I stand with Fred:

Proposition 2 is one of nine constitutional amendments Texans face on the ballot on November 8, 2005. Approval places it in the “Bill of Rights” of the Texas State Constitution. Proposition 2 reads as follows:

“(a) Marriage in this state shall consist only of the union of one man and one woman. (b) This state or a political subdivision of this state may not create or recognize any legal status identical or similar to marriage.”

Some Texans favor Proposition 2 because it seems to be a simple "definition" that limits marriage in Texas to "the union of one man and woman." Their support is expressed in terms of protecting marriage from being legally redefined by an “activist judge,” who might declare the State’s “Defense of Marriage Act (2003)” unconstitutional. However, a simple “definition” and some constitutional protection are not really what they want. Such supporters of Proposition 2 reveal their real agenda in the added words that ban the creation or recognition of “any legal status identical or similar to marriage.” They want not only to prevent same-sex covenant relationships from being legally identified as marriage, but also to deny same-sex couples any legal status approximating marriage. As a Texan, who is concerned about issues of justice and equality, I am opposed to Proposition 2. Here are my reasons:

1. Justice, whatever else it means, certainly means not opening the Texas Constitution to the unjust consequences some families will face, if this amendment is approved. Under a strict interpretation of the proposed amendment, families founded with “common law marriages,” could have their legal status voided. Families, who do not fit the one man – one woman marriage prototype and who raise children without legal adoptions, could see their children lose all rights of inheritance. Justice is not done, when all our families are not equally valued or when some families have limits placed on their fundamental right to protect their loved ones. Proposition 2’s denial of justice requires me to vote no!

2. Equality means that the Texas State Constitution should not create intentionally a second-class citizenship for approximately ten percent of our state’s population, who are Texans involved in long-term, committed, ethically responsible same-sex relationships. No equality exists in prohibiting the State from recognizing any legal status of some Texans’ relationships because they are similar to marriage. No equality exists in requiring some Texans to make special arrangements through guardianships, appointment of agents, and private contracts in order to arrange rights to hospital visitation, property and insurance benefits. No equality exists in placing discrimination and the denial of rights in the “Bill of Rights.” Proposition 2’s refusal of equality requires me to vote no!

In recent weeks, the truth has surfaced that the “marriage amendment” is a result of the unholy “marriage” of Governor Rick Perry’s politics and the religious-right’s politics. They want their narrow, absolutist moral beliefs to control the lives of all Texans. This is vicious ideological bigotry. Known as the Texas Restoration Project, this coalition has sponsored closed door meetings with religious-right pastors and leaders. A Texas Restoration Project DVD makes it plain that they consider themselves speaking for God and for faithful Christians. Clearly, they do not represent the mainstream, faithful Jews, Catholics and Protestants, who seek God’s justice and equality in all human relationships. Proposition 2’s constitutional empowerment of absolutist religious beliefs and narrow moral understanding requires me to vote no! .

Please join me in casting your vote against Proposition 2 on November 8 or even sooner through early voting, which begins on October 24. Together let us defeat a Constitutional amendment that discriminates against families. The Texas Bill of Rights must not be amended to deny justice and equality. Please forward this message or any revision, which makes it your own, to all of your friends and colleagues as an invitation to join us in voting against Proposition 2.

With great concern and hope,
Fred Kandeler, United Methodist Retired Clergy