Prop 8: Debunking the Misleading Scare Tactics

Education and legal experts debunk the false and misleading scare tactics employed by the proponents of Proposition 8 in their newest ad.

• Delaine Easton, Former CA Superintendant of Public Instruction
• Karen Getman, Partner, Remcho, Johansen and Purcell
• Ted Mitchell, President, California State Board of Education

The most compelling claim made by proponents of Proposition 8 is that schools will be obligated to "indoctrinate" children, teaching them about gay marriage.

In a conference call this afternoon, opponents to Proposition 8 -- which would outlaw same-sex marriage in California -- provided some necessary counterpoint. In doing so, they are attempting to thwart the misleading efforts of Prop 8 proponents to scare voters into approving the measure.

Mr. Mitchell said that he is "personally disgusted by the campaign being waged and the misleading advertising. This is political campaigning at its worst." He went on to confirm that There is nothing about Proposition 8 that is connected, in any way with education.

Ms. Getman reminds us that this issue was already litigated before a conservative Republican judge in Sacramento in consideration of the wording on the ballot. The Court concluded that state law clearly does not require schools to teach anything about gay marriage. In spite of that ruling, proponents of Proposition 8 have launched a misleading campaign to sway voters. She added that they have a First Amendment right to lie.