Why vote yes for Prop. 8??

My latest letter to the Daily Tribune here on the Central Coast - submitted Monday morning has so far been snubbed. Won't judge the reasons. I submitted it as a "Viewpoint". Several folk in my congregation helped me fine tune it, for which I am grateful. Here is the letter:

In a little over two months, we Californians will be voting for or against Proposition 8, which states, "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." I believe the best and wisest vote is a yes vote for the following reasons.

1. Progress is not always defined by change. There is an ancient proverb that says, "Do not move the ancient boundary..." Marriage between a man and a woman is an ancient institution recognized by every culture and nation throughout history. On the most part it has served us well. I realize we Californians pride ourselves in being on the cutting edge of social change. But there is no assurance that re-defining marriage as between two men or two women will bring the liberation or "progress" that some say is needed.

2. A marriage license is no guarantee of happiness. Since the antagonists of Prop. 8 cannot base their arguments on truth or history or tradition, they must resort to appealing to our emotions. They argue, "How dare we rob them of the happiness that is rightfully theirs that comes from being married like the rest of us?"  Those of us who have spent our careers working with married couples can tell you with certainty - that a marriage license does not ensure happiness. Your wedding ceremony and the celebration afterwards may bring some happy moments. But sooner or later, that will wear off, and you will need far more than a license to build happiness in your relationship. I wonder how honest the pastors who have so quickly moved to marry same-sex couples have been with them regarding this reality?

3. Domestic partners in CA already appear to have every benefit the State can and should provide. California has come a long way, and well we should in making sure homosexuals are protected, and not unlawfully discriminated against. I just read it, and you can too at www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html. It is family code section 297-297.5. Please do not buy the lie that we are discriminating against homosexuals by not calling them a married couple. As far as what a state should provide for domestic partners, we Californians are truly on the cutting edge already.

4. Homosexuals aren't stuck any more than the rest of us are. The research on sexual orientation continues to verify this. I will be the first to say that sexual passion is nothing to sneeze at. I have counseled with countless individuals and couples over the last 30 years who have fought with theirs. But the good news is - whatever its form, it can be overcome. All of us come to the relationship table with some level of sexual brokenness. Sexual health and wholeness is attainable, but it will require a level of humility, faith and a supportive community wherein there is the freedom to be honest, to struggle, and to grapple with the truth that sets one free. Some of the best information I have found on the internet is www.homosexuality101.com.