Adventists for
Proposition 8

Proposition 8 Frequently Asked Questions


1.   Why was Proposition 8 renamed to describe it as “taking away” the right-to-marry?

Those who support gay marriage know that we Americans love our rights, and by renaming the proposition, they increase their chances of defeating it.

2.   So, does Prop 8 actually take away any rights?

No. It is not about rights, but about obtaining moral approval from society. The Domestic Partnership Act has already given gays all of the rights and responsibilities of marriage that state law can give, as the California Supreme Court admitted, short of the name of “marriage.”

3.   Since when do the courts determine what is morally acceptable?

Good question. Answer: they do now. The Supreme Court decision approving gay marriage is really about thought control, and preferring the moral values that approve of homosexuality above the traditional morality.

4.   Proposition 8 opponents argue that "Homosexuals are a minority that should not be discriminated against."

On close analysis, the idea that gays should receive the status of a "minority group" is patently absurd. They are not a racial or ethnic group. The gay rights movement is nothing other than a powerful special interest lobby masquerading as a "minority" and applying its money and political clout to "muscle in on" the special status and entitlements properly reserved for the truly disadvantaged. If homosexuals are recognized as a minority group, the identical arguments could also be applied to classify polygamists or pedophiles as oppressed minorities.

5.   Does gay marriage threaten religious liberty?

You bet it does! The simplest way to explain this is to point out that the California Supreme Court now equates homosexuality and race, and applies the same legal protections to both. So imagine, if you will, what success a white supremacist college, child care center, or hospital would have in obtaining licensing, accreditation, or access to student loans or public funding, and you can see how religious institutions will be completely marginalized, ostracized from mainstream society.

6.   When Christians advocate in favor of Prop 8, do they violate the Separation of Church and State?

Of course not. The separation of church and state recognizes the distinction between the civil and religious spheres of society. Prop 8 is about how the state relates to marriage as a civil, not a religious institution. If the courts can redefine marriage to include gays without violating the separation of church and state, the people can restore the definition of marriage without offending the separation of church and state.

7.   But can churches get in trouble with their tax exemption for advocating in favor of Prop 8?

No. Federal law prohibits churches, religious organizations generally, from engaging in partisan political activity – in other words, party politics, endorsing candidates and political parties. We are perfectly free to advocate on issues, such as Prop 8. This is something that lawyers actually agree on, a rare occurrence to be sure. Read below the following statement recently issued to Adventist church employees by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Office of General Counsel:

Just a reminder in this political/election year -- As tax exempt organizations, the General Conference and all related organizations in the Church must stay away from any indication of support or opposition to any political candidate. This means that as an employee of the Church you must not use your position, Church resources or equipment (bulletin boards, emails, Web sites, stationary, publications, the pulpit in the case of a church, etc.) to either support or oppose any political candidate. Certainly you are free to do this as a personal matter but please refrain from any involvement in such activity as an employee of the Church. For more information, go to the IRS website: Political Activities Compliance Initiative (2008 Election)

8.   But shouldn’t churches stay out of politics? Wouldn’t we be better off just keeping our opinions to ourselves, and avoid controversy?

Sure, if you want to stop “being” the church. The church has a “prophetic” function, a vitally important role, to speak truth to power, to advocate for what is right and true and good for society. Those churches that believe same sex marriage is a matter of fundamental fairness are certainly advocating their views publicly. If you believe marriage is best for society and for children, then you and your church has a moral obligation to speak out!

9.  So what can we do to support Prop 8?

I’m glad you asked. To begin with, leaders have begun to fast and pray between now and Election Day, and you can too. There are abundant materials available on the web that you can download and print, and distribute in churches, and in your neighborhoods. Check out our Take Action page for things you can do and our Resources page for online resources. Be informed, get involved! Everyone can do their part but most importantly vote YES on PROP 8!!!