From Dr. Don Fortson, associate professor of church history at Reformed Theological Seminary of Charlotte:

The passage of Proposition 8 in California (banning gay marriage) was a victory for democracy, a rebuke to activist judges and an affirmation of religious liberty. Gay-rights activists who have recruited politicians, academics and even a few clergy into championing their cause have not been able to convince Californians nor the vast majority of Americans who overwhelmingly support traditional marriage.

The American people just don't buy the logic that's used to legitimize gay marriage. There is an essential anatomical fit between the two sexes which allows them to propagate the species. The notion of “gay marriage” is unnatural and most people intuitively know this. The conservative Christian community has no desire to impose its religious convictions on anybody contrary to what some gay activists suggest. We affirm the religious pluralism of America. The founding fathers wisely disavowed the establishment of religion but also believed churches would help supply the moral backbone to the country. American Christians understand this to be their civic duty – to participate in our democracy and pursue the common good.

In the aftermath of the California vote on Proposition 8, some in the gay community immediately began name calling. The religious community was vilified as “intolerant” and “bigots.” Trying to marginalize others through name calling usually occurs when one runs out of convincing ideas.

Christians, in fact, are not “gay-haters” but have a sincere love for people who may identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender persons; all human beings are created by God and are worthy of love and respect. In the marketplace of ideas, both sides have a right to advocate their position. Voters should decide this issue, not judges, according to Californians and most Americans. Religious liberty to vote one's conscience is a freedom guaranteed to all Americans.