Against bishop's plea, city council passes anti-Prop. 8 resolution

San Diego, Calif., Oct 29, 2008 / 17:09 pm

Despite the opposition of the auxiliary bishop of San Diego and many pro-marriage demonstrators, the San Diego City Council on Monday voted to pass a resolution opposing Proposition 8, which would restore the definition of marriage as being a union between a man and a woman.  Meanwhile, the pro-marriage campaign has challenged the California school superintendent to debate how same-sex marriage would be taught in public schools.

In an October 21 letter Bishop Salvatore Cordileone had asked the council not to pass the resolution, arguing it would be divisive.

“Please do not divide our community any more bitterly than it already is,” he wrote.

The council passed the resolution by a vote of 6 to 2, the California Catholic Daily reports. The motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilwoman Toni Atkins, an open lesbian who “married” her partner in September.

The preamble of the resolution asserted that Proposition 8 would limit marriage to individuals of the opposite sex and agreed with the proposal’s opponents that the California Constitution “should guarantee the same freedoms and rights to everyone, and that the freedom to marry is fundamental to our society, just like the freedoms of speech and religion.”

The resolution also agreed with opponents of the measure that “the institution of marriage conveys dignity and respect to the lifetime commitment that a couple makes.”

According to the resolution, no public funds will be used to campaign for or against the measure.

In related news, the Protectmarriage.com Yes on 8 campaign on Tuesday challenged California Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell to a live televised debate this weekend to address claims that same-sex marriage will be taught in public schools.

"The No on Proposition 8 campaign has been airing television and radio ads featuring Jack O'Connell accusing us of running a 'shameful' campaign," said Ron Prentice, the chairman of Protectmarriage.com - Yes on 8.

"There is nothing shameful about telling the truth. This is the most critical issue of the campaign. Voters deserve an opportunity to hear for themselves what will happen, and indeed what is already happening, if we do not restore traditional marriage in California on Election Day. Given his strong statements, I'm sure O'Connell will have no problem accepting."

Recent reports have shown homosexual advocacy to be taking place through California public schools.

Earlier this month a San Francisco first grade class was taken on an official school field trip to a lesbian wedding, in what was called a “public relations nightmare.” Last week, a Hayward elementary school held a “National Coming Out Day” for kindergarteners, with parents reportedly being told they could not opt-out.