Travellers’ Blog Entry No. 31

Next Big Thing: Prop. 8 in California

Everywhere in Hollywood, you cannot only find the typical "Obama/Biden" signs in the windows or the foreyards, the signs with "No on Prop. 8" can be seen everywhere. People standing on the streets holding up the signs to keep the drivers attention.

'Proposition 8' is the other big thing, which concerns the Californians this time.

What is 'Proposition 8'?
The Proposition 8 says, "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California."

The supporters of the proposition say that the law "protects the traditional marriage and prevents other consequences to Californians who will be forced to not just be tolerant of gay lifestyles, but face mandatory compliance regardless of their personal beliefs." (source: http://www.protectmarriage.com/)

The opponents of the proposition say: "Proposition 8 would be a terrible mistake for California. It's about discrimination" and "We believe in the freedom to make choices without government interference". (source: http://www.noonprop8.com/)

In 2000 the people in California voted "yes" on the same issue, but after the protest of interests groups in the state of California in 2004 a new ballot was started and finally the right of same-sex-marriages was passed.

Now, in 2008, the ballot starts again and on November, 4th, the people have to vote "no" or "yes" on the Proposition 8.

Some of Hollywood's actors and celebrities take part at the campaigns, which has been started from both sides of the ballot.
Brad Pitt donated $100,000 Dollars to fight against Proposition 8. Steven Spielberg, comedian Ellen Degeneres are "no-voters", too.
Also, California's Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Barack Obama and Joe Biden support the "Vote No on Proposition 8" campaign.

The most famous supporter of Proposition 8 is John McCain, the Republican Presidential candidate, who called the Californians up to vote for the "traditional marriage".

Popular TV shows get in, not only on the up-coming elections, but on the ballot of Proposition 8, too. "Family Guy", "American Dad" and "The Simpsons" picked up the issue.