Letters: In the wake of Prop. 8

Re “Defending all initiatives,” Editorial, July 7

While it may be appropriate to devise a means for defending propositions when state officials refuse to do so, the editorial mentions the very reasons why this is not generally a problem, especially in the case of Proposition 8.

The Times notes that state officials’ refusal to defend is rare. More important, you note that, even when this occurs, there are almost always parties who can demonstrate having been harmed by overturning an initiative, and any such person would have standing.

The fact that there was no one who could show how they were harmed by denying others’ rights — thus no one who could show “standing” — is the main reason Proposition 8 was unconstitutional in the first place. It was a purely discriminatory way to deny others equal rights.

Douglas Dunn

Escondido

Seven years ago, I entered into a domestic partnership. We were so excited when we called our family and friends, none of whom were surprised because David and I had been together for more than three years. Everyone said things like “That is great,” “Good for you” and “How nice.” And then everyone asked, “Exactly what does that mean?”

On July 5, my husband and I got married. This time when we called our family and friends, there were shouts of excitement and tears of joy. No one asked what it meant. Everyone understood.

Words matter.

Scott Whiteleather

Sherman Oaks

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