Prop. 8 is an infringement on freedoms

The ads on television in support of Proposition 8 imply that religious gay marriage puts freedom at risk. Yes, Proposition 8 does indeed involve religious freedom. But the ads have it backwards.

Proposition 8 is an attempt to put religious dogma into the California state constitution, dogma not universally shared by all faiths. There are indeed longestablished religions that support civil marriages for samegender couples.

For example, the Union for Reform Judaism, representing approximately 1,000 Reform congregations in North America, formally resolved in 1997 to support civil marriages for same-gender couples. This merely reflected the resolution adopted the previous year by the Central Conference of American Rabbis, representing about 1,700 Reform rabbis.

In addition to Reform Judaism, the largest branch of Judaism in the United States, California's senior Episcopal bishops, the UnitarianUniversalist Church, and the United Church approve of same-gender civil marriages. Thus, Proposition 8 would impose religious dogma on all of us, including those whose religions have an opposing view. This is the real threat against religious freedom.

This month, my wife and I will celebrate our 44th wedding anniversary. We both feel that the strength of our marriage is not impaired when two men or two women want the same legal commitment that we have.

No, you don't have to accept same-gender marriage. Buy why do you have to impose your belief on the rest of us? Vote no on Proposition 8. David E. Ross Oak Park