Ellen Degeneres Encourages Californians To Allow Marriage For All
It's not often local politics goes national, but this year's election process in California could affect thousands of people who want to get married, but might not be able to. On the state ballot in California is a proposition known as "Prop 8." Maybe you've heard it mentioned on the blogs, internet news sites or on TV, in any case, chances are you've heard of it.
Proposition 8 seeks to repeal an earlier approved legislation in California which allows same-sex couples to get married. This is very much like civil unions, which are approved in a few other states, but more specific in the traditional sense of what marriage represents. California already has laws which allow businesses to claim significant others on their health benefits forms, but this goes the next step and essentially recognizes the rights of couples to conduct their lives like any hetero couple would, like adopting or end of life decisions.
I have a close relative who had to have their wedding under intense time pressure, making it impossible for all of our loved ones to attend, simply because of mean-spirited Proposition 8, so this is personal to me. Why we live in a nation where people who love each other can't be married is beyond my comprehension. Last time I checked, marriage was good for society and families, and honestly, we could all use a little more love and monogamy in the world.
So, for the record, I am with Ellen and the many, many others who want Californians to Vote No on Prop 8.
[Editor's note: The views expressed in this post reflect solely the views of the writer, and not necessarily the site as a whole.]
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