Upholding Proposition 8 (Jan. 2009) PDF Print
As you know, last November a majority of Californians supported Proposition 8, an amendment to the state constitution defining marriage in California as between one man and one woman.  Proposition 8 was designed specifically to override an earlier ruling from the California Supreme Court that allowed same-sex marriages in our state.  I supported the amendment because, for thousands of years in nations around the world, marriage has been understood to be a relationship between a man and a woman. I believe it is a long-established institution that is fundamental to every aspect of our culture.

Just a few months after Proposition 8 passed, the California Supreme Court is already considering legal challenges claiming that the amendment itself was unconstitutional.   Because California is the most populous state in the country, the upcoming ruling will have a major impact on the national debate over marriage laws, and it could affect future cases challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act.  For these reasons, I have joined an American Center for Law and Justice legal brief to the California Supreme Court urging the justices to uphold Proposition 8 and the will of the people of California. By passing Proposition 8, Californians have again spoken on the importance of defending traditional marriage in our state, and I firmly believe the courts should respect this decision.