Californians passed Proposition 8 on Tuesday by a five percent margin amending the California constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry. The decision came after months of debate including heated controversy on Pepperdine campus after Law Professor Richard Peterson appeared in “Yes on 8” television ads in October.
Even though voters approved the proposition the battle over gay marriage may not be over. Three lawsuits were filed Wednesday by gay-rights supporters. They are asking the court to overturn the proposition arguing it as an illegal revision to the California Constitution because it violates the guarantee of equal protection.
Pepperdine students remain split on the issue. Junior Jessica Rotter said she is concerned for many of her friends who now feel they are second-class citizens.
“I think Proposition 8 was a terrible move for California Rotter said. Earlier this year when homosexual marriage was made legal the gay rights movement took an important step forward. It is a tragedy to see some of my closest friends lose the hope of marrying their significant others … I am so upset to see my friends hurting.”
Sophomore Matt McLoon said he feels California has taken a step back in terms of civil rights.
“I’m disappointed that California has been regarded as such a carefree and open-minded state and it’s just shocking that such an overwhelming majority voted yes on this proposition McLoon said.
Others in the Pepperdine community said that a balance is necessary between the traditional institution of marriage and the rights of gays and lesbians.
Your heart goes out to these people said freshman Lance Wallnau. They’ve gone through so much hateful discrimination and they use that as their argument for gay marriage. But we have to be careful to differentiate between civil rights and the balance between what’s right and not discriminatory. There needs to be a balance.”
Sophomore Lea Westman said she believes marriage is not a right that can be afforded under the Constitution and is rather an institution based upon the creation of a family.
“If someone wants to have a long-term relationship with someone of the same gender that’s fine; but it’s not a marriage Westman said. Historically and culturally not just in Western culture but universally marriage is defined as between a man and a woman. Marriage is not a state institution – it’s a religious institution in which one of the main purposes is to start a family.”
Peterson said that while he believes the will of voters prevailed on Tuesday in passing Proposition 8 the rights of gays and lesbians must still be protected.
“For me the passage of Proposition 8 was extremely important but at the same time it’s not jubilee on my part Peterson said. I believe we must find ways to live in this world together and find paths to reach resolution to overcome anger. I’ve talked to many students who are gay or lesbian and it’s been gratifying to me to reach deep into their heart to understand their concerns. In this society of ours every individual is entitled to dignity and respect no matter your faith or non-faith gender or sexual orientation.”
Several church leaders in the Malibu community said the passing of Proposition 8 should mark a time of prayer and outreach to members of the community affected by the proposition. Malibu Presbyterian Pastor Greg Hughes recognized that many people share the biblical view of marriage as between a man and a woman but said this is not a time of celebration.
“I recognize that it [Proposition 8] is deeply debated and we need to be as Christian as we can Hughes said. For me it’s not a time of celebration. This should be a time of prayer and study.”
Pastor Andy Mattick of the Malibu United Methodist Church said his congregation has built itself upon outreach to the community and that many in his church will be saddened by the result of Proposition 8.
“Most of our congregation is probably disheartened at the passing [of Proposition 8] Mattick said. We have a history of outreach to members of the community. We want to minister to the needs of the people.”
While the Pepperdine community remains split Peterson said Pepperdine has learned from the controversy.
“I think as far as Pepperdine it’s been healthy because it’s generated ideas between our students who are gay and lesbian or those concerned about their rights … to be afforded dignity and respect and to not be judged Peterson said. It’s also engendered a discussion about academic freedom … a healthy discussion has ensued about how to respect the right of those who have conflicting views.”
This discussion according to Peterson “is what our democratic process is all about.”
