It is a bittersweet moment in our history when we as a nation take a historical and healing step forward in electing the first African American president of the United States. Sadly, at the same time, the state of California takes a giant leap backward in the passing of Proposition 8.

Never before in our history have we voted to rescind an already protected right from a minority group of human beings.

The governor is correct by questioning the constitutionality of Prop. 8's ban on samesex marriage, as the constitution calls for the rights and civil liberties of all people, not just the ones ordained by any given church. Just because certain churches do not condone samesex marriage, it does not allow them to dictate their morals or beliefs in a secular constitution.

The high courts have agreed to review this, as they should, for there is significant legal precedent to overturn Prop. 8, just like the one that preceded it. The high court has already ruled that it is illegal to discriminate based on one's sexual orientation.

Rest assured, there will be some political fallout, and some high court justices could face recall attempts, but at the end of the day they realize that they took an oath to uphold the law and not judge based on any political or religious views.

I can also assure that the churches won't ever be marrying any same-sex couples, so for those of you thinking you're going to show up at church one day and witness a same-sex marriage, don't get your hopes up.

It's said that homophobia is a result of a repressed curiosity or even real homosexual tendencies. Maybe this is why there are so many closet homosexuals in the church as well as politics.

Regardless, unless the churches want to give up their tax-exempt status they should refrain from forcing their religious beliefs in the form of discriminatory and unlawful amendments to the constitution. Luke 6:31: "Do to others as you would have them do to you."

Besides, democracy is not majority/mob rule. Fortunately, the governor and our high courts already do. Dennis McKee Simi Valley