Voters in three states this year – California, Colorado and Hawaii – will decide whether to remove a state constitutional provision defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
Even though five unelected judges on the U.S. Supreme Court decreed same-sex marriage legal in 2015, these three ballot measures could still have dire ramifications if they’re approved.
California
In The Golden State, voters will consider Proposition 3 – the “Right to Marry and Repeal Proposition 8 Amendment.”
A “Yes” vote on Prop 3 would:
Repeal Proposition 8 (2008), which defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman;
Declare that a “right to marry is a fundamental right” in the California Constitution.
Dean Broyles, President of The National Center for Law & Policy, has written a legal memo pointing out the grave problems with how Prop 3 is written.
“The language is very problematic because it is tremendously vague and overbroad,” Broyles writes. “The ‘marriage’ possibilities are indeed vast and endless and are not by any means limited to same-sex marriage.”
Jonathan Keller, President of the California Family Council, is leading the opposition to Prop 3.
“If you abolish the definition of marriage and say that marriage can mean anything, then marriage actually means nothing,” Keller said about the measure. “This amendment removes critical protections, which is why we oppose it.”
Keller has added,
The absence of any clear definition of marriage is alarming and paves the way for the legalization of polygamy, child marriage, and incestuous relationships. Stable, traditional marriages are vital for the well-being of children and society.
You can learn more about Prop 3 by visiting the California Family Council’s website.
Colorado
Similarly, voters in Colorado will decide on Amendment J – the “Remove Constitutional Same-Sex Marriage Ban Amendment.”
A “Yes” vote:
Supports removing the provision of the state constitution that says that “only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state.”
The Catholic bishops of Colorado have issued a statement opposing Amendment J.
Likewise, the Colorado Catholic Conference testified against Amendment J before the state’s legislature referred it to be added to the general election ballot.
“Marriage is based on the truth that men and women are complementary, the biological fact that reproduction depends on a man and a woman, and the social science that supports the reality that children need both a mother and a father to flourish,” the conference states. “[The measure] therefore rejects the truth of what marriage is.”
The conference adds,
The role of married parents is crucial in society, as the function of mothering and fathering uniquely impact the emotional and intellectual development of the children, so that they too may become well-functioning members of society and continue posterity.
This is why marriage between one man and one woman is proven to be the best anti-poverty, anti-crime, and pro-health institution. And every child has a natural right to a mother and father.
To be approved, the measure must be approved by 55% of voters – a slightly higher bar than the majority-vote that most states require for ballot measures to become law.
You can learn more about the proposed amendment by visiting the Colorado Catholic Conference’s website.
Hawaii
In The Aloha State, voters will consider the “Hawaii Remove Legislature Authority to Limit Marriage to Opposite-Sex Couples Amendment.”
A “Yes” vote:
Supports removing a provision of the constitution that states that “the legislature shall have the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples.”
Eva Andrade, President of the Hawaii Family Forum, says that the amendment is “unnecessary.”
“Given that federal law now recognizes same-sex marriage, removing this language from the constitution is unnecessary,” Andrade shared.
If you live in California, Colorado or Hawaii, we urge you to vote against these measures that would remove the definition of natural marriage from the states’ constitutions.
If you’re not already registered to vote, consider registering now.
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Christians, Consider These Eight Key Issues When Voting Your Values This November
Join the ‘Great American Prayer’ Event Ahead of November’s Election
Biblical Perspective on Homosexuality and Same-Sex Marriage
Deciding Whether to Attend a Same-Sex Wedding
Struggling with Same-Sex Attraction
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