Arizona Proposition 102 (2008)

Arizona Proposition 102 is a proposed amendment to the Constitution of Arizona defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Along with similar measures in California and Florida, Proposition 102 will be decided by voters in the general election on November 4th, 2008.

Text of Proposition 102

The text of Proposition 102 states: “Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state.” [cite web|url=http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/legtext/48leg/2r/bills/scr1042h.htm|title=Senate Concurrent Resolution 1042|date=2008-08-26]

On August 26, 2008 the Arizona Attorney General and Secretary Of State agreed that the ballot description will state that same-sex marriage is already prohibited by statute. [cite web|url=http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/254755|title=Voters to be told gay vows already banned|date=2008-08-27|work=The Arizona Daily Star|accessdate=2008-09-01]

Analysis

Proposition 102 would not change existing Arizona law—its definition is consistent with existing statute [cite web|url=http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/25/00101.htm&Title=25&DocType=ARS|title=Arizona Revised Statues 25-101|date=2008-08-26] —and therefore would likely not have a noticeable effect if passed. By placing a definition of marriage in the Constitution of Arizona, however, the definition of marriage could not be changed by either the state legislature or the state judiciary.

Supporters and Opponents

As of August 27, 2008 three committees related to Proposition 102 have been registered with the Secretary of State [cite web|url=http://www.azsos.gov/cfs/CommitteeSearchResults.aspx|title=Political Committees, Arizona Ballot Measure|date=2008-08-26] : YESforMarriage.com supporting Prop 102 is the one committee in support, and the two committees in opposition are No on Prop 102 and Arizona Together Opposed to Prop 102.

Supporters say that Proposition 102 is necessary to prevent judges changing the legal definition of marriage, as was done in Massachusetts and California. Opponents say that Proposition 102 is unnecessary because same-sex marriage is already illegal in Arizona. Other opponents protest against the proposition on the grounds that love is love, no matter what sex.

Miscellaneous

Proposition 102 was placed on the ballot via referendum rather than through the initiative process on the last day of the legislative session; presiding State Senator Jack Harper faced an ethics investigation over allegedly violating Senate rules by cutting off the microphones of two senators who were attempting to filibuster the bill [cite web|url=http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/local/92134.php|title=State senator faces ethics probe in same-sex marriage debate|date=2008-07-29|work=Tuscon Citizen|accessdate=2008-09-01] . Despite the fact that Sen. Harper has admitted to intentionally cutting off the microphones [cite web|url=http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/121807|title=Ethics Committee to question Harper in microphone flap|date=2008-07-28|work=East Valley Tribune|accessdate=2008-09-17] , a Senate ethics committee consisting three Republicans and two Democrats voted 3-2, along party lines, to dismiss the charges. [cite web|url=http://www.fox11az.com/news/topstories/stories/kmsb20080813jc-panel-dismisses-complaint-az-senato.424bf605.html|title=Panel dismisses complaint against Ariz. senator|date=2008=08-13|work=Associated Press|accessdate=2008-09-17]

In 2006, a similar measure, Proposition 107, was defeated in the general election.

References

See also

* List of Arizona Ballot Propositions

External links

* [http://yesformarriage.com/ YESforMarriage.com] (Yes on Prop 102)
* [http://www.yesto102.com/ Yesto102.com] (Yes on Prop 102)
* [http://www.aztogether.org Arizona Together] (No on Prop 102)
* [http://votenoprop102.com/ No on Prop 102] (No on Prop 107)
* [http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Arizona_Marriage_Protection_Amendment_(2008) Arizona Proposition 102 (2008) - Ballotpedia]