California voted on Tuesday for the bill opting to pass a ban on same-sex marriage within the state. And so, as it turned out, the bill passed. The verdict came as a shocking blow to gay rights advocates as all previous indications led most to believe that the state of California would spearhead the movement to legalize same-sex marriage in this nation.
As it stands right now, the Constitutional Amendment of the United States only defines marriage as being that solely between that of a man and a woman; despite the fact that on an individual state-by-state basis, California had originally legalized same-sex marriage since this past June. It would appear that the Constitutional Amendment overrides a state-based amendment in this instance…
"Similar bans had prevailed in 27 states before Tuesday's elections, but none were in California's situation — with about 18,000 gay couples already married. The state attorney general, Jerry Brown, has said those marriages will remain valid, although legal challenges are possible (Leff, Associated Press)."
Close to follow in California’s approval in the ban on same-sex marriage were the states of Arizona and Florida.
In Arkansas, however, the measure was taken even further to mandate that not only is same-sex marriage banned, but also it has been declared such that same-sex couples can neither adopt, nor serve as foster parents.
"People believe in the institution of marriage," said Frank Schubert (Co-manager of the "Yes on 8" Campaign), "It's one institution that crosses ethnic divides, that crosses partisan divides. ... People have stood up because they care about marriage and they care a great deal."
Less, Lisa. "California voters approve gay-marriage ban." Associated Press. 5 November, 2008.
<http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ballot_measures>
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