No bias in Prop 8

In the Sept. 18 editorial by Mr. Thomas Elias, the opinion argues that Proposition 8 is a test for whether bias still exists, the indictment being that an opinion favorable to Proposition 8 is intolerant, bigoted, and otherwise unfairly “biased.” I agree that homophobia should never be tolerated. But, the supposition that support for Proposition 8 is biased is pure hypocrisy. We are all biased, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Mr. Elias’s opinion, however, hijacks “bias” to imply ill-intent.

The recent editorial suggests that Proposition 8 is “prejudiced” because no one has “proven” that the social experiment in same-sex “marriages” hurts anyone. Rather than proffering evidence to support a discrete position, the editorial shows that people disagree on the issue and intimates that those favoring Proposition 8 should be discredited for being “biased.” However, consider a few arguments in favor of Proposition 8 when examining bias.

In the legal context, the U.S. Supreme Court has recognized a fundamental right to marry rooted in procreation and rearing children.

In the Netherlands, since 1998, when it was the first country to sanction same-sex “marriage,” the percentage of single-parent families has steadily increased, along with divorce; the “married” population has steadily decreased; the percentage of out-of-wedlock births has sharply risen; the number of abortions has increased; and, birthrates have significantly declined.

In Massachusetts, since allowed same-sex “marriages,” schools are required to teach same-sex curriculum to children, even in early grade levels, despite the wishes of parents.

A May 2008 Gallop poll showed that 58 percent polled do not support same-sex marriages. Twenty-six states prohibit same-sex marriage in their state constitutions and another 19 states do so through state statute.

Courts, the “politically correct,” and “intellectually enlightened” have taken it upon themselves to force a diet of state-sponsored atheism and anti-religious rhetoric upon us as part of separation of church and state. But, the Bill of Rights guaranties our freedom of religious beliefs, which are rightly incorporated within our paradigm. This includes my belief, as a Mormon, along with many other Judeo-Christian sects, that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God.

Ultimately, which vote on Proposition 8 is more biased: an unreasoned, largely emotional “No” vote for de-definition of marriage or a reasoned “Yes” vote, supportable on many levels? We should fight and give our all to support Proposition 8. It reinstates a traditional, sensible definition of marriage in California that strengthens families, children, and society - in my unbiased opinion.