Last updated on: 10/6/2014 | Author: ProCon.org

Nov. 4, 2008 – California Voters Approve a Constitutional Ban on Same-Sex Marriage

“A measure to once again ban gay marriage in California was passed by voters in Tuesday’s [Nov. 4, 2008] election, throwing into doubt the unions of an estimated 18,000 same-sex couples who wed during the last 4 1/2 months…

Proposition 8 was the most expensive proposition on any ballot in the nation this year, with more than $74 million spent by both sides.

The measure’s most fervent proponents believed that nothing less than the future of traditional families was at stake, while opponents believed that they were fighting for the fundamental right of gay people to be treated equally under the law…

Eight years ago, Californians voted 61% to define marriage as being only between a man and a woman.

The California Supreme Court overturned that measure, Proposition 22, in its May 15 decision legalizing same-sex marriage on the grounds that the state Constitution required equal treatment of gay and lesbian couples.”