I Couldn't Have Said It Any Better Then This!!!!

I got this from my friend Rachel Tollestrups blog site. I copied it because it says exactly what I would want to say. Thanks Rachel!

October 14, 2008

WHY I AM VOTING YES ON PROP 8
"The institution of marriage was not created by government and it should not be redefined by government."-- Mitt Romney

On November 4th, YOU will have the opportunity to vote, once again, on the definition of marriage. The deeper I have studied Proposition 8, the more I realize the lasting effects it will have on our families, our societies and our nation. This is why I would like to share five reasons why I AM VOTING YES ON PROPOSITION 8:
1. TO PROTECT MY CHILDREN AND MY PARENTAL RIGHTS - If proposition 8 does not pass, children in public schools will be taught that traditional marriage and homosexual marriage are equal and that marriage is simply between any two adults regardless of gender. Teachers will no longer be able to use the term “Mother and Father” when discussing families. In health and sex education, they will be taught how sexual relationships function between partners. In Massachusetts where same-sex marriage has been legalized, parents are not even allowed to opt their kids out in elementary school when being taught same-sex marriage and lifestyle issues. PARENTS' RIGHTS ARE LOST. Whether you agree or not, parents should have the right to raise their own children according to their own beliefs. There will be serious clashes between the secular school system and the right of parents to teach their children their own values and beliefs. Please check out the following link: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/?pageId=77373.

2. TO PROTECT MY FREEDOM OF RELIGION – If Proposition 8 does not pass, religious adoption agencies will be challenged by government agencies to give up their long-held right to place children in accordance with their religious beliefs. Catholic Charities in Boston already closed their doors in Massachusetts because courts legalized same-sex marriage there. They were being pressured by the same sex marriage law to grant adoption to same sex couples. It went against their beliefs and their freedom of religion and therefore discontinued their adoption services. Also, the California Supreme Court ruled that fertility doctors and clinics may not refuse treatment to homosexuals based on religious objections. The decision declared that it violates the state's anti-discrimination laws to deny fertility treatment to homosexuals simply because the doctor is Christian. An actual case right here in Southern California involves two lesbians in Oceanside who sought insemination at a local fertility clinic. During their initial meeting with doctors, they were told that the clinic would not be able to assist them. Instead, they were referred to other doctors whose conscience would not be violated by inseminating a homosexual couple. The couple was able to receive treatment from another doctor and gave birth to a child as a result. Despite their successful pregnancy under the care of another doctor, the couple retaliated by suing the Christian doctors, citing California's anti-discrimination laws. The doctors lost. The issue is that our religious and moral beliefs will be stamped out because of this law.

3. TO PROTECT MY FREEDOM OF SPEECH – If Proposition 8 doesn’t pass, minister’s, or any of us for that matter, who preach or speak out against same-sex marriages may be sued for hate speech and risk government fines. It already happened in Canada, a country that legalized gay marriage. A recent California court held that municipal employees may not say: “traditional marriage,” or “family values” because, after the same-sex marriage case, it is considered “hate speech.”

4. TO PROTECT MY TAX DOLLARS - If Proposition 8 doesn’t pass, it will cost ALL of us money. Tax exemption status could be changed for religious groups and charities who do not want to ‘uphold the law’. This change in the definition of marriage will also bring a cascade of changing governmental forms and procedures, school books and curriculum changes, an increase in lawsuits, and changes in the workplace. Think of your hard earned money that will be spent on such legal battles.

5. TO REDEFINE MARRIAGE BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOMAN - Some will try to tell you that Yes on Proposition 8 takes away legal rights of gay domestic partnerships. THAT IS FALSE! YES on Proposition 8 DOES NOT take away ANY of those rights and DOES NOT interfere with homosexuals living the lifestyle they choose. Their rights to have civil unions and live together and have tax breaks, etc. WILL NOT change. Under California law, “domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections, and benefits” as married spouses. Their union is just not called “marriage.” YES on Proposition 8 is NOT an attack against those who have same gender attraction. It’s about standing up for our own moral beliefs, our freedom of religion, and freedom of speech that this great Nation offers each of us. While homosexuals have the right to their private lives, they do not have the right to redefine marriage for everyone else.
On November 4TH, Please join me in Voting YES ON Proposition 8 which will….
RESTORE the definition of marriage that was approved in 2000 by over 61% of voters “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”
· Overturn the decision of four activist judges, sending a message to these judges that they can’t take it upon themselves to change the voice of the people!
· Protect our children, our freedom of religion and our freedom of speech.
· Settle it once and for all! Think of all the unintended consequences that we cannot even foresee at this time. Where will it end? What will be next? Who will want to marry who going forward?
YES ON PROPOSITION 8
Please go to the following websites:

www.iprotectmarriage.com
www.protectmarriage.com