Proponents of Proposition 8 are asking us to take away the civil rights of hundreds of thousands of Californians. 

If approved by voters on Nov. 4, the ballot initiative would overturn a recent 4-3 California Supreme Court decision that upheld the right of same-sex couples to marry.

The high court held that a 1977 law and a 2000 ballot initiative that limited marriage to opposite-sex couples violated the state constitutional rights of same-sex couples

The Inquirer urges you vote no on Proposition 8. Two people of the same sex should have the same right to marry as opposite-sex couples and to enjoy the privileges that accompany it.

Voting down Proposition 8 would allow same-sex couples to continue to have the same equal access in emergency situations and medical care enjoyed by married, heterosexual couples.

Voting down Proposition 8 would legitimize same-sex led families in the eyes of the law, leaving lasting assurances to the children of these families that they too can be a part of a stable and permanent family.

Marriage carries with it many advantages, besides simply choosing to live forever with your soul mate. Married couples can file joint income tax returns and receive Social Security, Medicare, and disability benefits for their spouses.

They can receive insurance benefits through a spouse’s employer and have the right to take family leave to care for a partner who is ill. And married couples can receive lower prices on auto and health insurance.

To many of our generation, the court’s initial ruling was a no-brainer. There is still a wall of intolerance, however, when it comes to some voters.

Proponents of Proposition 8 have been airing catchy radio and television advertisements around the clock that feature San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsome and are filled with distortions and half-truths.

The ads appear to be paying off.

An Oct. 17 Survey USA poll revealed 48 percent now favor Proposition 8, 45 percent are opposed and 7 percent are still undecided. Contrast this with a Public Policy Institute of California poll released in the summer that showed 54 percent were then against Proposition 8.

Do your part.

Speak your friends and family, because every vote counts.

Heterosexual couples often take for granted the opportunities available through marriage. Don’t overlook same-sex couples when you go to the polls on November 4.

Vote no on Proposition 8 to protect the civil rights of all Californians.

More information is available at www.noonprop8.com.