So, you've put a Yes on 102 sign in your front yard and you're telling all of your friends and family about Prop 102's 20 simple words that define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Great! But now you want to have a more in-depth conversation with your neighbor who is not sure how to vote on Prop 102. Here are answers to some of the questions that might come up in your conversation.
Why do we need Prop 102?
There's a big difference between a law (also known as a statute) and a constitutional amendment. A law or statute can be easily changed by politicians or activist judges; a constitutional amendment cannot. Three courts - Massachusetts, California, and Connecticut - have overturned state marriage laws! This shows that marriage can be redefined by judges unless the people define marriage in the state constitution.
I don't think politicians should be involved in marriage.
Me either! That's why Prop 102 is so great. Prop 102 lets the people decide on the definition of marriage and takes it out of the hands of politicians and judges. If you don't want politicians involved in marriage, that's the best reason to vote YES on 102!
Didn't we already vote on this?
Nope. In 2006, the voters focused on a different issue--benefits for unmarried couples. Prop 102 is a different amendment with different language. Prop 102 is 20 simple and clear words that define marriage as only the union of one man and one woman. That's all.
But, I believe everyone is entitled to the same rights. Doesn't Prop 102 take rights away from some people?
No. Prop 102 does not take rights away from anyone. Prop 102 simply defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Everyone has the right to live as they choose, but no one has the right to redefine marriage for all of society. Voting "yes" on Prop 102 secures the definition of marriage for future generations.
Shouldn't the politicians be worrying about more important things like the state's budget deficit?
Good thing Prop 102 is up to the people not the politicians! Prop 102 has nothing to do with the state's budget deficit. That's an issue for the state legislature to figure out. Prop 102 is an issue for the people to vote on to secure the definition of marriage in our state constitution.
Isn't Prop 102 just about forcing religious beliefs into government?
Not at all! The truth is that support for defining marriage as one man and one woman cuts across all religious, political, and cultural lines. That's because Arizonans understand that marriage is much more than a legal arrangement between two people - marriage has an impact on the entire society.
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