If Prop 8 fails to pass, teachers (even against their own consciences and moral values) will be required to teach young children that there is no difference between gay marriage and traditional marriage. Please let me preface this by saying that I respect those who choose to live the homosexual lifestyle. I have several friends and former teammates who are gay and lesbian. Though I do not agree with how they live their life, I do respect them as people. I have received much information on Proposition 8, which is being voted on in California in a couple weeks, and quite honestly, if I am teaching my children in my home that homosexuality is NOT acceptable or aligned with our beliefs and standards, I do not want them learning that in schools. As a teacher, I would not be able to teach something to my students that I feel is morally wrong, even if that means I lose my job. No teacher should ever be required to teach anything that goes against their moral values. If my students choose to live that lifestyle, that is their choice...I will not try to change them, but I will not teach that same-sex marriage is acceptable when that is not in alignment with my standards or beliefs.
Many people have made the argument that Prop 8 is about "gay rights." They don't know the law well enough to make that argument...
Current Law: Under California law, “[D]omestic partners shall have the same rights, protections, and benefits, and shall be subject to the same responsibilities, obligations, and duties under law…as are granted to and imposed upon [married] spouses.” (Family Code §297.5)As stated best in an email I received today:
"Domestic partners in California have all the rights of married spouses. There are no exceptions! Prop 8 will NOT take away any of those rights. Prop 8 is not an attack on the gay lifestyle. Prop 8 is all about protecting the ideal of marriage."
