Tolerance:

1. a tolerating or being tolerant, esp. of views, beliefs, practices, etc. of others that differ from one's own
2. freedom from bigotry or prejudice

Tolerance is the act of acceptance.  There are things that we do not necessarily agree with, but tolerate.  Tolerance has become an essential to a democratic and free country like the United States, ever since World War II, where millions of people were systematically murdered and executed for their beliefs, appearance, and faith. As humans, we are naturally animalistic in our dealings with each other, but fortunately, we are capable of becoming civilized.  However, discrimination is still widespread in present day cultures.

The upcoming elections include a proposition that basically bans homosexual marriage.  Proposition 8 was proposed by over one million Californian voters in the summer of 2008 in a response to court ruling. The court was presided by four state judges and the four judges ruled that Proposition 22, a former proposition that passed in 2002 that defined marriage as between a man and woman, was unconstitutional.  This allowed homosexuals to marry and have their marriage recognized in the court of law. 

Obviously, out of fairness, four people cannot overturn the decision made by 62% of Californian voters, so thousands of people petitioned for a new proposition to be spearheaded in the November election to reestablish the ban on homosexual marriage. The pro gay marriage camp of course would not allow this act of intolerance to happen. Both sides have spent a record amount of money in campaign history to fight for votes.

Neighborhoods can be seen as a patchwork of Proposition 8 proponents and opponents.  Signs line up in yards and are displayed by voters as a way to advertise for their campaign, and also to remind others of their own beliefs.

How exactly does this relate to tolerance?  Opponents of Proposition 8 believe that marriage is a right, and those who support it are being intolerant of homosexuals. 

This Proposition is however, not about rights, but rather the definition of marriage. The proposition simply adds the fourteen words:

“Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”

The following is an taken from Californian Family Codes:

        297.5.  (a) Registered domestic partners shall have the same rights,

protections, and benefits, and shall be subject to the same

responsibilities, obligations, and duties under law, whether they

derive from statutes, administrative regulations, court rules,

government policies, common law, or any other provisions or sources

of law, as are granted to and imposed upon spouses.

   (b) Former registered domestic partners shall have the same

rights, protections, and benefits, and shall be subject to the same

responsibilities, obligations, and duties under law, whether they

derive from statutes, administrative regulations, court rules,

government policies, common law, or any other provisions or sources

of law, as are granted to and imposed upon former spouses.

   (c) A surviving registered domestic partner, following the death

of the other partner, shall have the same rights, protections, and

benefits, and shall be subject to the same responsibilities,

obligations, and duties under law, whether they derive from statutes,

administrative regulations, court rules, government policies, common

law, or any other provisions or sources of law, as are granted to

and imposed upon a widow or a widower.

Homosexuals do in fact have the same rights as do heterosexuals in marriage rights. The push for gay marriage isn’t about rights, but legally defining marriage as both homosexual and heterosexual.

What the problem is, both sides accuse each other of intolerance.  In all respect, how are we the people, or the government to decide whether marriage is definitely considered a right, or that gays can be married?

I am a supporter of Proposition 8, and the problem I see is that people who just read that I am a supporter may have already stopped reading.  The problem is tolerance.  Those who oppose this legislation may think I am a bigot, a religious zealot, a homophobe, or maybe a mix of all three.  The thing is, I am a reasonable person, and I will always try to find alternative information other than the church. The church will base an argument on God, but because government is secular, God is not valid in an argument with secularists so I believe that what is right. Whether it is based on a religious foundation or a secular foundations, the truth in what is right will stand firm.

I really did not base my opinions and beliefs just on religion alone. I read through articles and research everything before making that decision in the first place. I still get called out as a bigot and of being intolerant. I don’t understand why other voters do not read through things and do some research before making decisions.  That is true tolerance when you make a decision based on research and answer seeking rather than jumping on the band wagon.

Most of everyone that I talked to who is opposing Proposition 8 did not even know what the proposition is doing, legally.  They did not know what domestic partnership was. Proponents of the Proposition are no better when they truly do vote Yes out of hatred of gays, and or true bigotry.

I really do respect persons who are gay and I love them like any other person.  I may not agree with their lifestyle, but I respect their lifestyle.  Voting no would mean that I would be agreeing to their lifestyle, which I don’t.  I will not turn down my beliefs and have tolerance forced down my throat. We can respect and honor those who have different lifestyles and beliefs, but we cannot be forced to accept and agree to them in name of tolerance, or tolerance itself would be a hypocritical term for this situation.

What is popular is not always right. What is right is not always popular.  I encourage everyone to be tolerant, and by doing that; respect and honor people and beliefs that are different, but do not be discourage to disagree in civil manner.