Uncategorized

Ballot Measure Petitions to Overturn Proposition 8 Begin Circulation

Two petitions are now in circulation in California that seek to repeal the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. One potential ballot measure would replace the term ‘marriage’ with ‘domestic partnership’ under California law, thereby voiding Proposition 8. The second would void Proposition 8 by striking the article of the state constitution that states “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”

The first petition (see PDF), known as the Domestic Partnership Initiative, in part reads that the purpose of using the term ‘domestic partnership’ is “to provide equality amongst all couples, regardless of sexual orientation, without offending the religious sect.”

Yes! on Equality filed the second petition (see PDF), which would strike the Constitutional Amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman from the state constitution.

Marriage equality supporters fear the California state Supreme Court is unlikely to overturn Proposition 8 after oral arguments in the case to overturn the measure. The proposition, which passed 52 percent to 48 percent, overturned a May 2008 ruling of the state Supreme Court that resulted, among other provisions, the legalization of same sex marriage in the state.

Sources:

Feminist Daily Newswire 3/13/09; California Secretary of State

Support eh ERA banner