Dear Justices of the Supreme Court of California-

I write to you regarding Proposition 8, which seems so clearly a contradiction of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

The motivation behind Prop 8 was based entirely upon religious dogma. Regardless of how it was passed, we now have a restrictive Christian tenet codified into law. To me, it looks a lot like the establishment of a state religion, with regards to anything pertaining to marriage.

Prop 8 prohibits the free exercise of religion. Faiths that practiced marriage equality are, by law, prohibited from doing so.

Prop 8 abridges freedom of speech. If a gay or lesbian couple attempts to declare their marriage they can only do so by committing perjury, which risks rather undesirable consequences.

Pardon the stretch but Prop 8 even threatens our ability to peaceably assemble. When our system of justice defends us less than equally, it sends a clear message to bullies and bigots that they will be punished less for crimes against us.

And, as far as the economy goes, hard times may come and go, but if you let Prop 8 stand, you are slamming the door on the stream of gay and lesbian skilled labor, businesses and consumers that have long fled to California to escape the treatment they've found in other American states and from abroad. They are much less likely to choose California now, and our economy will suffer for it.

I understand that your duty is to uphold the laws of the State of California, and that Prop 8 is one of those laws. But when laws are unfair and unjust, it must be your responsibility to strike them down. If you do not say "NO" when people use the tools of democracy to destroy liberties, then who will?

Prop 8 is an ugly victory for the people of a particular kind of faith. You are allowing them to impose their will on all Californians. It is unfair, unjust and ultimately bad for this great state. Tell the churches to mind their own flocks as they see fit... but to leave the rest of us alone.

Please, I beg you, STRIKE PROP 8 DOWN.

Sincerely -- John P. Crane, San Diego, CA 92103

"The only problem with being gay is the bigots."