Prop 8: "The Facts"
The Yes on 8 campaign (aka The Dark Side) sent out the 1st in a series of talking point emails this week. I thought it would be instructive to learn their talking points so that we can most effectively refute them. This week’s lesson, below the fold.
Talking About Prop. 8: Know the Facts
Voicing your support for Proposition 8 can sometimes be a bit intimidating, particularly when you don’t know all the facts. This is why from now until November 4 we will be providing you facts and/or talking points to be used in spreading the word about the importance of voting YES on Proposition 8, and in defending your position when asked to. We’re sure you will be surprised to learn that many of your friends and neighbors share your support!
Fact 1: Prop. 8 is About Preserving Marriage; It’s Not an Attack on the Gay Lifestyle.
Proposition 8 doesn’t take away any rights or benefits from gays or lesbians in domestic partnerships. Under California law, “domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections and benefits” as married spouses. (Family Code §297.5.) There are no exceptions. Proposition 8 will not change this.
Gotta love it. Ok, here is how I would counter their argument:
Prop 8 does not preserve marriage. Rather, it strips an existing right to marry from a minority and gives special rights to heterosexuals. Prop 8 would reduce the number of married couples in California.
California domestic partnerships are not equal to civil marriage because most people don’t know what “domestic partnership” means, and therefore don’t give domestic partnerships the same social weight or civil respect accorded to civil marriages. Further, DPs are not recognized by the federal government. If the Federal Defense of Marriage Act is repealed, as expected under an Obama presidency, further federal legislation would be requited to allow federal recognition of DPs. This will not be necessary if all Californians retain the right to marry.
Gay is not a lifestyle any more than Straight. Gay and Straight are normal sexual orientations. Thus the term “gay lifestyle” is intentionally insulting and dehumanizing. Proposition 8 is a direct attack on the civil rights of a minority and on the constitutional principles of fairness and equality.
Please add your counter-arguments in the comments, or offer edits to my ideas (I get wordy sometimes…).
Prop 8: “The Facts”
The Yes on 8 campaign (aka The Dark Side) sent out the 1st in a series of talking point emails this week. I thought it would be instructive to learn their talking points so that we can most effectively refute them. This week’s lesson, below the fold. (more…)
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