The culture wars continue

Nov. 4 was a bittersweet day for many. The election of Barack Obama, a black man, was a sign of major social progress.

However, there was a measure that passed in the West Coast that effectively stripped many of their rights. That measure was Proposition 8, an amendment that added 14 words to the state constitution defining valid marriage as between a man and a woman.

In a 52 to 48 percent vote, California voted in favor of Proposition 8.

In effect, this measure halted the four-month period of time where homosexuals could legally wed in the state. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints spearheaded the proposition, along with other Catholic and evangelical interest groups. Together supporters of Proposition 8 raised nearly $38 million.

Proposition 8 stripped homosexuals of the right to wed by overturning the May 15 Supreme Court ruling that deemed it unconstitutional to deny anyone marriage due to sexual orientation in the state of California. 

While proponents of traditional marriage celebrate their win, opponents are rallying to make a change. There is hope that California will be able to renew the right of same-sex marriage to its citizens. Already, a legal challenge has been filed claiming that Proposition 8 improperly amended the state constitution and is, therefore, invalid.

The question goes to whether or not defining marriage in the Constitution is an amendment or a revision. As it stands, Proposition 8 was viewed as an amendment, and as such it only needed a majority vote. If it is decided that the effects of Proposition 8 are in fact far more reaching, then it would be considered a revision and must be passed by two-thirds of the Legislature before being put to the voters.

It is not just in the courts where citizens are trying to make a change. This past Sunday 20,0000 protesters flooded the streets of Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento and Modesto calling for the nullification of Proposition 8. Facebook has also seen a mobilization of youth as well. Groups such as “1,000,000 Strong to Overturn Prop 8” has more than 91,000 people in its organization and “Californians Ready to Appeal Prop 8” has nearly 177,940 members.

There is a silver lining to Proposition 8 – youth voters rejected it overwhelmingly. We can see how the issue of same-sex marriage will play out in the long run. Until then, we face an uphill battle when it comes to same-sex marriage and equal rights in this country.