September 26, 2008

Prop 8

So, I was going to blog about Prop 8 and then before that happened, a little situation occurred...

I was on Facebook and saw that an old high school friend put on her status "no on prop 8." I knew that prop 8 had to do with whether or not gays could get married in California, but I didn't know which way yes or no meant. I looked it up...


Proposition 8 is an initiative measure on the 2008 California General Election ballot. If passed it would amend the California Constitution with a new section that would read "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." The measure, as submitted for the ballot by petitioners, is called the "California Marriage Protection Act."[1][2] The ballot title, as prepared by the Attorney General Jerry Brown, is "Eliminates Right of Same-sex Couples to Marry."[3]


Therefore, no on prop 8 means you are for gay marriage, and yes on prop 8 means anti gay marriage. So, I put as my status, "yes on prop 8" and that I wished I were in California to vote on it.

Now, a friend of mine from high school, turned gay...I think in 11th or 12th grade read it and wrote this as a comment to my status:

Wesley at 2:22pm September 21

thank god you're not in CA either!!! Prop 8 is one of the most socially hindering pieces of legislation to ever make it on the ballot. Give me a reason for it, that does not include "the bible", or "god" or some other limiting defense. Why are you "YES" on a proposition that seeks to determine the ability for SO many to live the American Life? Marriage is NOT a religious institution. What's your defense?

To which my reply was:

Allison at 5:02pm September 21
Wow, Wes, I'm not condemning you for being gay and never have. (In fact I remember sitting and listening to you when you were struggling with coming out about it on the curb by Mik's parent's house and not judging you either way. I also remember being friends with you afterwards as well as with any of the other gay students in our school.) I don't see why you have to get upset at me for having my beliefs when I'm not upset at you for having yours. You are voting for your beliefs and I'm voting for mine. Why can't I give a reason such as the Bible or God when I believe in both of them. Those are not limiting defenses. Marriage, according to my beliefs, is a religious institution. It is ordained of God between a man and a woman. I believe that and that IS my defense. At any rate, It was nice to hear from you after so many years though, Wes, and I hope you are doing well. Sounds like you enjoy your job!

Need I say more?

Mom and dad on their wedding day.

8 comments:

Kimberly said...

I just want to say that I think your response is very well put. Being out here in Democratic-ville has really opened my eyes to a lot of things. I am starting to see the "other side" of things more clearly, but at the same time I'm realizing why it is so important to stand up for my own beliefs and not be ashamed of them. The world would condemn us and tell us that to use God and religion is not a valid argument. What they are really saying is that we have to be tolerant of their beliefs but they won't be tolerant of ours. Thanks for posting this...it's got me thinking about life...;)

I miss you too kid, and I hope that everything is going well for you!!!

Siddoways said...

Ok Allison, Where are you living? I am too lazy to scroll thru your blog and try to figure it out on my own. If you have the energy- email me with an update at katherineflarsen@yahoo.com

Meri said...

Allison, Man I love you. You are so great! That picture of your parents is to die for.
California misses you.

Shayla said...

You have a blog!!! I'm so excited, I love blog stalking :)

GrannyG said...

Allison:
I found your blog through Carrie and Kenny, so I hope you don't mind hearing from a LOL. If you want a very good explanation of why prop 8 is way more important than the gay rights people think, go to lds.org/newsroom and read the article titled "The Divine Institution of Marriage." It covers the religious part but most of the article is about the legal consequences for the rest of us, particularly churches, if it doesn't pass.

We miss your folks and love it when you come to visit!
Carrie's Grandma

Mallory said...

Way to go Allison! I like my new place. Aparment's nice. Roommates are great. The ward is taking some getting used to, though, after our freakin' awesome one! :-) How's life for you? I miss seeing you guys all the time... Well, at least more than I do now!

Anonymous said...

i second what you said! :) YES ON PROP 8!

Cristi said...

GO ALLISON! IT'S REALLY HARD HERE IN CA WITH THIS ISSUE RIGHT NOW. GOOD JOB PUTTING YOUR VIEW OUT THERE! YES ON 8!!!!!!!