Eight years ago over 61 percent of California voters voted to define marriage as between a man and a woman. Recently, four San Francisco-based judges overruled the will of the people.

My name is Doug Willardson and I am a volunteer supervisor for the local chapter of the statewide ProtectMarriage Coalition, a broad-based coalition of organizations, churches and individuals, sponsoring a November ballot measure, Proposition 8.

Proposition 8 would amend the California state constitution to ensure that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." Proposition 8 is not an attack on the gay lifestyle; it is about preserving marriage. Proposition 8 does not take away any rights or benefits from gays or lesbians in domestic partnerships, which under California law, "shall have the same rights, protections and benefits" as married spouses. (Family Code Section 297.5)

I support Proposition 8 for several reasons. First, I believe that four judges should not redefine marriage contrary to history, the Bible, anatomy and the will of the majority of California voters. The people, not judges, should define marriage.

Second, I believe that if Proposition 8 is not passed my civil rights can and will be infringed upon. The free speech rights and the rights of conscience of Californians everywhere will be jeopardized. As evidence of this, just this Wednesday, the California Supreme Court ruled California doctors who have religious objections to artificially inseminating same-sex couples can no longer refuse to treat them. This ruling is the first of its kind in the nation.

And finally, I believe that a family with children raised by both a mother and father is and has been the fundamental unit of society from the beginning of time. Children raised in homes nurtured by the legal, communal and spiritual bonds of marriage between husband and wife are much more likely to become happy, productive members of society. (Schneider, 2005)

I invite all those who are interested in supporting Proposition 8 to join with me in a grass roots effort to "get out the vote." A kickoff meeting will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church located at 801 N. Main St., Lakeport, for anyone who is interested and lives in zip codes 95453, 95451, 95485, 95464 and 95458. We will let you know how you can best get involved at a level you are comfortable with.

Volunteers are needed to walk, phone, record, monitor and distribute. If you are unable to attend the meeting, or have additional questions please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call me at (801) 560-7908. The statewide coalition Web site is available at www.protectmarriage.com.

Proposition 8 is a simple and straight forward voter initiative to define marriage as between a man and a woman. Please help your friends and neighbors spread the importance of voting YES on Proposition 8.

Doug Willardson lives in Lakeport.

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