing Spain anytime soon!! We all should be scared. We have been tricked by lying media ads, and money to allow discrimination and repeal of rights into our state constitution. That is one slippery slope only disaster can follow. Thank God we had incredible founding fathers and California has smart elected officials to protect us from this travesty.

[Amanda]

The state had no business granting marriage in the first place - its a religious rite. But somehow separation of church and state didn't matter here, right? You can't call it a 'Christmas Break' or show a nativity scene, but the state can co-opt a religious rite and then can redefine as it pleases. Talk about hypocrisy.

States should only offer domestic partnerships - gay or straight - equal. Let the churches keep the religious rite of marriage and decide on their own whom to marry. As a straight married woman, I would be willing to have the state re-designate my marriage as partnership for legal rights and have my church 'bless' my marriage.

I'm about as middle-of-the-road as you can get on this issue, but the extreme intolerance being shown on the 'no' side is repulsive. If you stick to your religious beliefs, you're labeled a bigot and a hater, pushed out of your job and/or boycotted. Tolerance indeed.

[Aaryck in AZ]

I miss my old home state. This is why I love you all in CA!! Muah Muah (kisses). I can feel the earth shaking here in AZ from all the up roar about Prop 8. This may finally make CA fall into the ocean (kidding).

Way to go CA (NO ON PROP 8)

[Kate]

(1) Until the past 3 or 4 years, no society, country or culture in recorded history has EVER recognized a 'marriage' between two people of the same sex. Period. "Marriage' is between a man and a woman with the historical purposes of creating a household unit for the procreation and raising of children. (And that does not include using technology to defeat the biological requirement of male/female to produce offspring.) While many couples elect to not have children, in a male/female marriage it is always a possibility. It is not EVER a possiblity that in a same sex relationship that the couple could (without using someone else's egg, sperm or womb) reproduce. It is simply impossible for a same sex couple to ever jointly produce off-spring even if both are fertile.

(2) The provisions of the CA Constitution in issue was written long before the phrase 'gay marriage' was even a thought. Twisting the provsions which were not written with such a thing as gay marriage in mind is contrary to the rules of stuatory and constitutional construction.

(3) Gays are perfectly free to marry on the same terms and conditions as everyone else - they just have to marry a person of the opposite sex.

(4) While the research tends to show that homosexuality is innate (versus learned), many people are born with conditions or traits that keep them from doing the same things as the majority of the society. Get over it and live with it. If you are 5'2", you will never play professional basktball. If you are born blind, you will never paint great works of art. If you are born deaf, you will never compose symphonies. If you are born gay you will never marry since marriage has been defined by 99.99999999999999999999999999+++++% of societies and cultures to be a man and woman. Deal with it. Create a civil partnership either by contract or statute but accept that like the person who is born blind, your life will be different from the majority.

(5) I have never care much about this issue one way or another until the rabid partisans of homosexual 'marriage' began cramming it down people's throats and their behavior after the vote on Proposition 8 is over the top. They didn't lose a right that they have always had - as some of the strident militants shriek. They have never had the right to marry except for a short few months and even then they knew it would be challenged and they would likely lose based upon the prior vote on this issue. Cut the melodrama. Now they have persuaded me (liberal Democrat) to give money to groups who oppose gay marriage.

[Paul]

To Aviles Family:

Your children wouldn't be saying that if they had just had one of their freedoms take away.

[IonaTrailer]

THANK YOU SUPERVISOR MOLINA AND YEROVSLAVSKY !!

[Jeffrey]

You've all been brainwashed and indoctrinated by the Mormon Church and various christian groups. I don't think your vote should count if you're brainwashed. Do you? The mormon church is a ridiculous institution. Scientology makes more sense than the mormon "faith." It's just very unfortunate that there are over 700,000 people who have been brainwashed and indoctrinated in California alone. Church and state are separate entities. If you don't vote in honor of our founding fathers and our constitution, you are truly unamerican. VOTE for your country and your people, NOT for bigotry, hatred, and indoctrination. The bible belongs on a shelf, not in our legislature. Not all of us are brainwashed like you.

[Chas]

What is next on the agenda?

One man two women, Two men one woman,
Two women one man, One woman one pet.

When will it end ?

[Aviles Family]

What is happening to our Country and our State? We the people have spoke loud and clear twice about this issue regarding marriage? The election was fair!!! It saddens me to hear that our elected county supervisors have decided to join a lawsuit against the people of this state. As my young children said they are sore losers and need to grow up!!!

The people of the state of California voted Yes on 8. They will be same voters that will vote to get those leaders out of office who oppose the majority constituents.

[El Guapo]

What do all of these posters mean by "No on Prop 8?" Dudes, it's over and it is a resounding "yes." No liberal supervisor in L.A., SF or beyond is going to overturn this so forget about it and put your efforts into something more civilly constructive.

[Dave]

civil rights should not be decided by majority votes. how easy it would be for majorities to be very harsh on defendants in criminal suits! (they scare us)! how quick to take expression rights away from eccentrics and visonaries (they offend us)! since the objections to offering equal protection in terms of marriage seem to be religious, why not take the state out of the business of marriage altogether? That way NO ONE gets married by the state -- only by a private organization (the church or the Kiwanis -- no matter). What the state should do is certify legal unions -- and it would do that for everyone who was able to contract (majority age, not already united with someone else). What's unfair about Prop 8 is that it facially discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation -- which the California Constitution quite properly forbids. Courts are often asked to decide between competing values on the same level (statute to statue or constitutional provision to constitutional provision). It's perfectly appropriate that the Supervisors ask the court to do so in this case. I hope the court decides consistent with the CA S Ct's decision last spring.

[Sui Generis]

I think it's just a matter of time before homosexuals will have their right to marry as well as every other benefit that married heterosexual couples now enjoy. I've read both sides of the argument, and can't help but laugh at the situation because it's like high school all over again! Come on you religious zealots, no matter what you say or how you justify it, even from a religious stand point, you can't say that what you're standing up for is what GOD wants. It's what YOU want. Don't quote scripture, because you cherry pick what supports your agenda while rejecting or closing one eye on things that are inconvenient for you or requires you to put much effort into. It's only human nature. And being human, what gives you the right to speak on GOD's behalf? To judge on GOD's behalf? For as humans, you are LIMITED in your understanding and imperfect.

Homosexuals were around long before the bible was written. We're here, we're queer -GET USE TO IT!

[c_kaye4e]

Okay so im a white woman married to the love of my life a black man. Not long ago this could not have happened because of laws like prop 8, and now its possible. But my mom can not get married because the love of her life is a woman. What sense does that make? Now lets think for a second, the reason my mom can not get married is because people of a religion, she does not follow, tells her she cant. Cmon it is 2008 people time to grow up and realize hate is hate no mater how its dressed. Not everyone believes in God, but for those of you who do tell me something. You believe god created us all, doesn't that include people who are gay.

Anyone who is against same sex marriage, I can not wait to see your faces when (not if) the entire U.S. recognizes marriage as love shared between 2 people no matter race, religion, or sex. Because just like every other attempt to discriminate against people failed, this will too!!!!

[Facts]

Society pushes the notion that single parents are an aberration, not the norm. As a result, single parents often feel alone and different. In the past 25 years, the number of single-parent families has more than doubled. According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, 59 percent of United States children will live in a single-parent home at least once during their minor years. That is a majority.

[jake]

Michael Brown: Are you a member of the Westborough Baptist Church? Come
on now..be honest..

It's good thing we have a thing called Seperation of Church and State. Although religious institutions have a bad habit of forgetting that. Oops, probably just an oversight.

[Paul]

A commenter above stated "liberty will always trump fear" and "the day will come when you will have to account to your God why you discriminated against His children in His name."

I would just like to remind that person that we live in a time where homosexuality is known in almost every household. Fear is based on the unknown, but we know you. You're our neighbors, friends, and family members. This issue isn't about discrimination, it's about love. We love you so much that we must take a stand for how God intended us to live. God is so loving that he allows us to turn away from Him and sin. He gave us that free will. But he also gave us the blessing to glorify Him by rising up against our circumstances and living as He intended.

[scott]

Dante: Yes it's a conspiracy to screw the government And the taxpayers...Oh wait, I'm a taxpayer too! I pay taxes for your children, your children's schools, welfare programs for unwed mothers, etc, etc...If we are considered second class citizens, maybe we should have reduced taxes, since we aren't bringing these children into the world. And heaven forbid we try to adopt these "throw away" children. No, you would rather they rot in the system. Maybe a new ballot should be a limit as to how many children heterosexuals can reproduce. That would be interesting. From one taxpayer to another.

[Chevy James Ala]

All the people who is Opposition to Prop 8 and for Prop 8. I just want to let you all know that GOD is watching us...

(1 Corinthians 6)

1 When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers[a]! 2 Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? 3 Don’t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life. 4 If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? 5 I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? 6 But instead, one believer[b] sues another—right in front of unbelievers!

7 Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your fellow believers.[c]

9 Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. 11 Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Now you guys decide...

[Stan LaRochelle]

The gay community needs to grow up and quit acting like the Gestapo. What hypocrisy. Take a step back, honor the voters, and regroup with dignity and smarts - not violence and tantrums. How embarrassing. You all make me ashamed to be gay again. This is not the 1970s - it's a new era and you need to act accordingly.

[Jim]

I've said this before, and I'll keep saying it. If civil unions are acceptable for gays and lesbians, they're acceptable for everyone. When the straight community gives up the institution of civil marriage and opts for domestic partnership instead, there will be no more lawsuits, no more protests, no more battles. It's about legal segregation, not religion!

[Mark]

These people have no respect for the choice we made, when we said
YES on 8, if when we vote for something or some one, the results are not going to be respect why to vote in the first place?
Now they want to get married, GOD institutes the matrimony between a man and a woman PERIOD, therefore is a religious matter. If we allow man and man- woman and woman to be married, next time they will want to force our churches to marry them, then they will want to teach homosexuality and lesbianism in the schools, next thing they will want to adopt a child and when the social service don't allow that, they will sue the social services, one day they will dress a little boy as a girl and when the teacher asks whats going on they will say is our daughter so the teacher will reply, is a boy not a girl. I hope you get my point by now.

[LChavez]

I too am disgusted at the thought of supervisers and legislators trying to overturn the vote of the people. The PEOPLE VOTED YES ON PROP 8.

It is disgusting that taxpaying money is going to these legislators and supervisors to spend time on this issue. They/we have way more important things to worrry about such as homeless and hungry people.
I too will vote against them and Diane Fienstein when given the opportunity such as her run for governor.

[Phantom]

Molina, Burke and Yaroslavsky, names I will remember not to vote for.

[Jake]

if marriage is for men and women to procreate then why arent these people out trying to ban marriage for post-menopausal women?

[Jake]

First off, the whole idea that marriage is solely a religious matter is garbage, if it were primarily religious then why do you have to take out a licesnce with the county? You dont have to take out licesnces for baptisms or christenings. No church would ever be forced to bless same sex marriages!

Second, judicial review is one of the cornerstones of our system of government. Just because 52% vote to take rights away from others, doesnt mean that they are allowed to skip past the review of the judiciary, which determines if they acted appropriately and constitutionally. This isnt a new concept, its over two centuries of American legal tradition!

[TONI]

DIVORCE IS WRONG AND OPPOSES GOD'S WILL

[CathyC]

If those who did not like the outcome of what the people voted for Prop 8 can change the results and reverse the decision, than those of who did not like the outcome of the Presidential election can oppose that as well? Can we overturn what the people have voted in majority?

This country is not founded on the rights of the minority in opposition of what the majority voted.

[Michael Brown]

So the wonderful City Attorney's of LA and SF as well as other leading Democratic "Operatives" in the State of California want to waste more of our tax dollars, pandering to a minority for their own political gain.....when are we going to get rid of these abusers and sodomites. I can assure you, the Lord will rain down on California and America like he did Sodom and Gomorrah.

I am reminded that in Galatians 5:19,20 "The acts of the sinful nature are....hatred,discord,jealousy, fits of rage." Thats what the gay and lesbian activists are doing now. Disrupting our cities, our churches, and destroying the rule of law....and the men and women elected to act on these laws turn a blind eye. Well, the only law I now believe in is the 10 commandments and I can assure all politicans that I will rain on them. I am putting on my spirital armor and will pray that God's wrath will repay those who live in sin and the demoralization of America. Like the fall of the Roman Empire, where there is no God, there is no justice, no wisdom, no love.

I will pray for all of you sinners and saints, for I am clothed in compassion, kindness and humility. I will love my enemies and pray for those who persecute me. As stated in Psalm 133:1 "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity". Stop the political pandering, the lawlessness, the failure to obey the will of the people.

Peace.

[Paul]

For all the Yes voters, I would love to know how you were directly impacted by the marriage of 18,000 gay couples between May and November. Did your lives change? Were you unable to drive, buy the groceries you wanted, go to church...i.e. go about your daily life? I would like one person to tell me how this affects them. Who cares if it's taught in schools. Homosexuality is a part of nature, in humans and other species. Do you really think If you don't like gay marriage, don't have one...it's as simple as that. It doesn't affect you at all! Your vote with Prop 8 however, does affect the gay community. This is why you will see protests.

Complain about activism all you want...I don't remember seeing any protestors the week before. When you take something away from someone, do you expect them to sit quietly? Please remember your religious views don't represent those of the everyone around you. If Mormons began teaching that all Lutherans were pedophiles, resulting in Mormons starting to believe it and pushing to stop any Lutheran from getting a teacher's license...do you think the Lutherans would just sit down and take it? Don't you think they would be out in front of the Mormon temple too?

Ignorance creates fear
Fear creates intolerance
Intolerance leads to hate.

Let's address the root of the problem and the rest will take care of themselves.

[Dantes]

The constitutionality of prop 8. There really is nothing to challenge about the constitutionality because in a Democracy like here in the U.S. it is the will of the majority. This is not a matter of religious beliefs, the people voted and they chose to keep a marriage between a man and a woman. If gays want to get together and be together that's their own business. Now if they just want to be legally married to screw the government and the tax payers then that's what prop 8 is for.

[scott]

Anonymous YES on PROP 8: This has nothing to do with Procreation. There are many, many heterosexual couples who cannot procreate, or choose not to procreate. That argument is tired!

[CJ]

Separate but equal is not just a tautology.

[jason]

Leon: Your post reeks of the typical ignorance associated with this issue. I love when bible thumpers interpret the bible as needed to promote their agenda. Although based on your spelling and grammar, it's not too surprising. I suggest you try reading the Bible YOURSELF, instead of trying to thump it against people's noggins. Oh and here's a thought, try practicing what you preach! That’s the one “Christians” tend to forget the most!

[Leon Kenderian]

God's opinion of homosexual life style is found in the Bible in Romans chapter 1 verses 26 through 32. God not only condemns gays and lesbians but also those that approve of that life style. I envite all, espcially the clergy to Read it for your selves, it is very clear.

[jakeinla]

The underlying problem here is that the majority of Heterosexual people have, and will always, view homosexual people as inferior, abnormal, and an abomination to God. Bottom Line. This view is not likely to change anytime soon. So, if the "moral majority" (and I use the term “moral” loosely) can suppress the homosexuals it somehow makes them better than, or holier than. It's the same type of bigotry that was used to suppress African Americans, women, and any other minority that they deem fit. It amazes me that religion has always been used to promote intolerance, hatred and bigotry, all in the name of God. That to me is hypocrisy. Promoting something that goes completely against God's teachings. And we wonder why people have no respect for religion. Ever heard of "Do unto others", and "Love thy neighbor?"

It’s a shame that in this time of economic uncertainty that 34 million dollars was used to promote hate, intolerance, bigotry, and inequality, all wrapped up in the nice little package of protecting marriage, children, family values, blah blah blah…etc AND another 34 million dollars to try to prevent it from being written into the constitution. For all of those people who tell the homosexuals to get a life, um, I think that’s what they are trying to do. And shame on you for dictating how that life should be lived. Why should it be on your terms? It doesn’t! It’s so easy to sit back on your sofa and point fingers and shake your head at the protests when your civil liberties have not been altered in the least. Thank God, Allah, Moses, Buddha, Mary…whomever your liberties allow you to pray to that there are judges, council members, and a little thing called the Constitution, in place to protect the minority from a discriminatory vote of the majority! I don’t know how you can sleep at night. Discrimination is wrong, no matter who it comes from, or where it’s directed. I hope this proposition is overturned to prove a point that this IS still America, and that the only thing we need to RESTORE is The Bill of Rights!

[Anonymous YES on PROP 8]

I BELIEVE MARRIAGE IS A BOND FOR TWO PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT SEX TO PROCREATE, HAVE CHILDREN BY WAY OF BIRTH. THIS IS THE NATURAL WAY OF PROCREATION.

IF THE GAY COUPLE CAN PROVE THEY CAN PROCREATE, BY WAY OF HAVING CHILDREN OF THEIR OWN BY BIRTH, GETTING PREGNANT AND ALL THAT STUFF, THEN THEY HAVE TWICKED NATURE AND MAYBE THEY WILL HAVE THE CHANCE BUT THEY MUST CREATE THEIR OWN COUNTRY.

[Drea N.]

Christianity, religion, blah blah blah. Being gay is not immoral. That sucks that the bible says that. It sucks even more that people believe it.

Discriminating against people you don't know or understand is what is disturbing here. YOU CAN'T TURN SOMEONE GAY. KIDS CANNOT BE TAUGHT TO BE GAY!!! MOLESTATION AND EVIL THOUGHTS DON'T TURN YOU GAY! YOU ARE BORN GAY! Please learn about what being gay is before making dumb comments. I’m not even gay and I understand it more than the uninformed people who preach against it. I'm sick of reading about people who are ignorant and blame their beliefs on the bible, their religion, etc. Prop 8 was about a law in California. I didn't see anything written in Prop 8 to rewrite the bible. Religion and Politics do not mix. Let's all grow up and get rid of ALL discrimination so we can live in peace. Otherwise our existence is a frickin' waste.

Oh and Disneyland supporting the gays is far from people removing equal rights from fellow human beings. Let's use compatible subjects when trying to make a point about double standards. Being unwise when making a point really isn’t working for you…

[Tracy]

ARGUMENT
The introduction of legalized gay marriages will lead to polygamy.
REBUTTAL
Not true. In countries where same sex unions marriages are allowed, this has never been the “next step”. However, under current law, anyone who is married is allowed to have as many husbands or wives as they desire, through a process called “divorce”. There are no laws against that (yet).

[Lolina Porter - Glendale, CA]

I VOTED FOR YES ON PROP 8, IN THIS COUNTRY, I HAVE LEARNED THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN BASED IN GOD, SO EVEN PRESIDENT OBAMA SAYS "GOD BLESS AMERICA", HOW CAN THIS COUNTRY BE BLESSED, IF THE PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY IS AGAINST GOD and PEOPLE WILL CATER FOR THIS EVIL MAJORITY.

I ALSO HAVE HUMAN RIGHTS AND SHARE OF DEMOCRACY, I VOTED YES on PROP 8 AND IT WON, NOW, LET US CONSTITUTIONALIZED IT AND PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE THE ELECTION OF IT. NO MORE OVERTURNING JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE RIGHTS, I HAVE RIGHTS TOO.

[Leon Kenderian]

About thirty years ago I fled Sadam's Iraq to the US to live where I can vote and the vote of the majority is respected even by those that oppose it. Alas, it is bginning to look like Iraq where the majority vote meant nothing if it disagreed with those that are in power. If this is going to be the case, why bother vote?! just submit all propositions to the politicians and judges and let them decide what passes and what does not. What a fiascal.

[Randy]

The biased liberal media like the LA times is going broke. The liberal bias media television and movies will go broke also soon. Digital TV with an antenna is junk just try it. Soon tv will be irrelevent. The media is changing. The evil biased Government is already broke. Praise God and may they all fail and fall. God is Good. God is not mocked. The Soveriegn will of the People will prevail and God will bless a people who will humble themselves and pray. The playing field is being leveled right now. All those high and mighty like the Governator are failing and falling right now. It is time to repent and pray.

[Patrick Kling]

For all of the "The people voted get over it crowd" please open up a highschool government book and realize the checks and balances that our government has. Just because a law is passed does not mean the Executive branch has to enforce it, also it is up to the courts to determine if the law is constitutional. Just as I could try to get a law passed that says, "You must wear Paper hats on Sunday" the executive branch would probably not enforce it, and the courts would probably deem it unconstitutional. I dont understand why the Prop 8 supporters didnt think they would need 2/3rds vote to alter the state constitution.

For the people who say marriage is religious... Well then take it out of the government! If not it should be for everyone, gay, straight, black or white.

[jakeinla]

Britt, You poor ignorant girl. Please educate yourself on the issues before you start spouting off. Do us all a favor.

[Stacy A.]

The ballot box should never be used to take away any group's fundamental civil rights. Proposition 8 is as bad as the "Nuremberg Law for the Protection of German Blood and German Honor," enacted on September 15, 1935 in Nazi Germany. That law nullified marriages between Jews and Germans.

That law was horribly immoral and wrong; Prop 8 which destroys the marriages of 19,000 California couples, is also horribly immoral and wrong.

Defend Marriage for All -- Overturn Prop. 8.

[Ken]

God Bless the City of Angels. Bigotry and Hate have no place here. If you voted in favor of Prop 8, and you want to call it morality-- fine.... you might as well try to put lipstick on a pig.

[Will]

Why does the majority get to tell a minority how to live. Of course prop 8 passed. This is no different then the Civil Rights movement. The Gay community and its supporters will fight for their rights until they overcome the religious bigotry so embedded in American culture. All those who opposed equal rights will be on the wrong side of history. Just like the ugly, bitter whites who opposed the black vote, desegregation and black/ white marriages. Let decent, loving people live their lives, thats the American way not white supremacy groups and intolerant religious fanatics. The World is just to small and crowded to hate each other. Live and let live, and if you believe GOD is against gay marriage then God will deal with those people in the end. Or maybe God won't. or maybe God does not even exist.

[Kathie]

As many people say marriage is a religious institution perhaps it is time to shut down marriage down as a civil contract recognized by the government, federal and state. Totally separate religion and the state. Cut all benefits for dependents and spouses. We have way too many people as it is. If someone makes $100,000 per year they should pay the same tax whether they are married or have children or are single. If they want their spouse to have medical insurance, they should pay for it. And on down the list of benefits.

Civil unions? Separate is NOT equal. Plessy v. Ferguson, 163 U.S. 537 (1896) was overturned by Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483 (1954).

Science now shows that same gender attraction is not a matter of choice; it is a matter of biology.

[Randy]

The gay agenda has been laid bare in California and shows what it is. It's agenda is to destroy Churches, the Bible, belief in Jesus, morals and is anti-Christ. They hate Christians period and want their hate legalized in politically correct legislation to control the masses by means of the Government. The people are no longer soveriegn and an athiets credo can only be "might makes right" cause they have no Bible or higher law than the Government and their own lusts and desires. Sexual Orientation is bogus. Any Human can chose not to have sex irregardless of their "orientation" or lust and desires. It's called choice and free will and has nothing to do with civil rights. In fact take away the Bible and then only the corrupt and evil government becomes the final word. The athiest governments of Stalin, Mao, Hitler, and Poll Pot killed more people in the 20th century than all the Christians, Jews, Moslems, Hindus etc. have ever killed in the entire history of the world. Go athiest and you will have murder and maham. It may be time for a revolution in order to form a more perfect Union where the people are once again soveriegn. The moral standard is the Bible and this is what our founding fathers believed. They weren't secular and they weren't athiests and told King George there is a higher law than yours. One young British soldier commented "What kind of people are these that defy kings". A new breed of people. Our King is Jesus!

[Dean]

The basis of our state and federal Constitution is that individuals and minorities have inalienable rights that cannot be taken away by the whims of the majority. If a proposition passed to make blacks slaves again, would that stand? I think not. When the US Supreme Court changed the definition of marriage to allow inter-racial marriage in 1967, 94% of the population opposed it. Civil rights should not be up for a vote. A few salient points should be noted here: 1. Allowing couples to marry does not hurt marriage. 2. Religious and civil marriage are separate institutions and do not affect each other and America is based on the separation of church and state. 3. Love is not sinful. The Bible says "there is neither male nor female, we are all one in Christ". Clearly to God same-sex and different-sex marriage are the same. 4. Gay people are very family-oriented and will never accept an apartheid system that prevents them from protecting their spouses and children with the full legal rights of marriage. Separate is inherently unequal.

[IonaTrailer]

Dear Blake, During the Nazi era people decided the Jews should be removed from German society. Because a majority of people decided that was a good thing does not make it so. Our constitution was written the way it was because the Founding Fathers specifically wanted to protect minorities from the will of the majority. That is what freedom and liberty and the right to happiness are all about - and the separation of church and state.

[IonaTrailer]

Dear Noneck, We have something called the separation of church and state in this country. If the institution of marriage is religious based, then the government should not be issuing marriage licenses and conferring special benefits, (like tax breaks) on some people while not allowing others to marry and enjoy the same benefits. The County of Los Angeles has an interest in this because it issues marriage licenses. If the County sanctions civil unions (legal marriages) that gives some people special benefits but not others - that violates the Equal Protection Under the Law clause in both the State and Federal Constitution. The County of Los Angeles would be doing something illegal. There have been other initiatives that were proven to be unconstitutional and were reversed. This one will be also.

[Webster]

What an incredible turn of events. People arguing that we should be allowed to change the definition of things to suit personal preferences. Does that mean if I want my cat to be a dog or my boat to be a plane, all I have to do is change the definition of a dog and plane and my cat and boat can now bark and fly?

Marriage is between a man and a woman. Because some people seem to have forgotten that we have to pass proposition 22 in 2000 and proposition 8 in 2008. When you consider that California already provides through registered domestic partnerships the equal rights and fairness that the homosexual community is seeking it is only logical that they are seeking legitimization and justification and acceptance of a lifestyle that this culture has always rejected.

It isn't rights they want - they have them. They want to be told via the law that what they are doing isn't bad and isn't wrong so they won't have shame and guilt or have others criticize them for their choices.

Forget me redefining cats and boats. Why won't you let me drive without a seat belt or drive as fast as I want? I mean fair is fair, can't I have the equal right to drive 100 mph anytime anywhere without facing criticism?

Stupid, huh? So, if someone wants to live a homosexual lifestyle - let them. Let God be the judge. If they want to have long term commitments and live together in an intimate relationship all their lives - let them. But don't try to change the definition of things to satisfy their desires.

Please end the intolerance the "No" people express in their campaign and after the election. "Yes" people did not go around bashing gays. I can guarantee you that hateful language on signs and book burning will not engender any good will.

The voters turned down expanding the definition of marriage, reversing the court's decision to expand it after it was clearly defined 8 years ago - so live with it. The homosexual community has equal rights and fairness through the registered domestic partnerships - so live with it.

[Steven Peters]

So many responders talk about the 'will of the people' as if the that will is correct. The will of the people to enforce segrigation, slavery and women who could not vote less than a hundred years ago, isn't justification to overthrow and denounce the Constitution and it's civil liberties that are given to EVERY American. The morality issue in having this ridiculous propostion that was passed shouldn't have any presidence on marriage of same-sex couples.

Apparently those who believe in the sanctity of marriage who were in favor of Prop 8 feel the moral conduct of Britney Spears 48 hours wedding is justified as being held sacred and morally just? Not to mention the 65% divorce rate in this country. Don't preach morality when it is those who don't follow the vows that thay make when getting married. This is NOT an issue of morality, this is an issue of a vote by intolerant and fear-based homophobes that basically wanted to throw away the civil liberties and rights of other americans. How moral is that?!?!

What dictates a country's moral fabric should be based on the sum of it's liberties and freedoms to which this country stands for, and not based on biases, religous beliefs and discrimination by ignorant and fear based voters.

I applaud the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors vote this afternoon to join a lawsuit filed by the City of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Santa Clara County challenging the constitutionality of Proposition 8. It speaks volumes as to the injustices inflicted on the tens of thousands of people who were married and now have their marriages anulled by sanctimonious voters.

It's very core contributors being the Mormon Church in giving millions of dollars to back this propostion shows their lack of tolerance, ignorances and corrupt moral beliefs by in essence banishing the civil liberties of americans and setting an acceptance of unjust and predudicial focus towards their followers. There's nothing wrong in keeping their beliefs within the confines of their orginazation, but when it infringes the civil liberties of others, I and other americans would justifiably be up in arms in protest.

It is quite clear by the response of many gay men and women, as well as non-gays, that this Proposition should not have even been on the books. It's just unconcionable that in the 21st century there still is such hatred for so many people of difference backgrounds, sexual orientation and religous beliefs. I thank those who are in favor in fighting to overturn this un-american proposition by standing for what is right and just in these United States of America.

[joan ca]

Why go against our constitutional vote, if we are to vote why in heavens name go against the majority. These God fearing individuals must change all that don't agree with them. Have heard so many untruths such as teacing in schools, vows of marriage. Who gives these so called individuals the capability of changing a vote that was. Is this their way of getting what they want? these supposidly God fearing, have no compassion, empathy. Nothing but hatred in the name of god. They should be ashamed.

[Richard]

If the board of supervisors support the gays rights then they support sodomy and it is against the law to sodomize a child. You are approving the notion that gays have rights to marry and priest to molest young boys. When we have a obligation to set an example to our kids. Gay life is not normal we must not allow any more bizzare behavior in this world. We as people have a major responsiablily to set good examples for our kids of the future, and to protect them from disruptive life. Gay life is a choice and we if we allow them to have the right to break the normal life cycle of marriage we might as well legalize prostitution and cocaine and sodomy. The priest have gotten away with sodomy for to long it got to be stopped. We have laws against that kind of act. why is it that no one is thinking about the connection, the butt is only design for one thing and it should be penetrated by an object and man!!!! Sorry board of supervisor you are wrong for supporting gay rights, when you are to protect the kids...

[No on H8]

If marriage is a religious right as many have claimed then it has no right in government at all. We should change all the wording of marriage to read civil union in all government documents and then all couples (gay and straight) can get a civil union. Then the churches can perform a ceremony and issue a souvenier "marriage" certificate. How's that for seperation of church and state?

[Steven Peters]

So many of you talk about the 'will of the people' as if the that will is correct. The will of the people to enforce segrigation, slavery and women who could not vote less than a hundred years ago, isn't justification to overthrow and denounce the Constitution and it's civil liberties that are given to EVERY american. The morality issue in having this ridiculous propostion that was passed shouldn't have any presidence.

Apparently those who believe in the sanctity of marriage feel the moral conduct of Britney Spears 48 hours wedding is justified as being held sacred? Not to mention the 65% divorce rate in this country. Don't preach morality when it is those who don't follow the vows that that take when they get married. This is NOT an issue of morality, this is an issue of a vote by intolerant and fear-based homophobes that basically wanted to throw away the civil liberties and rights of other americans. How moral is that?!?!

What dictates a country's moral fabric should be based on the sum of it's liberties and freedoms to which this country stands for, and not based on biases, religous beliefs and discrimination by ignorant and fear based voters.

I applaud the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors vote this afternoon to join a lawsuit filed by the City of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Santa Clara County challenging the constitutionality of Proposition 8. It speaks volumes as to the injustices inflicted on the tens of thousands of people who were married and now have their marriages anulled by sanctimonious voters.

It's very core contributors being the Mormon Church in giving millions of dollars to back this propostion shows their lack of tolerance, ignorances and corrupt moral beliefs by in essence banishing the civil liberties of americans and setting an acceptance of unjust and predudicial focus towards their followers. There's nothing wrong in keeping in the confines of their orginazation, but when it infringes the civil liberties of others, I and other americans would justifiably be up in arms in protest.

It is quite clear by the response of many gay men and women, as well as non-gays, that this Propsition should not have even been on the books. It's just unconcionable that in the 21st century there still is such hatred for so many people of difference backgrounds, sexual orientation and religous beliefs. I thank those who are in favor in fighting to overturn this un-american proposition by standing for what is right and just in these United States of America!

[Jim Angone]

In response to the comment by Mr. Cortijo that "the institution of marriage is religious based". That is the reason why Prop 8 must be overruled. Yes Marriage is Religious based in your religion, but the Sate seperately administers Marriage licenses for the sake of recognizing two people as a couple in the eyes of the State and in keeping with the rules of the Constitution in guaranteeing their rights and benefits befitting the State issuance of a Marriage license.

My partner and I were married on july 18th, after 35 years of commitment to one another. This was the hapiest day of both of our lives, we are now recognized by the State officially for the commitment of love we have maintained without the benfits of marriage.Our marriage license also represents a benfit of health insurance that my spouse now receives as a result of our marriage license. I am retired and on a pension and my pensio health insurance requires a marriage license to add a spuse for coverage. This is the way institutions defile and avoid recognizing the union of same-sex couples, as a civil union or domestic partnership wil not make my spouse eligible for insurance.
The Constitution cannot stand by allowing different levels of rights to different citizens.

[Johnsonville]

Many people say that gay marriage infringes upon no one else’s rights. I looked up some of the aftermath of what happened in Massachusetts and one thing that struck me was this: the largest adoption agency in Massachusetts (run by Catholic Charities) actually shut down operations instead of giving equal adoption rights to gay couples. It was against their morals, so they decided to shut their doors. Now, you may not agree with those morals, but they have a right to their beliefs due to separation of church and state.

How many orphans in Massachusetts are suffering because of this?

If that’s not impacting one’s rights, then I don’t know what is.

[Buy Out!]

What a disgrace!! Its called cry, cry, cry...complain, complain, complain...demonstrate, scream, yell, send threating emails, yell more, vandalize and stand in sacred places of worship and make "H8ful" remarks regarding religion freedom...WHAT A JOKE! It reminds me a my 5 year old daughter that pouts, crys, stomps her feet, slams the door, twist on floor, begs, scratches her nails into the floor, OMG! What a bunch of WHINNERS! Who's intolerant now? Oh...but what does she try to do when she doesnt get her way? Auh, go to grandma. That's what the NO campaign has done!
As soon as the PEOPLE VOTED THE PASSAGE OF PROP 8, lawsuits from NO. Thats what my daughter does...she goes to grandma when HER mother and father has told her otherwise. Oh let me guess the email of H8 that was sent out to all the NO supporters...

"This is an outrage! We need to stand up for LOVE! Yeah,LOVE = Marriage right you guys? I mean we LOVE each other so we should marry! We deserve that right...And it doesnt matter who or what you LOVE...right? LOVE is LOVE! Lets demonstrate on the street, hold up traffic, put the public at risk and the more we whine, then politicans will hear us! Ah, who cares that we gave Alice Huffman $200,000. to go into the Black community to twist the lies...because we all know its a civil right issue. Even though 70% of the BLACK community voted YES! WHO CARES! Yeah, we're a race too! Homosexuality, being Bi-sexual or a transy...its not a choice, of course not! We're a RACE not matter what color skin we have! Who cares if the YES on 8 people dont go to McDonalds or buy Apple or use AT&T or even Google. Who care's? Yeah then donated for our cause...because we LOVE! Even if they don't support those companies, we have the movie industry! We have ELLEN...they're all great ROLE MODELS for our future! If all fails...which it won't, because we LOVE, we can bombard our law-makers with either emails tell them that we won't re-elect them. We'll ask them where they stand if they don't stand with us, then they stand against us! Yeah, thats awesome! And don't for get those MORMONS! Who care's that they're in support of traditional families. Who needs families when we have LOVE. Ok, so what if they're practicing freedom of speech and religion? What does our LOVE have anything to do with their religion? Lets show our 'H8" I mean our support for what we stand for! And thats EQUALITY! Wait no its CIVIL RIGHTS. No its DISCRIMINATION. We are against discrimination. No its not that, its MARRIAGE FOR ALL. Thats what we're demonstrating. Its not that, its LOVE. If we have LOVE then there is no H8. Yeah...No, no, no! We want to SEPARATE CHURCH AND STATE. Yeah, thats what we're fighting for! Wait we have religious leaders backing us too. Auh, its because they can marry us therefore help the economy. Ok, they're okay then. So lets yell, honk, and go to places of worship! We don't have to steal signs anymore, lets just hold up traffic, get on the news and let our voices be heard. Okay people. Now that we got that STRAIGHT...hahaha...NOT! Let's fight for our rights! See you out in the streets!"

OH and a classic one "I didn't vote on your marriage!" Auh, yeah you did! On November 4th.

STAND UP FOR SOMETHING or YOU'LL FALL FOR ANYTHING! YES on 8!

[jakeinla]

Good for them! Stand up for citizens rights, even if that means going against the majority! People can't seem to grasp in their tiny little brains that we are not voting on a sewer tax, or a new school bond. We are voting on stripping away rights of taxpaying AMERICAN citizens, and it's WRONG, no matter what your God, religion, or pastor tells you to do. Come on people, think for yourselves, this is 2008! No matter how rosy you want to try to paint the picture, this kind of discrimination, in this day and age is wrong, bottom line. I would hope, and expect any one of you to stand up if any rights were being taken from you! That's what is so great about America. The majority is not always right, and these judges, AND the constitution are in place for just such instances. I commend you for doing your jobs, even if they don't

[Mr.G.............]

Now when I hear someone say " My vote doesnt count anyways" I might just have to agree with them.... The VOTE of the PEOPLE means NOTHING...

[Randy]

Holy or unholy? I don't expect more than 20-25% of Americans to support this idea, but marriage is holy. If marriage is anything you want it to be, then it is unholy. In other words, if marriage can be anything, it is nothing. Holiness is not something we talk much about, but it is a part of biblical teaching about life. We become holy by the grace of Jesus Christ, not as a result of works. But, becoming holy doesn't mean you choose to do anything you can after becoming holy. Holiness is a characteristic of a deepening, maturing relationship to the body of Christ. The reason churches want to define marriage is to build a basic foundation for holiness. I know the objection is that LGBT marriage can be holy, but by the tradition and teaching of biblical churches, it cannot be.

[Mr.G.............]

They need to vote these politians out of office.....
DO NOT spend any more of MY tax payer money on this GARBAGE...

What so hard to understand. The people have VOTED.

[Carson Grey]

Its interesting how the Religious Right complains about having gay marriage "shoved down their throats" yet they have absolutely no qualms about shoving every single one of their beliefs down everyone else's.

I thought that we were to do unto our neighbors as we shall have them do unto us?

There is a separation of Church and State and that suits them just fine, until someone ELSE wants to do something that they don't want them to.

The issue of equality was decided long ago. Two consenting adults should be allowed to make their own decisions with equal protection under the law.

If you don't want your kids to learn about gay couples, then don't hang out with gays, don't let them watch the news and make sure they don't learn to read.

That's probably what happened to you anyway.

[Eneg Tibabal]

Hey the yes vote won.
Lets all go home and get to work.

[Max Proctor]

To be against same-sex marriage rights by saying just be happy with a domestic partnership is today's equivalent of the 1950s "Move to the back of the bus." types

Both get a ride but one group's ride quality is less than the others.

Children, religion, the pope and ability to breed are not the important concepts here. The right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are. If my happiness is a childless relationship with a member of the opposite or same sex are the rights denied because I don't share your goal to promote the species??
I don't get your superstitions and myths, so I can get the married tax benefits?

[Devils Advocate]

If Molina, Yaroslavsky, and Burke can't uphold the law and the will of their constituents, they should be impeached.

[Johnsonville]

In these trying financial times, they are denying theirfiduciary responsibility to the people of the County of Los Angeles. Although one may not agree with the vote, it is abhorrent that they would use public funds to fight such a very personal battle in the courts.

Consider this: marriage has been regulated by societies since the dawn of time. It still is today and is it wholly dependent on societal mores. If people in the state of California were open and ready for gay marriage, proposition 8 would not have passed. I cannot marry my sister. Is that a denial of my civil rights? I cannot marry my dog. Again, is that a denial of my civil rights? Two fifteen year olds cannot get married without parental consent. Are we denying them their civil rights?

The civil rights argument is invalid and is being used to condone something that Californians are obviously not ready to embrace at this time. Shoving it down the throat of the people of California will not benefit anyone and will only add to the bigotry and ignorance that has already marred this proposition from the start.

[Rod M.]

How dare the supervisors think they can over rule the democratic system. How dare the gays and lesbians not accept the majority rule vote.
Why is their perverse sexual orientation a political issue in the first place.
They have the same rights with their partners as married couples.
Just don't call it marriage. They are creative people have them call it something other than marriage.
I am tired of seeing them flaunt their hideous sex driven agenda all around town.
What is next? A heterosexual parade to show support for the results of Prop 8? The people have spoken. Don't ruin the democratic system over your sexual orientation.

[Rachel]

For those who say marriage is religious based, well, then, maybe we should ban all marriages. This is a country that was FOUNDED on SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE! In other countries throughout the world, when someone wants to get married, the go to the courthouse to get a civil union and to the church to get married. But the ONLY LEGAL action is that at the courthouse. Maybe we should do that here. NO MARRIAGES EVER. JUST CIVIL UNIONS. Maybe THAT will get across to people that this is NOT a religious issue. If you want to ban gay marriages in your church, fine. But we're talking about SECULAR equal rights here!

[stevo]

"If Prop 8 is a "revision", simply because it changed a ruling that was all of 3 months old, what does that mean about the legitimacy of amendments like Prop 13? After all, that changed the entire structure of CA government, top to bottom. Surely if Prop 8 is a revision, Prop 13 was.

Further, the "revision" argument, if sucessful here, will gut the right of initiative as nearly all meaningful changes will be attacked on this basis. SInce the bar is being set so low, it is hard to imagine any future initiative amendment having much effect."

Prop 13 clarified tax code, an appropriate use of the initiative Amendment process. Prop 8 undermines the Equal Protection Clause in the constitution and removes the judiciary from being the final arbiter to protect the civil rights of a minority...such a major Revision requires a 2/3 majority vote from both houses of our legislature. Surely we all understand that changing the constitution is intended to be difficult, not easy when it comes to striking civil rights or stamping out a minority? In this regard, this bar is set very high, not low - regardless of who you feel is entitled and who is not entitled to civil rights.

[Daniel]

When people (man & woman) are married, they make commitments and vowels to each other and GOD. If God doesnt approve of homosexuality, as stated in the bible (he destroyed a whole city), then why would people who work under a motto -- IN GOD WE TRUST--want to basically discredit whats in the word. And for people to actually think that same sex marriage is ethical and GOD abiding then you know whats in store for you. It is said that if you are living that lifestyle and die with those same beliefs without repenting, YOUR GOING TO HELL. thats any sin dwell in not just homosexuality. But keep in mind, A WHOLE CITY WAS DESTROYED DUE TO THIS. Its even more sickening to know that gays want to disturb the union of marriage between man and woman. be glad you got as many rights as you do have.

[mark]

Couldn't get what they wanted so now they're crying foul? Sounds like a bunch of whining kids to me.

[Pablo]

I keep hearing about discrimination this and that. Aren't gay people allowed to live together, buy property, adopt and raise children, hospital visitation, rights of survivorship, etc?? I heard tons about discrimination and equal rights, yet not a bit of what rights are denied to gay people. Absent from campaign discussion is that gay people as a whole are better educated with higher incomes than average. No discrimination there. I disagree with the article's premise that more outreach would change people's minds. It wouldn't mine. I accept that gay couples are A-OK, and should have equal rights. I don't see where not calling them married diminishes their rights.

[Wake up and smell the latte]

Get a clue folks, California already has civil unions. This isn't about right, its about power.

Marriage is between a man and a woman. Marriage starts at the wedding where the Groom and Bride exchange their spritual vowes and are legally one.

Whatever you gays want to do, do it, just call it something else its that easy. What is so hard to understand?

Its clear that the gay marriage protests aren't about gay marriage. It's the gays being the foot soldiers for the liberal agenda, attacking Christianity, the family and the basis for all societies. Its about pushing a liberal agenda, recruiting children into the lifestyle, its about criminalizing citizens who speak against it, its about changing society to fit a small groups desires

Its about saying that a marriage is anything you want it to be, its about forcing society to accept same sex partnerships as man and wife or family, which is clearly not the case. If gay was so normal, we wouldn't be here today.

Sooner or later, society will tire of this nonsense, wouldn't surprise me a bit to see good ol fashioned rumble over this one.

Be gay if your want, you don't get to redefine our language or our traditions to fit your desires. You don't have a problem distinguishing yourselves as gay, or on an enlightened plane, etc etc, so what's the problem calling your relationship something else? after all , it is.

[Hilmar A. Rosenast]

Americans denounce dictators, denounce the lack of respect for the people's voice. But when the AmericanTpeople speak, the "dictators" don't listen and do what they please! Remember Germany in the 1930's! We are not far from that very same siatuation when people's voice meant nothing!
the only difference to date is that we do not yet have the physical violence that goes with it! It will come too if we continue this way. Let's get rid of these ill-guided politicans!

[lamotte]

I guess that jerk was repulse each time he saw he mom and dad kissing.

[Jay Seidler]

If homosexuals reject the old traditions of marriage, why do they want to be married? Why not just love each other as they want. Why do they force others to accept their trashing of traditions they themselves do not respect.

[Chuck]

Can someone tell me where in the United State's Constitution is says everyone has the right to get MARRIED? Apparently most of the "NO" voters on Prop 8 haven't bothered to read it. Okay, we'll call you married. Then we'll create an entirely new category for those couples who are man and woman and can continue our species.

[One]

What was the point of voting? People voted and the result did not go your way, so you are going to file a lawsuit against it???