Changes

The proposition only affected whether same-sex couples could call themselves married under California law, and did not affect any substantive rights. Same-sex couples can still file joint state tax returns, adopt children, and enjoy other marital benefits under the California domestic partnership law. They could not call themselves under federal law anyway, and the federal government does not recognize any same-sex marriages.

The proposition only affected whether same-sex couples could call themselves married under California law, and did not affect any substantive rights. Same-sex couples can still file joint state tax returns, adopt children, and enjoy other marital benefits under the California domestic partnership law. They could not call themselves under federal law anyway, and the federal government does not recognize any same-sex marriages.

After the election, demonstrations and protests occurred across the state and nation. Numerous [[lawsuits]] were filed with the California Supreme Court by same-sex couples and government entities, challenging the proposition's validity and effect on previously administered same-sex marriages. The court heard oral arguments on March 5, 2009. It was deemed unconstitutional by the Federal District Court in San Francisco on August 4, 2010.

After the election, demonstrations and protests occurred across the state and nation. Numerous [[lawsuits]] were filed with the California Supreme Court by same-sex couples and government entities, challenging the proposition's validity and effect on previously administered same-sex marriages. The court heard oral arguments on March 5, 2009.

==History of Marriage in California==

==History of Marriage in California==

==Vandalism and Protests==

==Vandalism and Protests==

Both opponents and supporters of same-sex marriage vandalized Prop. 8-related yard signs, sent hate mail, and otherwise showed their dissent. One same-sex marriage supporter went so far as to issue death threats, which was condemned by both sides of the Prop. 8 fight.<ref>ABC 30HD, Fresno, CA. "[http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6479879 Prop 8 Threat: Fresno Police close to Arrest]"</ref>  Post-election anger among marriage equality advocates led to many protests and arrests.<ref>FoxNews.com, ''Several Gay Marriage Ban Protesters Arrested in Clashes With Police in California'', Thursday, November 06, 2008 [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,447744,00.html]</ref>  Continuing protests months after the election have led to more issues.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,450884,00.html Cross-Bearing Woman Says She Was Attacked by Gay Marriage Supporters, May Press Charges] </ref> Both The Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and Clovis Unitarian Universalist Church experienced vandalism from activists on either side of Proposition 8.<ref>[http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6479879 Prop 8 Threat: Fresno Police close to Arrest]</ref>

Supporters of same-sex marriage vandalized some "Yes on 8" signs, sent hate mail, and ultimately made death threats which caused at least one top supporter of Proposition 8 to hire a bodyguard.<ref>ABC 30HD, Fresno, CA. "[http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6479879 Prop 8 Threat: Fresno Police close to Arrest]"</ref>  Ultimately the realization that the people had spoken led to protests and arrests.<ref>FoxNews.com, ''Several Gay Marriage Ban Protesters Arrested in Clashes With Police in California'', Thursday, November 06, 2008 [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,447744,00.html]</ref>  Continuing protests months after the election have led to more issues.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,450884,00.html Cross-Bearing Woman Says She Was Attacked by Gay Marriage Supporters, May Press Charges] </ref> The Holy Redeemer Catholic Church was vandalized with the words Prop H8 and a Nazi swastika in spray paint. <ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=41858 San Francisco Catholic Church Attacked by Pro-Homosexual Marriage Vandals] CNSNews, January 13, 2009</ref> The slang H8 stands for 'Hate' or Proposition Hate.

==Aftermath==

==Aftermath==