Vote Yes on Proposition 8

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

I don't want to be one of those that just doesn't do anything and as a result gives evil more of a chance of winning. This post is specifically about Proposition 8 in California. Even though I can't actually vote, I can express my opinion and encourage those in California to vote YES. I'm a pretty non confrontational person, but there comes a time where every person needs to stand up for what is right. I'm not very eloquent so thats probably why I've put off posting this, but my sister posted on her blog a perfect explanation of why voting Yes on Proposition 8 is the right thing and sums up exactly how I feel, so the sections in quotes will be from her words...

If you don't know what Proposition 8 is, "Proposition 8 is on California’s November ballot and, if passed with a YES VOTE, will add these fourteen words to the California state Constitution: “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”'

This issue is sensitive and important. My degree is in Marriage, Family and Human Development so a lot of my studies have focused on the family and marriage and its impact on society. I feel VERY strongly about this issue because I know that if Satan can destroy the family he has won. Family and marriage is the fundamental unit of society, it has been since the beginning of time, one of the first commandments given to Adam and Eve (a male and a female together) was to have a family. The family is sacred.

"I believe in equality. I believe in men, women and children being treated with fairness and love and provided equal rights for progression and success.

On that note, at the core, Proposition 8 is not an issue about rights. The passage of Proposition 8 will not limit or extend privileged rights to a single group so as to allow solitary advancement or progress. Same-sex individuals have and will continue to have the exact same rights regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment liberties, and probate rights as every other heterosexual couple. And don’t mention taxes, as the issue of tax exemptions isn’t relevant. They exist to encourage procreation in furthering society. The issue is about preserving the fundamental and traditional definition of marriage, which we believe was established by our loving Father in Heaven for our happiness. It’s about me, my marriage and my children. It can’t get any more personal than that." I know people that choose a homosexual lifestyle, my brother in law included...and I love my brother in law, I don't agree with his lifestyle, but I still love him as a child of God. I love the sinner, but not the sin. And when legislation/those choices influence me and my family, how my children are taught, I have to draw the line, I have to stand up and say something.

"Beyond the consequences of school curriculum, doctors’ rights, adoption lawsuits, and religious freedoms, the rejection of Proposition 8 bears the greater result of the further breakdown of our society. Being an active member of the LDS faith, I believe with all my heart what prophets have taught for ages: the success of our society rests upon the strength of our families. The few European countries that have already legalized same-sex marriage suggest that any dilution of the traditional definition of marriage will further erode the already weakened stability of marriages and family generally. In a world weighed down with heightened divorce, abortion and teenage pregnancy rates, we definitely don’t need to add to the problem. Marriage is civilization’s primary institution, established long before government ever existed.

And again, as an LDS member, I believe we have a living prophet here on the earth today who communicates with our Heavenly Father and helps to guide us so we can return to live with our Father in Heaven and our families forever. Because I believe President Monson is a prophet, seer and revelator, I would vote for Proposition 8 even if none of the above reasoning existed, because he has asked me to do so. I believe in equality and I strive to teach my children to love and respect everyone. But considering the argument of equality the opposition is putting forth, I would rather my children learn to follow the prophet in faith over taking a chance on man’s reasoning."

" I urge you, whether you live in California or not, to study the issue and make up your mind for yourself. Below are some sites I recommend looking over, even if just to understand the supporting side. In the end, I truly believe each viewpoint is motivated by love. Of course there are people out there that aren’t treating each other kindly – people who aren’t taking the time to understand why another person would support or oppose the issue, and then they act out in haste. But underlining it all, I do think the majority of us want what’s best for our families and are voting accordingly.

ProtectMarriage.com
PreservingMarriage.org
Same-Sex Marriage and Proposition 8 - Official LDS Info "

This post has already become really long so I will stop here. Below is a video about the issue and I hope and pray with all my heart that if you have the opportunity vote Yes on Proposition 8.