Proposition 102 is simple and the message crystal-clear: A marriage in the state of Arizona is defined as the union of one man and one woman.
However, this 20-word proposition has sparked quite a bit of controversy in Arizona.
The “Yes For Marriage” and “Arizona Together Opposed to Prop 102” campaigns recently launched televisions advertisements advocating their support or opposition to the new amendment.
Spokeswoman for the “Yes For Marriage” campaign Kelly Molique said the amendment is necessary to prevent future lawmakers from changing the existing laws.
Currently, Arizona law bans same-sex marriage.
“A law can be changed at any time by judges or politicians, so in order for Arizonans to decide how they want marriage to be defined for future generations, supporters need to vote to make marriage a union between one man and one woman,” Molique said. “If they want to see it remain a union between one man and one woman, as many Arizonans believe, than voters will support this amendment.”
As of Sept. 22 the committee’s financial reports showed the “Yes for Marriage” campaign raised more than $7 million while the “Arizona Together” campaign raised more than $42,000.
In 2006 Arizona was the only state to strike down a proposed amendment banning same-sex marriage from the state constitution.
Supporters say Proposition 102 is completely different from the previous amendment.
“The amendment focuses on the definition of marriage and nothing else,” Molique said. “People who say it does anything besides define what a marriage is have not read the language of amendment.”
Proposition 102 does not discuss issues concerning domestic partnerships and marriage benefits for same-sex couples.
Opponents argue Arizona already voted “no” in 2006 on a similar initiative and should not be asked to do so again.
Stephanie Mahan, co-director of ASU’s Human Rights Campaign and spokeswoman for “Arizona Together Opposed to Prop 102” said it’s a waste of time for politicians to dedicate resources.
“Politicians need to stay focused on more monumental issues that face Arizonans, such as the economy, the cost of gasoline, immigration and the mortgage crisis,” said Mahan, a creative writing sophomore.
With only three weeks left until Election Day, Arizona voters remain split on Proposition 102.
Young Democrats Communication Director Erica Pederson said she is against Proposition 102.
“It is offensive that a bunch of legislatures are not going to listen to voters and are trying to get this passed again,” said Pederson, a political science and philosophy sophomore.
Opponents of Proposition 102 say the amendment undermines the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgendered and people questioning their gender and sexuality.
“Furthermore, I am a strong supporter of equal rights, and I think this kind of legislation attacks LGBTQ, and I believe that gays and lesbians should have the right to get married like the rest of Americans,” Pederson said.
Pederson said she thinks the proposed amendment is a Republican Party tactic to get far right conservatives, who haven’t been very supportive of McCain, to turnout at the polls.
Former College Republican Director of Membership Billy Watson is confident the amendment will pass this time around. He said the 2006 initiative was too verbose, which deterred people from supporting the bill.
“I think Prop 102 simplifies everything, and it actually puts a definition to marriage, which is good because I think the current definition is very vague,” said Watson, a political science sophomore. “I think this is the way to go for Arizonans right now.”
Reach the reporter at lauren.gambino@asu.edu.
