Yes on Proposition 3
Marriage equality
What is it?
Prop 3, also known as the California Marriage Equality Amendment, would repeal Proposition 8 and explicitly recognize marriage as a fundamental right for all individuals, regardless of gender or race.
Proposition 8, passed in 2008, defines marriage in the California Constitution as between a man and a woman. Although Proposition 8 is unenforceable due to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, the discriminatory language remains in the state constitution.
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Fiscal impacts
There are no fiscal impacts.
- See "Fiscal Effects" section of the Legislative Analyst's Office report (PDF)
Why is this on the ballot?
According to Article XVIII of the California Constitution, amendments to the California Constitution initiated by the State Legislature must first be approved by a supermajority of both houses and the amendment must then be approved by voters with a simple majority of 50% + 1.
- Authors: Evan Low
- Co-authors: All the Democrats in the Assembly
- Placed on ballot by: Vote of both houses of the Legislature
- View vote details on leginfo
Why vote Yes?
All people have a fundamental right to marry the person they love. Prop 3 would guarantee that right at the highest level for California.
Importantly, this constitutional amendment would ensure this right is protected in California, even if things change at the federal level. No city, state, or federal law could violate it, making it the strongest defense against any nationwide restriction on marriage equality.
Vote YES on Prop 3 to protect this right for Californians – now, and for generations to come.