It's "OFFICIAL", the California Supreme Court has ruled that Proposition 8 will be upheld; but also that some 18 thousand same-sex marriages WILL remain legal. Sounds pretty crazy, doesn't it? The old saying that "you can't have your cake, and eat it too" must not be familiar with the highest court in California, because they seem to be hoping that THEY can!

Here's my take on this whole California fiasco, for those who are interesting in knowing how MY great state has gotten themselves into such a MARRIAGE mess! And yes, this current situation has all the elements of mass confusion, and a great lack of credibility. Ultimately, we can thank once again, the California Supreme Court judges for our State's heated divisiveness.

Unfortunately, what many "others" would prefer to do, is blame the state of marriage in California, on the Mormons. I suppose that the Church is a much easier target for supporters of same-sex marriage to be critical of, than placing the blame where it actually belongs.

Here's the run-down:

In 2000, California VOTERS passed Proposition 22, which clearly stated:

"Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."

Clear and simple. Many like to refer to this as the "Mormon Ban on Gay marriage" here in the Golden State.

Fast-forward to May/June of 2008. After debating Proposition 22's validity - The California Supreme court decided to OVERTURN Proposition 22 -- and in doing so, this temporarily made same-sex marriage in California, LEGAL.

Now my first reaction was "Hey"! I personally spent a lot of hours walking up and down streets in my neighborhood, to educate and encourage people then, to stand up and defend traditional marriage, by voting YES on 22 - to preserve only ONE definition of marriage.

Yes, I was disturbed that same-sex marriage was now legal in California, changing that definition -- but I was much more concerned about MY VOTE being disenfranchised by a few judges, legislating from the bench!

About the current 18K same-sex marriages that are STILL legal in California -- these were performed through this backdoor approach, that were GRANTED gays, for this very short period BEFORE the VOTERS of California decided to say "THAT'S NOT COOL", and placed Proposition 8 on the ballot.

Proposition 8 was placed on the ballot to RESTATE and REESTABLISH what Proposition 22 - had spoken the first time. Californians who cast their VOTE for Prop 22, and then had that vote disenfranchised by the California Supreme Court ONCE, decided that they better speak a little bit LOUDER, with Proposiiton 8. This time, VOTERS decided to go for an amendment to the CALIFORNIA STATE CONSTITUTION.

Once again, CALIFORNIA VOTERS who support traditional marriage were heard on this issue. Proposition 8 passed, with 53% of the vote. And now, our Constitution will have added to it that...

"Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California"

So, if the courts UPHELD Proposition 8, as above - how in the heck can they justify legally recognizing those 18K same-sex marriages? That doesn't make sense!

Your right. It doesn't. Many felt that IF Prop 8 were upheld, that the courts also MUST honor the complete and very clear wording as stated in the amendment. Those who authored and passed the amendment certainly knew what "we" were asking and voting to amend.

Here again is the problem. The California Supreme Court were basically, in a good old fashioned "pickle". Think about it... remember, it was the court that had overturned California's VOTE on Prop 22, which then created the way for 18K same-sex couples to marry during a very short period, before Prop 8 came in to course correct. Now, the PEOPLE have spoken AGAIN on PRESERVING traditional marriage!

Now "we" have this handful of gays, who "legally" were granted the "right" to marry -- freaking out, because the "MORMONS" don't want them to be happy. I bet those judges are so thankful for us Mormons right now!

Wait a minute guys! It is NOT the Mormons who are causing you all of your pain and suffering here. Believe it or not, we feel pretty bad about what the Supreme Court judges are putting you through. ALL of us!

It is apparent, that the Supreme Court judges KNEW, after now TWICE realizing that the MAJORITY of Californians support traditional marriage - that to IGNORE us AGAIN - would be FATAL for them, politically. And they knew it on a 6 to 1 ruling to uphold Proposition 8! And they also knew, that by THOROUGHLY upholding Proposition 8, as stated -- THEY would be admitting fault in ORIGINALLY overturning Prop 22!

But, you know how sketchy some politicians are -- they play both sides of the aisle in an attempt to make EVERYBODY happy! Remember that old saying, about the cake? Like I said, guess those judges never heard that one, eh?

The math just doesn't make sense to those of us who are NOT trying to twist an issue one way or the other, ignoring the rules of the game. Clearly, the judges through some distorted rendering, are hoping to pander to gays, by upholding these few SSM in California. Think about it - WHAT if they had not? You and I both know, that you don't want to be on the wrong side of the homosexual community. It just ain't pretty, as we Mormons know, all too well.

In my opinion, the bottom line is that these judges who now occupy a seat on the California Supreme Court, DO NOT have the best interest of the State of California, and its PEOPLE - as their motivation. The actions of these judges, pertaining to MARRIAGE in California, have clearly exposed agendas and true motivations -- and in their wake... have left neighbors suspicious of one another.

LET THE PEOPLE determine and create the environment in their communities - through free and open elections. YOUR VOTE AND MY VOTE -- must have meaning and validity. Every opinion counts, via VOICE or VOTE. That is true EQUALITY! What we don't need, are corrupt judges legislating from the bench, via their PRIDE filled agendas.

Today, ALL Californians have won a very important VICTORY! Many feel that the legalization of same-sex marriages across the board are inevitable. Although I do NOT support redefining marriage and will continue to defend traditional marriage -- I DO honor your VOTE and voice in this matter -- now and in the future; regardless of whether we agree or not.

The California Supreme Court judges had a very important opportunity TODAY, to reaffirm their decision of June 2008, when they overturned Proposition 22. They did NOT take it! Instead, with a great lack of COURAGE - they have continued to create CHAOS in California!

tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs

Prop 8 - Are Those 14 Words To Blame?

Validity of Proposition 8 - The Argument

Official response of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Proposition 8 Opinion

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