A California judge recently struck down as unconstitutional Proposition 8, a voter-approved ballot measure that banned same-sex marriages.

"Proposition 8 both unconstitutionally burdens the exercise of the fundamental right to marry and creates an irrational classification on the basis of sexual orientation," U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker wrote in his decision.

African Americans in California were heavily criticized for voting for the measure. About 58 percent of blacks supported it in November 2008, even as they overwhelmingly voted for President Obama. Given this country's history of discrimination against African Americans, many did not understand how blacks could support a measure that discriminates against another group.

The decision will surely be appealed and Prop 8 supporters are desperately trying to block the ruling from making gay marriage legal again. BlackVoices is interested in how you feel about Proposition 8 and the idea of gay marriage.

Check out a few comments from fellow BV readers below and then chime in.



Pastor Matthew H. Maxwell

"I have learned while ministering to God's people that I should not judge God's people. That is for Him alone, since I have no heaven to keep people out of nor a hell to put anyone in. There are a lot of laws or do's and do not's in the Bible, but we generally focus on the ones that don't affect us, like eating shellfish (read in the Old Testament).

Judge not and ye shall not be judged. Let the wheat grow with the tare. They both must be able to receive what they need to grow."













Carol Level, service technician

"So...what was the point of all us folk here in Cali going to the polls to vote when ONE judge, in a single motion, wiped out all those votes!! Homosexuality is wrong, no more or less than lying is wrong. And again I say, what was the point of dragging numerous folks to the polls convinced that their vote means something, only to have ONE judge reverse the entire vote?

It is all an enormous waste of taxpayer time and money. This is a perfect example of how we have become complacent and accepting of any and everything!!!"




Jacquie Minerva Georges, nurse and mother of two.

"I'm pro-marriage equality. I believe that religious institutions where same-sex marriage/relationships go against their beliefs should be exempt from marrying such couples. However, not everyone agrees with it. Meaning, don't come into the place I worship (who is willing to marry same sex couples) and tell us not to, because we're not telling you what you ought to do.

I believe a state in New England (New Hampshire, I'm guessing) has this clause to the marriage-equality bill. It exempts religious institutions that disagree with same-sex marriage from marrying a same-sex couple.

This is similar to what happened in Louisiana, when a white man who is a justice of peace refused to marry an interracial couple. I know people will say it is not the same thing, yet, in that bigoted man's mind, interracial relationships are equal to homosexual relationships. He believed that races should not mix like those who believe same-sex relationships shouldn't exist.

The same bigoted response I heard from that man about the children being confused is the same argument opponents of same-sex marriage use. I personally don't see a difference. However, if that were me and he refused to marry me (I was in an interracial marriage, now divorced), I wouldn't even bother to persuade him. I just would go to someone that would. Why would I want someone who would bring negative energy to my wedding to bless it?

I also heard the argument about the three Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) in the United States, where a union is made with God. Although I do believe in my personal faith, it is a union of the Divine. The spiritual path I follow doesn't believe that the Divine discriminates. Furthermore, I know plenty of atheists who get married and they omit God in their ceremonies. Are they permitted to marry? The only reason why I stated the United States is because Israel, dominated by Jews and the birthplace of Jews, will honor same-sex marriages from other countries (i.e., if you're married in a country where same-sex marriage is legal then you're considered married in Israel). They also allow gays in the military -- you would think that a holy place like that would be more orthodox but it is not! Spain finally legalized same-sex marriage, and everyone in Europe was shocked, because Spain is a prominent Catholic and Christian country in European.

If these countries that gave birth to Abrahamic religions can separate church from state then why can't America, which is supposed to represent a freedom that is inspiring? That freedom is in our first amendment, the freedom of religion or to practice and worship according to each individual's denomination and/or faith. My faith accepts same-sex marriages. I guess I wouldn't want anyone to tell me that I can't marry who I love based on their faith, belief, fear or bigotry because it is really my marriage -- not yours."