Initiative Filed To Repeal Prop 8 (And Eliminate Civil Marriage For Everyone)

One of the interesting developments in the post-Prop 8 aftermath is the idea that the State should get out of the marriage business altogether. Now, this idea has been realized in an active initiative constitutional amendment filed with the Attorney General which would do just that:

SUBSTITUTES DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP FOR MARRIAGE IN CALIFORNIA LAW. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE. Replaces the term “marriage” with the term “domestic partnership” throughout California law, but preserves the rights provided in marriage. Applies equally to all couples, regardless of sexual orientation. Repeals the provision in California’s Constitution that states only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: This measure would have an unknown fiscal effect on state and local governments. (09-0003.)

The initiative was proposed by two straight guys, Ali Shams and Kaelan Housewright who say that "the measure would provide equality to all couples, regardless of sexual orientation, while preserving marriage as a religious and social ceremony."