Posted on 11/05/2008 8:51:42 AM PST by Smogger
UPDATE: Voters approve Proposition 8 banning same-sex marriages. With more than 95% of the vote counted, the measure leads 52.1% to 47.9%.
A measure to once again ban gay marriage in California led Tuesday, throwing into doubt the unions of an estimated 18,000 same-sex couples who wed during the last 4 1/2 months.
As the measure, the most divisive and emotionally fraught on the state ballot this year, took a lead in early returns, supporters gathered at a hotel ballroom in Sacramento and cheered.
"We caused Californians to rethink this issue," Proposition 8 strategist Jeff Flint said.
Early in the campaign, he noted, polls showed the measure trailing by 17 points.
"I think the voters were thinking, well, if it makes them happy, why shouldn't we let gay couples get married. And I think we made them realize that there are broader implications to society and particularly the children when you make that fundamental change that's at the core of how society is organized, which is marriage," he said.
But in San Francisco at the packed headquarters of the No on 8 campaign party in the Westin St. Francis Hotel, supporters of same-sex marriage refused to despair, saying that they were holding out hope for victory.
"You decided to live your life out loud. You fell in love and you said 'I do.' Tonight, we await a verdict," San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom said, speaking to a roaring crowd. "I'm crossing my fingers."
Elsewhere in the country, two other gay marriage bans, in Florida and Arizona, were well ahead. In both states, laws already defined marriage as a heterosexual institution. But backers pushed to amend the state constitutions, saying that doing so would protect the institution from legal challenges.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
They will over reach. Then, being a majority party, each member they will start looking out for their OWN political interests. Like my tagline says.
They did the same thing here in Florida with the Gay marriage amendment last night. Even with 99.4% in and the measure at 62% support (requires 60% in Fla) they did not finally bow to reality until 4:00 AM or so.
I guess Ellen is no longer a groom.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
God has been calling all along. The people have stopped listening and have become so self centered that he allowed Obama to become president.
Just heard on Fox that some CA group is going to challenge this via the US Constitution using lawyer Gloria Alred.
I’m guessing it will focus somehow on Scotus’ right to privacy for homosexuals. What do you all think?
First of all the first proposition was overturned by the California Supreme Court. Secondly, this is a Constititional amendment.
Now the law suits start. I agree with you about this being more important than the Presidential election. While I strongly opposed Obama, I was concerned as to how the real conservatives could begin to retake the Republican party with Mc Cain at the helm. I would like to see Newt take over as Chairman of the RNC and get this thing going.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
They voted to ban gay marriage constitutionally yet California voted OVERWHELMINGLY to put in a president who WILL appoint federal judges who will overturn it. You would think that Californians have had their fill of judges overturning their ballot initiatives.
Stupidity is rampant in California.
The CA Supremes can't overturn this one base don California law; they can only say it's a violation of federal law, which would send this to the USSC. Do you really think the USSC would make gay marriage legal in the entire USA?
(yawn)
The scumbag Democrats will challenge this prop in court and get a permanent “stay”.
In other words, “Prop 8” will meet the same fate as every other proposition passed by California voters. And the people will simply bend over, grab their ankles, say “thank you”, and then go back to sleep....
Big deal.
You think?
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
agree
You're right, even if the California courts do not overturn the ban. Had this measure been on the ballot eight years ago, it would have won by a 60:40 margin; if 20 years ago, a 75:25 margin. Forty years ago, it would have been regarded as a fringe position even in San Francisco. Sixty years ago, anyone who petitioned for legalized homosexual marriage would likely have been arrested for aiding and abetting sodomy.
Hear! Hear!
The president has exactly zero authority over the content of the several States’ constitutions.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
I’m no lawyer, so I can’t say what it is they’re trying to accomplish. I assume they mean they’re going to try to get the new amendment declared unconstitutional.
It will not end in this epoch, so keep on fighting. It’s the right thing to do.
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