Prop. 8 opponents concede defeat
November 6th, 2008, 11:29 am · 393 Comments · posted by BRIAN JOSEPH, Sacramento Correspondent
Leaders of the No on Prop. 8 campaign conceded defeat today after speaking with the Secretary of State’s office and learning there’s not enough uncounted ballots to change the ultimate outcome.
Prop. 8, which banned gay marriage in California, passed with 52.5 percent of the vote.
“This is a very disappointing moment for all of us,” said Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
Prop. 8 opponents attributed their loss in large part to a deceptive campaign by the Yes campaign.
“It’s awfully hard to fight on even ground when the other side is fighting dirty,” said No on 8 leader Lori Jean.
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Campaign leaders, however, said they took solace in the measure’s narrow victory. Eight years ago, a similar measure in California was approved by margin of nearly 23 percent. Prop. 8 opponents say this indicates support for gay marriage is growing.
“I hope they savor their victory,” Jean said. “because it’s going to be fleeting.”
Prop. 8 opponents say they now will focus on litigation to invalidate the measure and on efforts to move forward the gay marriage movement.
November 6th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Why does the matter now have to go before Judges? The Will of the People wrote the founding documents of this Country and State.
We need to oppose the actions of a few to override the Will of the People.
Regardless if we agree with the outcome this is how our Society works to ensure everyone has a vote.
The best solution would be (and one I would fully support) for the opponents to put the matter back before the People of California in a future election.
Once you take it to the Court you attempt to go against the very foundation of our Country. This Society is still about We the People.
November 6th, 2008 at 11:51 am
There are still issues about invalidating the 18,000 same-sex marriages that took place and whether Prop. 8 was a valid Constitutional Amendment in the first place.
November 6th, 2008 at 11:52 am
It goes before the courts because the will of the people CAN NEVER be used to take away rights based on DISCRIMINATION. People forget that it wasn’t long ago that Interracial marriages were deemed illegal, until the courts stepped in. The idea WASN’T POPULAR. Over 90% disapproved. But the courts rightly called out discrimination and it’s their job to do so in whatever form it takes.
According to you, anytime a majority of people vote something in, it’s a done deal. So, to take your argument further, why don’t white people vote to take away the rights of all black people? ANY minority subject to the rights of the majority will always lose. That’s why we have courts - to protect those rights.
Why don’t you read those founding documents? You might come to learn about those fundamental, inalienable rights.
November 6th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Why don’t Christians vote to ban Mormonism!?
November 6th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Or better yet, Democrats should get an initiative together to disband the Republican Party!!! This is all supposedly legal under the California Constitution.
No, the California Supreme Court will invalidate Prop. 8. Try again, bigots, and this time use the proper procedure, i.e., 2/3 of the legislature.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Unlikely, the same lawsuit was filed in
other states w/ the updated constitutions
and they lost almost unanimously.
Its highly unlikely they will be able to
call this measure unconstitutional, since
the California Supreme Court cannot change
the constitution in any way (especially since
the constitution has already been rewritten).
Even the California Supreme court judge said that
overturning this change is highly unlikely.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
P.S. I would have to believe that it would be
partially approved by the legislature since this
only required a direct vote, and not a 3/4ths majority vote.
I may be wrong though.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Why is it that people who want to protect the sanctity of marriage are called bigots? Those people who are calling names, are just as much to blame for hatred against heterosexuals.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
I dont understand why gay people cant be ok with the fact that they are allowed to be together in a civl union. Marraige is between a MAN and a WOMAN. If you choose to be gay, accept that fact that you will not be married. You cannot re-define words just becuase you want to. We still live in a democracy where the people rule, not judges. And the comment about white people voting to elminate the rights of blacks is a TOTALLY different arguement that has nothing to do with prop 8. Prop 8 is about the definition of marraige and the poeple have voted to keep marraige sacred, which is the right choice
November 6th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
would anyone think it ok to vote for the dismantling of all religious organizations in CA? i doubt it, but if i can get enough votes (52.5%) i’m assuming that Alan would be ok with it! the Will of the People and all…
it doesn’t work like that. we use the word Democracy to describe our country all the time, but the reality is - it isn’t. in a real democracy, the most votes wins…period.
our founding folks knew better and learned from history. they made a “democracy” that enables voices to be heard, but embedded systems to ensure that loud voices do not silence quieter ones. this is wear we get inalienable rights to life, liberty, the press, etc.
state supreme courts, and our federal supreme court, again and again have found the wisdom to defend the softer voices…and they did it again in CA. sadly, prejudice remains in the Will of the People…and now it falls to the courts to speak for those that are being silenced. that’s there job…as created by the founding folks.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
“Whether you like it or not!” Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha….right back at you No on 8 people!
November 6th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
On the argument that voters need 2/3 in order to make the change would remove the changes made by Prop 209 to our Constitution.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Proponents of same sex “legal partnerships” need only to call it something other than marriage…is that such a hard thing to do? All this whining and misuse of words like discrimination is pathetic. Comparing illegal marriages to racism is an expoitation of such terms meant to scare those who don’t agree with their agenda into voting with them. Good lord, no one wants to be associated with the terms racism and discrimination. Oh, and sorry for the use of the word Lord. Why can’t liberals call themselves conservatives but still be liberals…that’s how ridiculous this whole issue is. There’s a difference, so why call it the same thing? This has nothing to do with rights. Same sex partners have all of the same rights as heterosexual couples. This is all about shoving their beliefs and agendas down the throats of those who “choose” not to agree with them. We all have choices, yet those who are in the minority in this case, think that their choice and opinions outweigh those of the majority.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Good grief this is the second time the vote has been shot down by the people. And this is after the court overruled the peoples vote the first time. the people have spoken its time to move on.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
To compare inter-racial marriage between a man and woman to marriage between a man and a man or a woman and a woman is like comparing apples to oranges. So you think that anyone should be able to marry anyone? What if a brother wanted to marry his sister. Or a father wanted to marry his son. Should we allow that as well? After all, it would be discriminating against the brother if he couldn’t marry his brother who was his best friend and lover.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
cry me a river…no on 8 lost!!! so now we have a bunch of gay haters
November 6th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
I’m currently not in California, but I was a recent resident and grew up there. Nevertheless, I wasn’t in town to witness the whole debate over Prop 8. I don’t quite understand why everyone’s bashing the Mormons for Prop 8: were they the only group to vote Yes? Do the Mormons take up 52.5% of the population? Why are they being blamed for it?
November 6th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Too true, if the court overturns prop 8
due to improper procedures, they will
be forced to remove prop 209 (which we ALL want!!!!!).
And since the constitution has also been rewritten,
the California Supreme Court cannot block the law in
any way, since its on the document they swore to protect.
The last major option is the 9 circuit (sp) court, or the supreme
court. And the supreme court option would be unwise for democrats
to jump on since it is controlled by the republicans.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
no on 8 - YOU LOST- Time to move on
November 6th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
This one’s for you Gavin Newsom:
“The doors slammed shut now….whether you like or not.” HAHAHAHA
November 6th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Hey people,
IT’S OVER! Go lick your wounds and take it to the FEDERAL Government. Maybe you will have better luck with them now that OBAMA is coming in!
November 6th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
The Yes on Hate campaign has on achieved to delay social evolution. This is typical of the socially unevolved who voted for hate. Many injustices were perpetuated when subjected to popular vote. It was popular vote that resulted in Christ’s crucifixion. The California Supreme Court will again find that it is illegal to discriminate against anyone including GLBT people.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
More proof that your vote DOESN’T count! This will be overturned by Judges MAKING laws from the bench rather than following previous rulings to make their decisions. This sounds very similar to Prop 82 and Prop 87 many years ago. Remember, not paying for services for illegals and making English the official language. Both ruled unconstitutional. Seems people who don’t belong here and don’t follow our rules and laws have more rights than the voting public that are here legally and are actually citizens of the US.
Las night watching the march, I was hoping they would all march their way OUT of California. Go to Conn. or Mass if you want to get married. They allow it there. Here in CA, the PEOPLE voted and we said YES on 8!
November 6th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Go ahead and force your same-sex marriage agenda down the throats of the millions who voted to maintain traditional marriage.
You want acceptance? You’ll get resentment, hatred, discrimination, and everything you’ve been trying to erase.
This is exactly the attitude that sets public opinion against the gay community.
Go ahead. Make enemies. Alienate the entire heterosexual population.
But don’t go crying when it translates into intolerance, discrimination, and resentment.
I was a sympathiser. Not any more. I’ll help finance any effort to maintain traditional relationships.
You want opposition? You got it!
November 6th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Thank you to OCNative58, Calvin, and especially RB. Well said, enough said. The majority of Californians have spoken and voted twice on this issue.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
the people of california have voted and NO ON 8 lost!!!! HAHAHAHAHA please stop your stupid protest and take your signs down…its over, move on with your life
stop spreading you gay hate towards the people that voted yes on 8…we dont care
November 6th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I have a serious question for the “no on 8″ people. What is the difference between a domestic partnership and a marraige as far as the rights that are afforded to the couple? Does the passage of prop 8 take away any actual rights other than the right to call a partnership a marraige? I am asking this because I have heard so many different answers and I am not sure what is true.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Reasons why 8 WON.
1. Maybe Gavin Newsom and his rant
2. Judges overruling the California voters
3. Obama and Biden are against gay marriage and said so in the debates
4. California teachers taking 1st graders to gay wedding
5. California teacher having kindegardners sign pro gay marriage peition
6. Newsom pretending to be gay to get elected.
7. Blacks voted 70% against it.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
You lost TWICE - and if need be you’ll lose THREE times. Maybe now you can redefine the color of the sky or call day night………
November 6th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
So what are No on 8 people saying?! That they’ll go through the motions of campaigning and voting, yet when things don’t go their way grouse about how unfair it all is and run to their bootlicking judges to make it all better again? Why even go through the voting process at all if you’re not going to accept the outcome? The dirty campaign was run by the No on 8 people, not the other way around. If your judges overturn the will of the people again, there needs to be some ‘forced’ judicial retirements.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
The people have spoken, and you need to get over it. Move to Massachusetts or Connecticut
November 6th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Oops.
1. Mayor Gavin Newsom and his rant. It was quite in your face! Its fun to go to youtube and listen to it over and over again.
Hey , gay people, you voted for the black guy and they didn’t reciprocate. What happened?
I for the record, voted against 8. I just love my gay friend Oday!
November 6th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Or New York , they still accept gay marriage.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Although I am more afraid of the backlash
African Americans are going to recieve
because of this.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
“You can’t change the definition of something that existed forever because you don’t like it.”
November 6th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
The vote has been done, the people have spoken. Why are you people now trying to take this to the courts. Smells to me like sore losers and going crying to mommy! We have already spent over $50million on this campaign. How about shelving this forever putting that money into our schools?
November 6th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Actually, if you can get 50% +1 to vote for a ban on Religious worship in California, to amend the state constitution, then go ahead.
When you AMEND the constitution with an AMENDment, anything that it contradicts is therefore nullified by the amendment. Take, for example, the 3/5 compromise in the US Constitution. The 13th Amendment nullified that.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
yeah, you already took the word “gay” and ruined the definition
November 6th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
ocballfan:
There are no legitimate grounds to take it to the FEDERAL courts. I certainly hope Congress does not try to force States to accept same-sex marriage.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
I love that “Christian’s” voted for this. What a bunch of hypocrites. What happened to all men being equal. These loving people were not asking heterosexuals to marry someone of the same sex, they wanted the right to marry the person they love. I’m sorry, you are unable to marry your wife/husband because they have green eyes.
My grandfather was not able to buy a house because he was Hispanic. My parents were able to get married because the laws had changed. If it were 5 years earlier, they would not have been allowed to be married. God forbid a Hispanic man wanting to marry a white woman.
I know, next election, let’s have a proposition that only people with brown eyes can marry people with brown eyes. Let’s take all the Asian and ship them inland because they are a threat. I could go on and on.
Yes on 8 is nothing but discrimination. I am heterosexual and married, but am disappointed in my fellow man. All of you Yes on 8 people are biggots, racists and do not care about your fellow man. Shame on you. The BS scare tactics worked. What is next? Remember Hitler?????? Look in the mirror!!!!!!!! Is this you????
November 6th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
It is time to move on. Maybe you should try to get gay marriage’s approved in Iran, Iraq or China you lost in California.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
The legalization of same-sex marriage is inevitable.
2000: 61% for ban, 38% against
2008: 52% for ban, 48% against
Look at the progress that’s been made in eight short years. It won’t be long.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
It’s good to see that all of you Prop 8 supporters are being so graceful and adult like about this. Are you also cheering at home in front of your children? Awesome examples, Christian parents.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Wow, I’m amazed at how people think it is not discrimination. Taking rights from people because they are different from the majority is discriminating. Comparing inter-racial marriage and a gay marriage is not like comparing apples and oranges. Unless you were in an interracial relationship when it was illegal then you don’t understand. Its the same thing, not being allowed because you are different, whether black, white, hispanic, asian, gay or straight. I am in an interracial relationship now, and gay one for that matter. I’m just lucky enough now that I CAN be in a relationship with someone of a different color of my skin.
How is me marrying my partner going to affect all you supporters of prop 8? Really, can someone explain it to me? Is it my business that my neighboor John wants to marry his girlfriend Jennifer? No, good for them. I’m happy that they have found someone to share their life with. Why can’t it be this simple. Why can’t people embrace the fact we have found someone to love and spend our lives with.
And if you want to bring up the bible and your religious beliefs, I dont want to hear it. I’m not religious, that’s great that you are, it’s all a part of religious freedom in this country. But don’t bring your religious beliefs into the state constitution. Does anyone recall the seperation of state and church? Ring a bell anyone?
Why is it okay for a couple to hire a gay wedding planner, but when the gay wedding planner wants to have his own wedding, he can’t. What’s up with that?
And seriously, prop 8 has nothing to do with children. If you want to explain to me that marriage is to procreate….. then I guess people who are infertile should not have the right to marry either. This doesn’t make sense. Some people don’t even want children, and that’s their choice. And when was the last time that marriage was part of the curriculum in school?
And FYI, if you don’t agree with something being taught in your child’s classroom, the state of california gives you the right to take your child out. And if it were taught in schools, is to say that you wouldn’t talk to children about it? Sex ed is taught in schools, is that the only place you let your child learn about sex?
And if you think that the FEDERAL CONSTITUTION, the sole essence of our democracy, is not being violated, here’s a direct quote from our 14th amendment involving citizen rights:
“14. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”
November 6th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Regarding the comments comparing inter-racial marriage to same-sex marriage…give me a break! you CANT choose what color your skin is, but you CAN choose what qualities you are attracted to…such as blondes, brunettes, heavy set, skinny, tall, short…if you choose to be attracted to the same sex than that’s your choice. Do not try to force your choice upon the majority of us…a marriage was created for a man & a woman. A man & a woman were created biologically to reproduce children. two people of the same sex cannot. Homosexuality is naturally not normal ..and because it’s not that group tries its best to make itself appear normal, first by adopting kids because they biologically cannot make them, secondly now by trying take over marriage as their own right.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Congratulations California on once again getting the vote right!
November 6th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
great example of all the no on 8…yes on 8 won and your still crying, move on its over!!!!
obama is president, fine…lets see how he does.
gay hate is everywhere
November 6th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
What a waste.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Oh please, Megan! Climb down off your high horse! I suppose rioting in the streets, jumping on police cars and throwing things is a graceful and adult reaction. Pfft. Whiners.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
E.N.,
Yes, we can see the progress of the indoctrination of young people that we have seen in 8 short years.
Now that Prop 8 is passed, maybe we can focus on straightening out the minds of people who who have been indoctrinated with the homosexual agenda.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Just leave the word “marriage” alone, just work on modifying the “civil union” that we already have now to make it work.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
i beg to diifer about the fighting dirty statement
November 6th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I have done none of those things. But laughing in the face of a minority of people who’s rights were taken away is a better response, I suppose?
November 6th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
“It’s awfully hard to fight on even ground when the other side is fighting dirty,” said No on 8 leader Lori Jean.
Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. Unbelievable!
November 6th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Homosexuals and their mis-led supporters are working towards normalizing this unnatural behavior and then teach our kids (and anyone else they can bully) into accepting, respecting and even trying this filth. They know that since there is no proven biological evidence for the “homosexual” gene - this is is the only sure-fire way to “breed” more gender-confused kids. They already have all the rights & protections under the domestic partnership rules - but that’s not enough… What comes next, marrying a pet, a sibling, polygamy? I’m teaching my kids marriage was, is and always will be between 1 Man & 1 Woman.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Can somebody tell me what “gay hate” is? Are you literally saying that if a gay person wants to get married, that means they hate all heterosexuals?
November 6th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
John K and Mark:
The dismantling of all religious organizations, or even just the Republican Party, would be a clear violation of the First Amendment. Unfortunately, for you, there’s no First Amendment right to deviant sexual behavior.
E.N.:
It will be a long time before your side can get a Constitutional Amendment permitting same-sex marriage (e.g. not all of the 48% against Prop. 8 would turn right around and vote FOR a Constitutional Amendment).
November 6th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
The strength of a society is when one creates on environment where children can thrive and grow in a safe and secure environment. A valued traditional marriage where there are both natural parents (man & woman) seems to provide the best odds. These advantages stand out more clearly when marriages fail, and when other approaches are followed. Society should protect its long-term interest and look to the future. At some point we’ve got to stop asking what is good for us as individuals and ask what is good for society. In a Dutch study the average length of “committed” homosexual partnership was only 1.5 years and of nearly 8,000 homosexuals, 71% of relationship did not last 8 years.
Many families who support prop 8 believe that by not protecting the institution of traditional marriage that has benefits communities, the value of traditional marriage will continue to erode which would lead to the decline of the society.
If you think same-sex couples are natural and so called “like the rest” then reproduce and show us how similiar we are…WE’RE NOT… so please you have your RIGHTS (Domestic Partnership, etc..)and leave us alone..
EDUCATE YOUR CHILDREN BEFORE THEY TRY TOO.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Give me a break Yay Prop 8, how many gay people do you know. Have you ever had an intelligent conversation with them? How many of them have told you they have felt the way they do since they were 5 years old or younger. I know, electric shock therapy to make them straight.
These fine people will tell you it is not a choice.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Megan, perhaps you didn’t see the ridiculous spectacle that the prop 8 opposers put on in West Hollywood last night.
It’s time that you stop putting everyone that disagrees with you into the same bucket and listen to the real explanations and basis for how people vote.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
“It’s awfully hard to fight on even ground when the other side is fighting dirty,” said No on 8 leader Lori Jean.
Come on already. If people were in any doubt that the right decision was made, the after-election comments by the No8 crowd are simply serving to confirm that it was. You are not doing your cause any favors.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
mlmc:
The 14th Amendment does not prohibit the States from banning a brother and sister from marrying each other. Nice try though.