THE DIGEST: Proposition 8

By Chelsea Johnson, staff writer | English major

This week’s Digest discusses an issue close to home –California’s Proposition 8. Prop 8 passed on Nov. 4, 2008 (Election Day) and limited the definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman. However, on Feb. 7 in San Francisco, CA, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel declared the same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional.

It is important to note that this ruling does not legalize same-sex marriage. Rather, it establishes that to ban it would be unconstitutional. The issue is likely to make it to the Supreme Court. Surprise, surprise—more political ambiguity and red tape. The basis of the repeal is founded on the premise that its enactment was purely “desirable” by some, since it does not affect the religious or social freedom of the people.

“All that Proposition 8 accomplished was to take away from same-sex couples the right to be granted marriage licenses and thus legally to use the designation of ‘marriage,’ which symbolizes state legitimization and societal recognition of their committed relationships,” the ruling said.

Following the repeal of Prop 8, Washington State passed its own same-sex marriage bill on February 8th. Rachel La Corte for the Associated Press reported that the bill will be sent to Washington’s Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire next week, who is expected to pass the bill. She quoted Gregoire as calling it “a major step toward completing a long and important journey to end discrimination based on sexual orientation.”

Last May, Gallup reporter Frank Newport reported that for the first time in their recording history, the majority of Americans polled in favor of the legalization of gay marriage. Newport reported that 53 percent of Americans believe that same-sex marriages should be legalized with the same rights as heterosexual couples.

Whether or not you fall into the 53 percent, this is likely to continue to be a hot issue—politically and privately. Many are now wondering how this may affect the presidential election this fall. Fox News reported that Jay Carney, the White House Press Secretary, said Obama’s opinion on the issue is still “evolving.” How this will affect his standing and the race to come is still a mystery.

For more quick digests of the latest news, check back here on THE DIGEST blog every Friday. (This article was compiled with Associated Press sources.)