Recently, the spotlight has been on California and Proposition 8. Proposition 8 was a statewide ballot, voting whether or not to allow same-sex marriage in the state of California. Agreeing to Prop 8 was not allowing same-sex marriage, and saying no to Prop 8 was allowing same-sex marriage. A long history of debates and Supreme Court rulings concerning same-sex marriage plagues California and its governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. (Mears) Then, in May 2008, the Californian Supreme Court uplifted the ban on same-sex marriages in a 4-3 ruling, becoming the second state in the United States, after Massachusetts, to allow couples of the same gender to marry. (Schleicher)

However, life could not be so simple for the gay and lesbian citizens of California. Proposition 8 was voted in favor of on November 5th, 2008 by millions of citizens in California, which has therefore banned same-sex marriage. Once again, a fundamental human right is being put under the microscope. Article 1 in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood”. (“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights”) And yet, there is continuous debate on whether or not to accord the right of marriage to another human being. On March 5, 2009, four months after Prop 8 was passed, California’s Supreme Court heard oral arguments against the legalization of Prop 8, and must decide if the bill is a violation of human rights. They have 90 days to make a decision. (Wood)

But let’s not forget the other states. Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and Iowa have all legalized same-sex marriage. The courts in Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and three other states are all debating the same-sex marriage legislation. (Richburg) Adding to that, a unanimous vote in Washington D.C.’s city council has now allowed same-sex marriages to be performed in other states and to be recognized in the city. Although the bill must first pass through another vote, and then be sent on to Congress, it’s a great step for the capital. Canada, Sweden, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands also allow same-sex marriage. (Tide Turning)

Religious groups often object to same-sex marriage, but this time, it’s up to the State to decide. The Mormon Church even went so far as to “donate” 22 million dollars to Prop 8. (Jacob) Same-sex marriage, abortions, and other decisions dependent on individuals has for far too long played a big part in politics and voter decisions. Voting on the rights of a minority should no longer be up to the majority. Same-sex marriage should not be a question or up to debate, it is a civil right.  It’s time to stop this human rights violation and pave the way for a brighter and more equal future.

05/06/09 UPDATE : Maine has approved same-sex marriage

o5/21/09 UPDATE: Same-sex marriage bill in New Hampshire has been stalled.

Here is a highly discussed video from Keith Olbermann on Prop 8, it received over 400 thousand views on YouTube:

Here is another highly discussed, and highly controversial video about same-sex marriage paid for by the National Organization for Marriage (NOM). Notice the “gathering storm” in the background, several parodies of this video have been made and are on YouTube:

For more information about Prop 8, visit http://www.whatisprop8.c