Your State This Fall
A number of states faced important ballot initiatives this fall. NCLR was involved with various efforts across the country to help ensure that the civil and human rights of LGBT people in this nation are protected regardless of what happens at the ballot box.
In 2006, Arizona voters voted against writing discrimination into their state constitution. Two years later, the same discriminatory amendment was back on the ballot and was approved by voters. Proposition 102, the so-called "Marriage Protection Amendment," denies LGBT individuals their fundamental right to marry.
For results from Arizona on Proposition 102, see the Arizona Secretary of State’s website at http://www.azsos.gov/results/2008/general/BM102.htm
Arkansas voters passed a far-reaching Unmarried Couple Adoption Ban which bans adoption or foster care by any individual cohabiting outside of a recognized marriage. This means anyone who cannot or chooses not to get legally married, regardless of sexual orientation, is not be able to provide a loving home to the many children in Arkansas who are desperate for one.
For results from Arkansas on Proposed Initiative Act No. 1, see the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website at http://www.arelections.org/
On May 15, 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled that denying same-sex couples the right to marry violates the promise of equal protection in the California Constitution and that loving and committed couples have a fundamental right to marry the person of their choosing regardless of sexual orientation.
Election results not yet known on Proposition 8 in California! For information on results from California, see the No on 8 campaign website at http://www.noonprop8.com/.
Florida voters passed Amendment 2 , which not only bans marriage for same-sex couples, but also takes away important family protections, health care insurance, hospital visitation and medical decision-making authority, from all unmarried couples, same-sex and opposite sex. It permanently bans civil unions and dismantles domestic partner benefits.
For results from Florida on Amendment 2, see the Florida Department of State Division of Elections at http://enight.dos.state.fl.us/