Prop. 3 would protect right to marriage

After Prop. 8 banned homosexual marriage in 2008, it was ruled unconstitutional by a federal court, making same-sex marriage legal. Now, California is voting on Prop. 3. The proposal would amend California’s constitution to match what federal courts say about freedom of marriage: everyone has the freedom to marry regardless of sex, gender, or race. This upcoming November, California voters will get the chance to vote on Prop. 3 which would repeal Prop. 8. 

Same-sex marriage in California became legal in 2013 after heavy opposition towards Prop. 8. However, California’s constitution still contains outdated language specifying that marriage can only be between heterosexual couples. Prop. 3 would amend the constitution by rewording it so that it explicitly states marriage freedoms of everyone, not just heterosexual couples.

Supporters of this proposition believe that California’s law should match what federal courts have to say about marriage equality and that it is necessary to protect every citizens’ rights, no matter how they identify. However, opponents of this proposal believe the proposition goes too far to the point where it limits marriage protective rights, such as on children and relatives. 

“I don’t know many of the laws in California, but from the ones I am familiar with, I think that the laws are relatively fair,” explained junior Renn Jory, who supports Prop. 3. 

“I think there should be no question about whether homosexual couples can marry– everyone should have the fundamental right to choose who they want to marry,” elaborated junior Melissa Carvhallo. 

Opponents to Prop. 3 feel strongly that the proposal threatens the values of family.

“All civilized societies prohibit these things because they hurt people,” said President of the California Family Council Jonathan Kelly. “By saying mothers and fathers aren’t necessary, it ignores years of studies and basic common sense affirming that kids do best when raised by both parents in a stable home.”

While opponents are arguing that Prop. 3 is harmful, not passing it is equally just as harmful to homosexual couples who, after Prop. 8’s passage, found it difficult to get married and felt the act infringed upon human rights issues. 

“Proposition 8 was discrimination,” said English teacher Amanda Staab. 

The number of final votes cast by the state legislature on Prop. 3 as of 2023 was 31 yes’s from Senate and 67 from Assembly, with zero noes in either chamber.

While it is evident that Prop. 3’s opponents fall in the minority, the repeal of Prop. 8 and amendments to California’s state constitution through Prop. 3 provide hope for many LGBTQ+ couples.