Proposition 3: Marriage vs. California

• California Family Council (CFC) strongly opposes Proposition 3 (formerly Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5), a critical measure on the November 2024 ballot that threatens to fundamentally alter the definition of marriage in California. Introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener and Assemblymember Evan Low, Proposition 3 seeks to repeal Proposition 8 and erase the language that upholds marriage as a union exclusively between one man and one woman. This foundational principle has been a bedrock of our society, and its removal could have far-reaching and destructive consequences.

Why Proposition 3 is a Direct Threat to Marriage

In 2008, California voters decisively passed Proposition 8, which added to the state constitution the clear statement: “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” This action was a direct response to the California Supreme Court’s decision that wrongly asserted a constitutional “right” to same-sex marriage. Although the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges effectively overruled Proposition 8, the language remains in our state constitution as a crucial safeguard of traditional marriage.

The Alarming Implications of Proposition 3

The introduction of Proposition 3 last year represents a significant escalation in the ongoing efforts to dismantle the traditional family structure. This constitutional amendment not only seeks to repeal Proposition 8 but also opens the door to potentially enshrining same-sex marriage and other non-traditional relationships into state law. The vague language of Proposition 3, which merely mentions “amend[ing] the Constitution of the State relating to marriage equality,” could lead to a range of unforeseen and dangerous consequences.

Recent Developments Highlight the Dangers

The recognition of polyamorous relationships by the cities of Berkeley and Oakland underscores the potential fallout of Proposition 3. If this measure is approved, similar policies could spread statewide, radically altering the social fabric and posing significant risks to the well-being of families and children. NPR reported on May 31, 2024, that these actions set a dangerous precedent, paving the way for the normalization of polygamy, child marriage, and even incestuous relationships.

Protecting Children and Families

As CFC President Jonathan Keller has stated, “The absence of any clear definition of marriage is alarming and paves the way for the legalization of polygamy, child marriage, and incestuous relationships. Stable, traditional marriages are vital for the well-being of children and society.” Proposition 3, by abolishing the historic definition of marriage, threatens the stability of family life and the well-being of children across California.

A Call to Action

This latest initiative is not just about legal definitions; it centers family life around the desires of adults rather than the rights and needs of children. The California Family Council urges all Californians to stand against Proposition 3, protecting the sanctity of marriage as a union between one man and one woman. We must prioritize the best interests of children and the future of society.

Join Us in Defending Marriage

The battle over Proposition 3 is a pivotal moment for our state. Upholding the true definition of marriage is essential for the health and stability of our communities. Learn more and get involved by visiting our website and joining us in defending Proposition 8 to ensure that marriage remains a pillar of our society. Vote NO on Proposition 3 in November 2024.

Legal Arguments Explaining the Dangers and Implications of Proposition

• Alliance Defending in Freedom: California Prop 3: FAQ 
• National Center for Law and Policy: Please Vote “No” On Proposition 3, Assemblymember Evan Low’s Radical Expansion
  and Redefinition of Marriage
• Advocates for Faith and Freedom: Opposition to Proposition 3

References and Research:

• CFC Press Release on Proposition 3 (PDF)
• Why Marriage Matters for Child Wellbeing
• For Kids, Parental Cohabitation and Marriage Are Not Interchangeable
• Children First: Why Family Structure and Stability Matter for Children
• Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization
• Them Before Us: Marriage Matters
• Them Before Us: Same-Sex Parenting

• NPR Report: “Berkeley and Oakland Recognize Polyamorous Relationships” (May 31, 2024)
• Berkeleyside: Berkeley law extends legal protections to polyamorous people and non-nuclear families (May 22, 2024)
• California Family Council: Two CA Cities Push to Formally Recognize Polyamory (February 26, 2024)
• Fox News: ‘Pandora’s Box’ of polyamory, child marriages possible under proposed California amendment, group warns (June 19, 2024)