Issue date: 11/8/05 Section: News

God will ensure Proposition 2 passes Tuesday, said Texas House Representative Warren Chisum, author of the proposition.

"My God is more powerful than their god, whoever that might be," Chisum said.

Proposition 2, which will be voted on Tuesday, is a proposed amendment to the Texas Constitution, which would ban same-sex marriage.

Many students and residents gathered Monday night at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater to rally in support of Proposition 2, while others protested the rally because they were against the proposed amendment.

All people should be treated equally, regardless of their sexual preference, said Dana Allen, a resident of Trinity and a protestor at the rally.

"There is already so much that is bad in the world," Allen said. "When two people find love, no matter what their sexual orientation may be, it should be celebrated."

Allen said allowing discrimination into the Constitution opens the door for further oppression down the line.

"It's one thing for people to hold beliefs, but changing the Constitution is serious," Allen said. "I've been with my partner for 14 years and to be able to have legal protection under the law and get the same benefits as others is something we would love. It's something worth fighting for."

Chisum said he has been a Christian since age 12 and believes marriage should be between a man and a woman.

"I authored Proposition 2 - two meaning one man and one woman," Chisum said. "This is what God intended."

Chisum said he urged others to go vote if they have not done so already.

"All it takes for bad things to happen to your state is for good people to do nothing," Chisum said. "I urge each of you not to be silent. We need a victory to show God's people are still in control."

Ann Gillard, a graduate student studying recreation park and tourism sciences, protested Proposition 2, but was asked to leave by the rally's organizers.

"I live in the neighborhood and come to this park all the time," Gillard said. "They told me this was a private event and asked me to leave. It bothers me that my rights are being trampled by haters even here in my own neighborhood."

Illustration by Andrew Burleson and Wade Barker

Gillard said she and her friends greatly oppose Proposition 2 and have come up with a new slogan to get their message across: "Flush number two."

Chairwoman of the Republican Party of Texas Chairwoman Tina Benkiser said the majority of Texans believe marriage should be considered a union between a man and a woman.

"We are the only state in the nation where this is on the ballot tomorrow," Benkiser said. "The world is watching us. We can't let a vocal minority tell we, the people, what to do."

Benkiser said committed homosexual relationships last a fraction of the time heterosexual relationships do and that they face health-related problems.

"Homosexual men have hundreds of partners, and many claim thousands of partners over the years," Benkiser said. "Those in homosexual relationships are more likely to get life-threatening diseases. They are also more likely to suffer mental problems and commit suicide."


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