[Some lunchtime musings o’ the day]
Now that ads for the various California propositions are starting to show up, I’ve been thinking about the advertising for Proposition 8… the proposition that would remove the ability for gay couples to get legally married. The current “No on 8” features an elderly couple talking about how they’ve always loved their family, and don’t want their daughters’ gay marriage broken up. The “Yes on 8” ad builds on fear that the era of same-sex marriage will unleash a flood, and force their churches to do stuff.
What I would like to see is a “No on 8” ad that addressed those fears. Picture this. With appropriate images in the background, the voiceover announce says
“If Proposition 8 doesn’t pass, and same-sex marriage remains legal, do you know what will happen? Let me tell you:
- Your marriage to your spouse is unaffected.
- If you were married in a church or with a church’s blessing, that blessing isn’t removed.
- Your religious leaders are not forced to do gay weddings, unless they want to.
- Your house of worship is not forced to provide space for gay weddings, unless it wants to host them.
- You are not forced to attend a gay wedding, unless you want to.
- Your church is not forced to recognize a gay wedding, unless it wants to.
- Schools will not be teaching what gay sex is or that anyone can marry anyone. On the other hand, churches will still be free to teach their religious doctrine.
[Tip o’the hat to dieppe for reminding me of that one]There is separation of church and state in America. California’s law does not tell churches what they must accept. Just as that separation is fundamental in America, so is the notion of equal justice under the law. So, a “No” vote on Proposition 8 will:
- Ensure that one’s legal spouse has the legal rights of a spouse: hospital visitation, medical benefits, survivorship.
- Ensure that the family unit, both spouses and the children, are treated as a family unit
So, a “No” vote on Proposition 8 actually strengthens the family, and doesn’t force your church or religion to believe any differently than it does today. Sounds pretty American to me.”
Yup, I’d love to see that ad.
