Why the Proposition 8 Ruling Matters to Atheists
Vjack writes an important and moving post concerning the implications for atheists from the Proposition 8 California Supreme Court Ruling.
Proposition 8 should be a nightmare scenario for any atheist because it shows us that well-funded religious groups can essentially mold the law to enforce their bigotry. They believed that same-sex marriage is immoral on the basis of their religion, and they effectively banned it.
History provides numerous examples of where privileged Christians have legislated their view of morality. Whether we think of prohibition, anti-miscegenation laws, or efforts to censor certain forms of music in the 1980s and 1990s, we see a common theme emerging. These groups want to force their religion on others through theocratic means. They threaten everything that makes America worthwhile.
We have recently learned that at least one high-profile Christian extremist opposes marriage between atheists and Christians. Who is to say that this will not be the next measure to appear on the ballot? And who is to say that they might not achieve their desired outcome by pouring enough money into it?
Perhaps having a ballot measure that opposes an atheist and a theist is a bit dramatic, but its a fair implication. The fact that the Christian majority continues to impose it’s Church into our State can be scary. Will it get worse before it gets better?
Vjack is (especially) right on target here:
I have recently grown frustrated with some heterosexual atheists talking about how they oppose Proposition 8 as some sort of gift to their gay friends even though it is “irrelevant” to them. If you are truly convinced that gay rights is irrelevant to those of us who are not gay, then I’m not sure why you would expect anyone to give a damn about our rights as atheists. How can the civil rights of any group be irrelevant?
This reminds me of a postcard I got from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (in D.C.) that hit me hard then (at age 17) and still strikes the same chord:
The moment I read this phrase, something stuck. The desire for equal rights was already in me but it deepened the need to fight for equal civil rights, consideration, and respect. Sure this phrase speaks to a much larger event that some may argue nothing can never be compared to (even though there have been – sadly – countless genocides), but I’m not writing to scale.
All in all, if you care at all (for your gay friends, in this case), then it also matters to you. I see this as a personal issue, though it doesn’t affect me personally. This is about equality across the board, not just some issue for someone else to worry about. This is what happens when Church nuzzles up to State. Church does not mix well with State; it’s not chocolate and peanut butter!
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hey there,
first let me say that I find your blog very interesting. I have joined and receive your new posts via email. Here is my question concerning the view on proposition 8. This measure was turned over to the people and the people were able to vote however their consciences led them. The people overwhelmingly decided that marriage should be defined as one man and one woman, and yet there is anger and hatred, not from the ones who voted no concerning proposition 8 but for the proponents of this measure. Here is where I guess I am confused, the people decided and now this issue should be put to rest. Yet there is rage among the homosexual community. They were not enraged when it was decided that this measure would be given to the people, yet now that it was and now that the people have let their voice ring loud and clear why is there still anger?
Living in Los Angeles at the time, I can tell you how blatantly dishonest the television ads were. The Mormon Church spent a lot of money for this civil action. They spent a lot of money to tell people that they’d have to discuss this in school. But everyone teacher and board member said that was 100% untrue. They spoke of churches being forced to perform these weddings, which was also untrue. Plus, more! The issue is more with a church funding secular society decisions. A civil contract has little to do with it being held in a place of worship – it’s just a common place to have the ceremony.
I saw those awfully unfair commercials. The Mormon Church outright lied to the voters. Perhaps, some of the anger is due to the voters realizing that they were swindled.