Not to spoil the victory, but words of caution:
First, millions of people in our state did not vote with us. While we had 61% with Prop. 22, we had markedly less than that this round. And our high schoolers can tell us how the up-and-coming voters are likely to approach this issue. While these folks lost today, they have only to look a few years down for strong support.
Second, given the aforementioned decline in proponent votes, today the No folks are already planning the next round. We picked the battleground for the fight to win this election -- the classrooms -- so I would guess that's where they go next. Our state superintendent, who appeared on the No ads, will likely be quickly crafting an updated curricula to implement diversity education in all our schools -- "whether you like it or not." Our kids in the classrooms may not be taught a liberal definition of "marriage," but there are another couple of provisions in the state Education Code that refer to diversity education, including "sexual orientation." If you google "California Code," you'll get a website that allows you to search the Code. Check the Education Code box and type "sexual orientation" in the search box. Note that there are no parental notification and opt-out provisions for diversity education.
Third, there is a giant snake out there that reared his head on Monday to reveal one of its intended targets -- us. My guess would be that the idea for the "missionary" ad has been around for awhile and allowing it to be released, in limited form, on Monday was to gauge how it would be received. The proverbial seed has been planted. In the next round, I think we might be prepared for very pointed attacks at our faith.
Fourth, while we had some support from other churches on this matter, it paled in comparison to the sacrifices and efforts made within our church. Yes, we are geographically organized which helps with these efforts. Yes, we have a lay clergy that is removed from other churches' pastors' concerns about church finances. But we need to have other churches be much more involved next time if the other side decides to make our church a focus....Because next time will come.
Fifth and I'll stop spoiling the party here, the laws that are given higher status than our ineffective free exercise rights are still on the books and people will be even keener to enforce them against people who would choose to peaceably live their lives in accordance with their conscience. The battle continues on that front.
So we push along and continue to make our voices clear...
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