In one of the most hard-fought, controversial propositions in California political history, a verdict by the voting population has finally been reached.
With 95 per cent of precincts reporting, California has elected to
ban gay marriage. Proposition 8, one that called to define marriage as between a man and a woman, was voted "yes", 52 to 48 per cent.
More than $74 million was spent on both sides to get votes for the issue. California cities and towns had been full of "yes on 8" and "no on 8" sign wavers and flag bearers for weeks upon end. Despite the calls for equality by "No" supporters. In the end, however, Yes voters overturned a California Supreme Court decision to make it legal for gays to marry within the state.
Proposition 8 strategist Jim Flint had thoughts as to why the vote was so close:
"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.
Some Yes supporters also wanted to make it known that a vote for 8 was nothing against homosexuals personally. It was about legal definitions.
"This has been a moral battle," said Ellen Smedley, 34, a member of the Mormon Church and a mother of five who worked on the campaign. "We aren't trying to change anything that homosexual couples believe or want -- it doesn't change anything that they're allowed to do already. It's defining marriage. . . . Marriage is a man and a woman establishing a family unit."
However, homosexual couples saw the decision on Proposition 8 as yet another way for society to make a decision on how they can express their love for one another.
"Our relationship, our marriage, after 21 years together has been put up for a popular vote," said John Lewis, a man who has been with his partner Stuart Gaffney for over two decades.
