Nov. 5, 2008
Calif. Gay Marriage In Limbo
Proposition To Ban Gay Marriage Has More Votes In Current Returns, But Millions Of Absentee Ballots Have Yet To Be Counted
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Prop 8 May Pass In Calif.
The fate of Proposition 8, which could nullify over 18,000 same-sex marriages in California, looms large in the state. John Blackstone reports.
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Jan Nicolay, co-chair of South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families, delivers a speech after the abortion ban ballot measure was declared defeated, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008 at the convention center in Sioux Falls, S.D. (AP Photo/Doug Dreyer)
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Election Day 2008
Images, results and reaction from the historic election.
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Same-Sex Marriage Debate
State-by-state coverage, opinions, history, photos and a look at the amendment process.
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- Ballot Measures State-By-State
Supporters of Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage, claimed victory, but their thin lead could still be threatened by absentee ballots yet to be counted.
Gay rights advocates always knew they were in for a tough election night.
"Buckle your seats, honey, it's gonna be a bumpy ride," said Kate Kendell of the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
Together, both sides raised more than $70 million making Prop 8 more expensive than any contest other than the presidential race, Blackstone reports.
Some news organizations have projected that the proposition will pass, but CBS News has yet to make a projection due to the uncounted absentee ballots.
With 97 percent of precincts reporting, 52 percent have voted yes on the measure and 48 percent have voted no. (Latest results are available on the California state results page)
Similar measures have prevailed previously in 27 states, but none were in California's situation - with thousands of gay couples already married in the aftermath of a state Supreme Court ruling in May.
The office of San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera said he will file a legal challenge against the validity of the ballot measure to change the constitution if it passes.
Similar ballot measures banning same-sex marriage were up for vote in Arizona and Florida. CBS News projects that Arizona voters have passed the same-sex marriage ban.
Elsewhere, CBS News projects that voters in South Dakota voted down Measure 11, which would have prohibited abortions except in cases where the mother's life or health is at a substantial and irreversible risk, and in cases of reported rape and incest. If it had passed, it would likely have triggered a legal challenge which could have lead to the U.S. Supreme Court and a reconsideration of the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that established the right to abortion.
In Arizona, voters rejected Proposition 202 which would have modified laws relating to the employment of unauthorized aliens; the law would also have fined employers who pay improperly reported cash wages.
In Arkansas, a single parent or a couple who are not married will not be able to adopt a child or serve as a foster parent; voters approved an initiative which would mandate that only married couples can do so.
In Colorado, CBS News projects that voters rejected Amendment 48, which would have defined the term "person" to include any human being from the moment of fertilization.
Colorado voters are also deciding on Amendment 46, which would prohibit discrimination by the state or granting preferential treatment to any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting. According to a poll taken in late October by CBS station KCNC in Denver and the Rocky Mountain News, 53 percent of registered voters in Colorado support the amendment.
In Maryland, voters approved video slot machines.
In Massachusetts, voters had to decide on a ballot measure eliminating the state's income tax. Question One proposed eliminating the 5.3 percent income tax by January 2010. According to projections, the ballot question was not passed.
In Michigan, voters passed (by a margin of 63% to 37%) a legislative initiative to permit the use and cultivation of marijuana for specified medical conditions. Also approved: An expansion of the use of stem cells from human embryos for any research permitted under federal law.
In Nebraska, CBS News projects that Nebraska voters are going to pass Measure 424, a constitutional amendment banning affirmative action, by prohibiting the state from discriminating against, or granting preferential treatment to any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, public education or public contracting, although there would exceptions for certain federal programs.
And in Washington State, voters approved, 59%-41%, Measure 1000 which would permit terminally ill, competent, adult Washington residents, who are medically predicted to have six months or less to live, to request and self-administer lethal medication prescribed by a physician.
Here is a state-by-state roundup of results for the most noteworthy ballot issues:
Arizona
In addition, CBS affiliate KPHO reports that voters rejected Proposition 200, the Payday Loan Reform Act. Proposition 101, which would amend the state constitution to provide that no law shall restrict a person's freedom to choose a private health care plan or system of their choice, is not yet decided.
Arkansas
California
In addition, CBS Station KPIX reports that voters have approved a proposition on humane confinement of farm animals (Proposition 2); rejected requiring utilities to generate 20 percent of their power from renewable energy by 2010 (Proposition 7); and approved bond measures for funding children's hospitals and helping veterans purchase homes and farms. Results on Proposition 11, which would change the way legislative district lines are drawn, are too close to call.
In San Francisco, KPIX reports that voters turned down a measure that would have barred police from arresting prostitutes. The city couldn't technically legalize prostitution since it's against state law, but the proposal would have barred local authorities from investigating, arresting or prosecuting anyone for selling sex. Also, an attempt to rename a local sewage treatment plant after President Bush went down the drain.
Colorado
Also on the ballot: CBS Station KCNC reports that voters rejected Amendment 47 would ban mandatory union membership and dues by employers; and also rejected Amendment 51, which would raise state sales taxes to fund long-term care for persons with developmental disabilities.
Florida
Maryland
Massachusetts
Also, dog racing has gone to the dogs: CBS Station WBZ reports that voters approved a ban, 8 years after rejecting a similar measure.
Michigan
Missouri
Nebraska
South Dakota
The AP reports that voters rejected an elimination of term limits for legislators.
Washington
Click here for updated, complete election results by state.
© MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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See all 402 CommentsThis article is from the CBS News/NY Times, the same group that said President Obama would win by 13 points!
They don''t even report the TRUTH accurately!
Try Prop. 8 leads from the start. Currently, Proposition 8 leads by 3.8%, or is ahead by 343,639 votes!
When the voting is done - All 5,070,398 of us!
Posted by SocialismSux
That''s right, pirmin3 has the same right to speak their mind as you do. If you disagree, then perhaps YOU should knock it off.
This time the voters had to make Proposition 8 a Constitutional Amendment in order to stop the Judicial Tyranny and the people of California have responded by passing a more rigid Proposition 8 with around 52%, or over 5,200,000 yes votes.
Radicals always are good at using the Court system to usurp the will of the people.
This time the voters had to make Proposition 8 a Constitutional Amendment in order to stop the Judicial Tyranny and the people of California have responded by passing a more rigid Proposition 8 with around 52%, or over 5,200,000 yes votes.
Radicals always are good at using the Court system to usurp the will of the people.
As a gay 18 year old, I want to get married. I love tradition. I''ve always wanted, and planned, to have a normal wedding, as a small girl it was my dream.
That is of course, until I found out that my innocent crushes on other girls in my 5th grade classroom wasnt exactly considered ''normal'' behavior.
So now, I really just want the right to be accepted, to share healthcare, to be allowed power of attoreny. Etc. Etc. Call it whatever you want America.
Maybe we should have lost the civil war XD
The truth is "christians" are behind most of the damage and downfall of the USA. They consistently cling to fear and prejudice over hope and love. These USA-christians reject the teachings of Christ and morality in favor of a personal agenda.
What they call "churches" are only social groups that promote hate and political action committees.
It is too bad because there are a minority of real Christians around, but they are rare.
When we eliminate the special treatment and coddling of these pseudo-christians, the USA will be a better place.
THERE ARE MORE THAN 1,100 RIGHTS AND PRIVELEGES GRANTED TO THE RECIPEINTS BY VIRTUE OF STATE LAWS.
TO THE PROPONENTS OF BANNING GAY MARRIAGE YOU NEED TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A THEROCRACY AND US GOVERNMENT.
WHY ARE A MAN AND WOMAN ELEGIBLE FOR MORE THAN 1,100 RIGHTS AND PRIVELEGES THAT NO TWO OTHER PEOPLE ENTERING A LEGALLY BINDING CONTRACT ARE?
Posted by jolsonbear at 10:22 AM : Nov 05, 2008
Clearly you have never been to San Francisco''s wharf district.
As an FYI, the religious idiots in NC, that are trying to pursue an Amendment against Gay Marriage, cannot even get it to the floor of the senate for an initial vote of consideration.
Are you serious? Ok, so...when your kids get older, and go out into the world, and EVENTUALLY DO see gay people...what then? What is the harm in allowing gay people to have the same rights as everyone else? It doesn''t really effect you. They''re going to kiss outside your school, whether they get the right to marry legaly or not. If you keep your kids in a bubble their entire lives, when they eventually do get out and see what the world is like, don''t you think that will be even more traumatic for them?
In all my 30 or more years of teaching I never "taught gay marriage." In fact, before I set foot in my classroom, I had to file a syllabus for each course that I taught with the appropriate school authorities. These syllabi, which averaged 77 to 83 pages, were public documents, subject to public scrutiny by any group of concerned citizens. In addition, I was answerable to any thing that I put into my syllabi. Truth told, I had enough trouble covering the material in my syllabi. I did not have time for irrelevant issues - like gay marriage.
The drive to ban marriage in California resembles the propaganda techniques used by the Nazis: Basically, tell a lie enough times and people will believe it. I realize that all the religious groups promoting the ban on gay marriage will have hizzy-fits if I say they are a modern version of the Nazi party. But what is, is - The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
The same high and mighty Christians who vote for same *** marriage are the same people who believe God will save all the christians and leave all the jews (and people of other faiths) behind to die. Christians should not ever be given the authority to enforce the interpretations of their faith on the public through laws, bound by amendments separating the church and state. Though I admit that there are certain laws derived from the Bible''s Commandments, separating church and state is necessary to ensure that we don''t because a nation of faith, controlling the people''s choices based on bias morals.
People voting to ban same *** marriage and ban abortions should first try to repeal the first amendment to the constitution and see how that works out.
Since Obama was on the the ticket, record numbers of the Black Community came to the polls to support him and as an unintended consequence approved the Proposition 8 initiative. Had that not been the case and the Black community turned out in the usually low numbers, it would have been defeated easily.
For my part, I really do not care either way but I am fascinated by the juxtaposition this has created for the Democrats in California who supported Obama and thus helped support Proposition 8. Obama as well has sated he supports Marriage being between a Man and a Woman as well.
How do the Democrats reconcile this?
Bad news for you ignorant sheep: they don''t love you either. They love their own power, and taking your money.
Posted by CPelzar
DUUUUH!! Blacks are baptists, methodists, "christians"...in other words: ignorant.
Posted by thinebtru
Doesn''t Bob and Jack kiss anyway, regardless of their marital status?
Are you one of the "real Christians" to whom you refer? In your view, what "teachings of Christ," and "morality" are rejected by "USA-christians"?
wbmpost
contaminated is a good word and pass or fail, there are a lot of Californians now trying to figure how to rid our state of this contamination. These are no religious groups--no religion would condone the hate and fear and prejudice they are trying to teach and code into our laws. They are a serious problem. History tells us they will fade away eventually as long as they are faced with truth and firm opposition.
Posted by CPelzar
DUUUUH!! Blacks are baptists, methodists, "christians"...in other words: ignorant.
Posted by U2PlayNice at 11:31 AM : Nov 05, 2008
So I take it that Obama fits your description of the Black Community and you did not vote for him.
exactly! this was an attempt (again) by a group of fear-filled hate-mongers claiming religious status to legislate their morality. They honestly seem to believe they can make homosexuality illegal.
Posted by CPelzar
Since you''ll take things any way YOU want to interpret them regardless, I don''t give a rats a$$. He is far from ignorant, and I voted for OBAMA all the way!
contaminated is a good word and pass or fail, there are a lot of Californians now trying to figure how to rid our state of this contamination. These are no religious groups--no religion would condone the hate and fear and prejudice they are trying to teach and code into our laws. They are a serious problem. History tells us they will fade away eventually as long as they are faced with truth and firm opposition.
Posted by andor3 at 11:33 AM : Nov 05, 2008
I think when you read the exist polling the main problem were "Left Wing" religious "idiots", being that overwhelmingly the Black Community supported this measure. Without them it would have failed.
"Straight" people don''t have rainbows to rub it in.
What is with the the childish attitude of "I''m gay and your not!"?
Grow up, please.
Simply not true. Every black person I talked to voted against Prop8. Barack Obama was against it. The support for Yes on 8 mostly from the Mormon Church.
Posted by CPelzar
DUUUUH!! Blacks are baptists, methodists, "christians"...in other words: ignorant.
Posted by U2PlayNice at 11:31 AM : Nov 05, 2008
So I take it that Obama fits your description of the Black Community and you did not vote for him.
Posted by CPelzar at 11:33 AM : Nov 05, 2008
Since you''''ll take things any way YOU want to interpret them regardless, I don''''t give a rats a$$. He is far from ignorant, and I voted for OBAMA all the way!
Posted by U2PlayNice at 11:36 AM : Nov 05, 2008
Your words stated that "DUUUUH!! Blacks are baptists, methodists, "christians"...in other words: ignorant."
How am I supposed to interpret that racist comment?
Simply not true. Every black person I talked to voted against Prop8. Barack Obama was against it. The support for Yes on 8 mostly from the Mormon Church.
Posted by andor3 at 11:38 AM : Nov 05, 2008
I suggest you read the exit polling data for the facts. The overwhelming numbers of the Black Community that turned out to support Obama approved this Proposition. There are not nearly enough Mormons as you claim to override the size of the Black Community in California.
Posted by andor3
How is burning any item "imposing" faith?? Luckily, we are free to express ourselves in these ways wihtout persecution. Just keep your personal beliefs out of my schools, work place.
Simply not true. Every black person I talked to voted against Prop8. Barack Obama was against it. The support for Yes on 8 mostly from the Mormon Church.
Posted by andor3 at 11:38 AM : Nov 05, 2008
Barack Obama and Gay Marriage/ Civil Unions:
Although Barack Obama has said that he supports civil unions, he is against gay marriage. In an interview with the Chicago Daily Tribune, Obama said, "I''m a Christian. And so, although I try not to have my religious beliefs dominate or determine my political views on this issue, I do believe that tradition, and my religious beliefs say that marriage is something sanctified between a man and a woman."
Barack Obama did vote against a Federal Marriage Amendment and opposed the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996.
He said he would support civil unions between gay and lesbian couples, as well as letting individual states determine if marriage between gay and lesbian couples should be legalized.
Barack Obama is not in favor of Gay Marriage for the record.
Posted by andor3
NO, not true either. You all are a bunch of BSing idiots. Passing off your opinions as facts. FU(K OFF. SHUT THE FU(K UP and go try and fool the 6 years olds in the Barney chat room. Ignorqance is the reason this ban passed, PURE IGNORANCE People nelieveing that "gay marriage" will be "TAUGHT" in schools...***??? AS if. All you did was promote discrimination, and set back individual rights, civil rights and freedoms for MANY MANY people, who would NEVER EVER impact your life or your own morals as they live their own lives. You are sick, stupid sheep who live by lies and fear mongering, intolerance and judgemental hatred of others. I can''t wait until YOU are screwed with the discrimination YOU promoted with your vote.
I have a sad story to tell, in Hawaii, the University used to have the mascot the Rainbow Warriors. Unfortunately the *** decided to fight and take it away from the University. How does this happen to a school that has had this mascot for over 100 years?? How selfish and disrespectful people can be to our history and the people who had pride in a rainbow which is so beautiful? How something that is made by rain and the sun can be used for something that isn%u2019t even scientifically meant or should be possible?
That''s it for me. I know I have half of California standing behind me when it comes to keeping marriage sanctified. At least some of the morals and values that will keep our families happy and healthy still exist. God Bless!
Proposition 8 exit Poll: Whites oppose, blacks support, Latinos divided.
Californians went to the polls today on the divisive and deeply emotional issue of same-*** marriage, with early exit poll data showing the state''s voters closely divided along lines of religion and political affiliation.
With the polls still open, it is too early to project the outcome, which would amend the California Constitution to ban gay marriage. But preliminary data showed that Democrats and independents were tending to vote against Proposition 8, while Republicans were in favor of the measure.
The proposition was trailing among white voters, but was ahead among black voters. Latino voters were closely divided.
People who said they attended religious services weekly were overwhelmingly voting for the measure, while those who said that they occasionally or never went to religious services were voting no.
Posted by thinebtru
Only some families are healthy and happy. Even without gaay marriage, divorce rates are around 50%. Allowing gaays to marry won''t affect your families well being or probably won''t effect the divorce rates much. In other words, you and your family control your happiness, not what Bob and Jack do. Are Bob and Jack affecting your family now? They probably won''t when they''re married either.
Enjoy this short reprieve into a period to celebrate hurting people you would never have even known were out there and happily married and living beautiful productive (AND TAXPOAYING JUST LIKE YOU) lives. You will be the sick relics like the K K K one day, you will carry a legacy of bigotry.
Posted by thinebtru
You fu(king liar - lived in Makaha and Diamond Head for 8 years in the 90''s, I go back overy 2 years to visit...another sick fear mongering LIE. Why don''t you and your pathetic ilk just go live your cruel and ridiculous lives and give up this garbage you spew. You''ve done your damage, go celebrate buying your way into he11 when you die.
Posted by thinebtru
You fu(king liar - lived in Makaha and Diamond Head for 8 years in the 90''s, I go back overy 2 years to visit...another sick fear mongering LIE. Why don''t you and your pathetic ilk just go live your cruel and ridiculous lives and give up this garbage you spew. You''ve done your damage, go celebrate buying your way into he11 when you die.
Enjoy this short reprieve into a period to celebrate hurting people you would never have even known were out there and happily married and living beautiful productive (AND TAXPOAYING JUST LIKE YOU) lives. You will be the sick relics like the K K K one day, you will carry a legacy of bigotry.
Posted by U2PlayNice at 11:56 AM : Nov 05, 2008
I am just curios, If Hillary was on the Presidential Ballot and it meant that the Black Community did not vote in record numbers and the the Proposition would be defeated easily, would yo still have preferred to vote of Obama? Since this obviously a very personal thing to you and I do respect your position, since Obama is against Gay marriage, how and why wold you vote for him?
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