And, surprise, it's not what you think...
Have a look:
Why Prop. 8 is a losing proposition
Political mistakes have put the proposed same-sex marriage ban on the rocks.By Arnold Steinberg
July 12, 2008
In March 2000, Californians passed Proposition 22, making the Defense of Marriage Act law: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."
Now comes Proposition 8, the California Marriage Protection Act, on the Nov. 4 ballot. This too reads: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."
Proposition 22 was an "initiative statute"; Proposition 8 is an "initiative constitutional amendment." In 2000, Proposition 22 won, 61.4% to 38.6%, victorious in 52 of 58 counties. Proposition 8 is most likely going down to defeat in November. All because the folks who brought you Proposition 22 miscalculated in 2000, and now, with Proposition 8, they've compounded their error.
Proposition 22, once passed, had the force of law, but, as with all statutes, it was subject to judicial interpretation.
That's what happened when the state Supreme Court overturned it May 15, ruling that it conflicted with the California Constitution. Writing for the 4-3 majority, Chief Justice Ronald George said, "An individual's sexual orientation -- like a person's race or gender -- does not constitute a legitimate basis upon which to deny or withhold legal rights" -- in this case, the right to marry.More at link:
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-steinberg12-2008jul12,0,4554282.storyArnold Steinberg is a Republican political strategist and analyst.