Saturday, September 27, 2008

No on California Prop 8

When I first saw the Sunday Scribblings’ prompt of weddings I was overwhelmed by the number of possibilities. My children and quite a few of the grandchildren have had beautiful and memorable weddings. Which ones should I write about? The perfect traditional church weddings? The simple one in Friends’ Meeting followed by a potluck dance and dinner in a rustic former church with a wood stove taking away the autumn chill and with half the guests playing their favorite instruments while the other half danced? Or should I choose the perfect one at a remote winery with a hillside view of autumn leafed vines and wooded hillsides falling away into the distance and an alter of natural branches twined with garden roses? Then how about the one on an excursion boat on the bay on a sunny day, like all the others imbued with happiness and hope? Or should I choose my own hastily assembled wedding, hasty because at the last minute I could not stand the thought of being parted from Otto for a year while he taught at Tufts College and I finished my degree at Stanford? (For those of you who don’t know, we celebrated our 67th wedding anniversary on September 3).

Yes, I remember each wedding with joy, which is why I have decided to write not about the weddings but about a ballot measure on which Californians will be voting in a few weeks time.

As of now, before the election, by decision of the California Supreme Court, marriage by couples of the same gender is legal. I greeted this Supreme Court decision with happiness for my many friends who could now experience the joy of legally proclaiming their love and intention to be joined in lifelong matrimony. Now there is a proposition on the November ballot (Prop. 8) which would reverse that court decision and make same sex marriages illegal in California.


None of the following photos were taken by me.
They are all from the web. I hope I have violated no copyrights.


Everything I have read in scientific literature concludes that sexual preference is determined by genetic factors. Same sex preference occurs not only in every culture but among animals as well. I don’t believe anyone should be denied the right to the fulfillment of the physical expression of love. I also believe that every couple should have the right to legally make permanent a commitment to one another. The California Supreme Court felt that it was a violation of civil rights of same sex couples to deny them that right.


One needs only to look at the joy on the faces of newlywed same sex couples to realize what longing they have had for the validation that marriage gives to their commitment.

In Mexico

I have neither gays nor lesbians in my extended family. I do have them as friends. I see no way in which marriage of anyone to anyone could threaten the marriages of heterosexual couples. Every wedding will be subject to the stresses of everyday life. Divorce might happen. Partners may stray. This is true regardless of the sexual orientation of a couple. Isn’t that the stuff of gossip magazines and soap operas?

First gay marriage in South Africa

19 comments:

Marianne said...

Exactly! Well written, Granny :^)
I've NEVER understood the 'opposition', ever, at all.
XOX

gautami tripathy said...

Granny, I am so with you here....

Weddings and Beheadings

linda may said...

I fully agree with you on the subject Granny. Though I once saw a documentary saying that at a certain point of pregnancy there is a fault that causes the choice of the individuals sexual preference. Either way it is not their fault or anyone elses.I had 2 cousins and a great nephew who were homosexual and only one cousin is still alive today due to Aids, so sad that their lifestyle could not be seen in a more friendly light.If it had here would have been less clandestine goings on.

anthonynorth said...

A marvellous post and I'm in full agreement. In the UK, the Civil Partnership became law a couple of years ago, giving same sex couples the identical rights as married couples.

Unknown said...

Never thought someone would talk this topic for 'sunday scribblings'. I am with you and really adore you for this post :)

Linda Jacobs said...

Granny, this so needed to be said! Good for you for speaking up. And congrats on 67 years! Wow!

Patois42 said...

This is perhaps the best take on the prompt I've seen today. Amen, Granny! So very well said.

anno said...

Perfectly stated! Bravo!

Roan said...

Definitely a unique take on the prompt. Very interesting post. BJ

Lesley said...

I know what you mean you mean about the look on the faces of the couples - I'm a civil ceremonies celebrant and I see the look close up very often and it fills me with joy and almost always a certainty that what the two people before me have just vowed to each other is absolutely right.

Laini Taylor said...

Hurray for California! I hope more states will follow suit very soon!

Keith's Ramblings said...

Granny, what an interesting take on the prompt - one I would never have thought of. We all seem to be in total agreement on this subject which only a few years ago would have been taboo!

Lucy said...

great post granny! great minds! 'cause I wrote about a gay friends unusual wedding!
I sure HOpe that the supreme courts decision is Not reversed come election day. Why can't people just be left alone and allowed to live their lives happily?

Bethany Bassett said...

I've always felt that the only thing threatening the sanctity of marriage was divorce... NOT people of the same sex marrying each other. Very unique take on the theme!

Unknown said...

Congrats on your 67 years married. What an inspiration. I feel accomplished for being married 14 years now!

I am very proud of being Canadian and the fact that we do allow for same-sex marriage... although there is still much controversy for many who are conservative. I love the pictures you posted - so loving!

Unknown said...

This was a very nice post. Thanks for your thought provoking post. You are always a blessing.

Kristi Tencarre said...

Congrats on your (wow!) 67 years! What an accomplishment!!!

I wish happiness for everyone.

Nydia said...

What an excellent post, Granny! I can sign under each word of yours. I have friends who face prejudice from narrow-minded people and suffer because of it, as well as a relative who also feels the pressure. It's beautiful that at least litle by little laws are bein settleed to give everyone the opportunity of living happily ever after, and legally.

Kisses from Nydia.

Nydia said...

AND very belated congratulations for your wedding anniversary!! That's awesome! I hope to get there with my love as well, we're married for none years now.