Same-Sex Marriage Bans On The Ballot In California & Hawaii

Statewide ballot measures in California & Hawaii would remove same-sex marriage bans from state constitutions this November

 

On November 5th, voters in California and Hawaii have the chance to remove same-sex marriage bans from their state constitutions by voting on two statewide ballot measures described below. 

 

Passing these constitutional amendments will protect marriage equality for LGBTQ+ couples at the state level, guaranteeing their right to marry even if Obergefell v Hodges is overturned on a national level by the US Supreme Court in the future.

 

Related: The Threat to Same-Sex Marriage in a Post-Roe World

 

 

In California, ballot measure Proposition 3 (Prop. 3), titled Constitutional Right to Marriage. Legislative Constitutional Amendment, would remove language from the California Constitution that says marriage is only between a man and a woman; and add a section that says “The right to marry is a fundamental right.” This would help protect the right of all people to marry in California regardless of race, sex, or gender. 

 

Read more about Proposition 3 in the California General Election Voter Information Guide - Prop 3

 

 

In Hawaii, ballot measure Remove Legislature Authority to Limit Marriage to Opposite-Sex Couples Amendment would remove language from the Constitution of Hawaii that says "the legislature shall have the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples.” Repealing this section of the constitution would help protect the right for same-sex couples to marry in Hawaii. 

 

Read more about Hawaii’s 2024 marriage equality ballot measure by visiting the Hawaii Office of Elections 2024 Proposed Amendments to the Hawaii State Constitution

 

 

Why repeal same-sex marriage bans if they aren’t enforceable?

 

Some voters may wonder, what’s the point? Since same-sex marriage was legalized in both Hawaii and California in 2013, and has been protected at the federal level since 2015, when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality in Obergefell v. Hodges, why is it still important to remove discriminatory language and same-sex marriage bans from their state constitutions?  

 

Voting to repeal these bans is important for two reasons: 

 

One, it sends a clear message to LGBTQ+ people living in these states that their lives, families, and happiness are important to their neighbors and the people who govern them. And two, more practically, it further protects the right to marry in these states, even if Obergefell v Hodges is overturned in the future. This has become a concern, as two prominent Supreme Court Justices have threatened to overturn Obergefell if they are given the opportunity.

 

Voting to protect marriage equality is always worth the effort! 

 

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Read Next: 

 

How to Officiate a Same-Sex Wedding Ceremony

Same-Sex Wedding Ceremony Script with Reflection on Marriage Equality
 

When was same-sex marriage legalized in the U.S.? Is it legal in all 50 states?

 

Click the link about to read an inclusive wedding officiant script for officiating a same-sex wedding, or for anyone who wants to celebrate Marriage Equality on their wedding day!

 

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