Prop. 8 opens the door to discrimination against other groups

[FreeState]

Guest View: Prop. 8 opens the door to discrimination against other groups

We understand ours to be a nation of liberty and opportunity for all. To an extent, this is most certainly true. We recently celebrated the election of our nation's first African-American president and first family. Our state is represented in the Senate by two women and in the governor's mansion by an immigrant. However remarkable these achievements are, they do not mark the end of discrimination nor do they automatically ensure opportunity for all. For these reasons, the diverse people of California depend on our Constitution and the rule of law to ensure that we all receive equal protection and equal empowerment under the law.

Unfortunately, the very purpose of our state Constitution has been called into question as its guarantee of equal protection under the law is at risk. Proposition 8, passed last November by a slim majority of voters, took a fundamental right away from a targeted group. Most supporters of Prop. 8 would like to tell us it's only about marriage for same-sex couples, but in reality, Prop. 8 is about so much more.

By allowing voters to mandate government discrimination against one group, Prop. 8 opens the door to discrimination against almost any group of people in our state - including people of faith. Because of this problem, the United Church of Christ, my denomination, has joined more than 4,000 other houses of worship in asking the California Supreme Court to invalidate Prop. 8 on the grounds that it defeats the very purpose of ourconstitution, which is to protect all people from harm and make sure the law treats everyone of us equally. The rights of a one group cannot be determined by a simple majority vote.

As an African-American pastor here in San Marino, I am particularly troubled by Prop. 8's impact on people who are hurt by its passage. I am reminded of the struggles black communities have faced and continue to face in this country. I am reminded of the damage a majority can and has sometimes inflicted against groups in the past. And I am reminded of the need we all have for equal protection under the law. When people who are most directly affected by Prop. 8 say they are harmed, I am compelled to listen and to act.... http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_11807957

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One of the best OP I have read on it.

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[Skittles]

1. K&R

wonderful read :thumbsup:

[cate94]

2. K & R

[Jamastiene]

3. Thank God more people of faith are speaking up now against

discrimination. :thumbsup: K&R

[Maven]

4. Wow.

Great article.

K/R

[tbyg52]

5. Of course discrimination against one group opens the door to

discrimination against others, based on the whims of the voters or of whoever is in power.

There are people who understand that, and people who don't. I think the people who don't are closely related to the "one set of rules for me, another set for you" folks.

Edited for (hopefully) clarity, and to add something else I thought of.