PROP 8 ELIMINATES RIGHT OF SAME–SEX COUPLES TO MARRY. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

ANALYSIS BY THE LEGISLATIVE ANALYST

BACKGROUND In March 2000, California voters passed Proposition 22 to specify in state law that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. In May 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled that the statute enacted by Proposition 22 and other statutes that limit marriage to a relationship between a man and a woman violated the equal protection clause of the California Constitution. It also held that individuals of the same sex have the right to marry under the California Constitution. As a result of the ruling, marriage between individuals of the same sex is currently valid or recognized in the state. PROPOSAL This measure amends the California Constitution to specify that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. As a result, notwithstanding the California Supreme Court ruling of May 2008, marriage would be limited to individuals of the opposite sex, and individuals of the same sex would not have the right to marry in California. FISCAL EFFECTS Because marriage between individuals of the same sex is currently valid in California, there would likely be an increase in spending on weddings by same-sex couples in California over the next few years. This would result in increased revenue, primarily sales tax revenue, to state and local governments. By specifying that marriage between individuals of the same sex is not valid or recognized, this measure could result in revenue loss, mainly from sales taxes, to state and local governments. Over the next few years, this loss could potentially total in the several tens of millions of dollars. Over the long run, this measure would likely have little fiscal impact on state and local governments. So there you have the exact text from the Ballot, and you have some other information. The striking thing to me is what is NOT included in this write up. All those little things that come along with this thing called Marriage that are NOT included in a 'Domestic Partnership'. You are married, your spouse gets into an accident on the commute to work. You rush off to the hospital to see them, they ask you who you are, you are their SPOUSE...wham, bam you are in to see them. If needed you can make the medical decisions for them, etc, etc. Now same situation but when you get to the Hospital and they ask who you are, and you tell them you are the Domestic Partner of the injured... yeah well maybe durning normal visiting hours you could see your partner. Making a medical decision for them.....yeah only if you've previously got that paperwork signed and filed and the Hospital recognizes it. If not you could be left out in the cold. There is no form that can be filled out, filed with the courts, etc that gives you the same rights as that Marriage License. It's not even 'separate but equal' because it's NOT EQUAL. I know I keep saying that I've done this post and I'll leave it alone. I just cannot. It's too important to me. I have this dread in the pit of my stomach. Will the FEAR win?? It's been working for 8 years of W. Is the FEAR soo ingrained into people now that they can so easily be swayed like sheep?? If you notice in the wording of the proposition nowhere does is say that school curriculum will be changed. No where does it say anything about churches being forced to perform gay marriages. The 'Yes on 8' people have nothing but FEAR to use, and so they are. So back to work for me. I didn't get anything out of the freezer before I left for work, so not sure what's gonna be for dinner. I do know that currently I am freezing so I'm thinking along the lines of something HOT. (Chili and cornbread, or some kind of soup and biscuits.) Nope didn't make the biscuits last night, so I could do that today. {**********************} Hugz to you all!!!