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October 31, 2008
Please Vote "No" on Proposition 8
Dear Friend of FCL,
According to a newly released Field Poll, support for Proposition 8, which would amend the California Constitution to prohibit same-sex marriages, is gaining among California voters.
Opponents of same-sex marriage, with the financial backing of numerous out-of-state interests, have been blitzing the airways with deceptive ads claiming that civil unions confer all of the same benefits as marriage and that California schools will be required to teach same-sex marriage to students.
In fact, civil unions do not confer all of the same rights (or responsibilities) as marriage. Civil unions do not provide couples the right to file joint federal income tax returns, the right to sponsor a partner for immigration to the United States, the right to social security survivor’s benefits, the right to family and medical leave, and other substantial benefits and obligations. Moreover, "separate-but-equal" is inherently unequal. If Proposition 8 passes, same-sex couples will be denied the validation and recognition that marriage confers.
Nor would schools be required to teach same-sex marriage if Proposition 8 is defeated. Under California law, local school boards would retain local control.
Supporters of Proposition 8 also claim that legalizing same-sex marriages violates their religious freedom. To the contrary, no religious sect or denomination is required to perform same-sex marriages. All faith traditions agree that marriage is a sacred institution deserving of some form of religious sanction or blessing. Religious communities have the right to decide whether to bless marriages, and this right must be honored and protected. The function of the state, however, is to ensure equal protection for individuals under the law.
Marriage equality is the civil rights issue of modern times. Amending the state constitution to deny rights would be a huge step backwards.
The FCL Board of Directors urges you to vote "NO" vote on Proposition 8.
For additional information:
FCL's Recommendations for November 2008 General Election
No on Proposition 8
Equality California
Sincerely yours,
Jim Lindburg
Legislative Advocate
Friends Committee on Legislation
717 K St., Suite 500-B
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-3734
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