Sheldon, Toledano clash on Prop. 22

Greg Risling

COSTA MESA -- A conservative Christian leader asserted in a debate

Tuesday with a local activist attorney that state Proposition 22 is

needed to ensure a ban on same-sex wedlock, which he says would damage

the sanctimony created between men and women.

The Rev. Louis Sheldon, chairman of the Traditional Values Coalition,

squared off against Jim Toledano, a leading member of the Orange County

Democratic Party and chairman of the local movement that opposes the

state proposition, at Whittier Law School.

About 150 people, most of whom are enrolled at the law school, attended

the event.

Both men were surprised the measure made the March 7 ballot, but

nonetheless had differing opinions. The measure, if approved by voters,

would validate in California only marriages between a man and a woman, no

matter where the marriage took place.

Toledano said if the measure passes, it would widen the chasm between

homosexuals and heterosexuals.

“Approving this would say that same-sex relationships are less than

others and should be devalued,” he said. “This measure is being trumpeted

as a rejection of homosexuals and their relationships.”

Opponents of the measure argue that gay partners would be denied many of

the same benefits given to straight couples such as inheriting money

after a spouse’s death.

Sheldon countered by saying same-sex marriages would corrupt the morals

and beliefs society has valued for centuries. Sheldon, himself, said he

doesn’t oppose gay relationships, but added that same-sex marriage would

be crossing the boundaries.

“The issue isn’t a matter of civil rights to us ... it’s about the

protection of marriage,” he said. “This has always been about a man and a

woman. How can you change that without harming it [the sacrament of

marriage]?”

The debate became dicey at times, straying into sexual terminology with

occasional religious undertones that made good fodder for the college

crowd. Richard Barnwell said he appreciated viewpoints from both sides,

but plans to vote against the measure in two weeks.

“You have to admire Sheldon’s belief and faith, but I think the whole

argument against same-sex marriages has always been weak,” said Barnwell,

a second-year law student.

Tuesday’s debate is a microcosm of the controversy surrounding same-sex

marriages across the nation. Although no state has approved same-sex

marriages, Vermont and Hawaii have grappled with the issue. State

legislators have recognized domestic partnerships between gays, but

same-sex marriages have been met with apprehension in Sacramento.

“I don’t believe a small percentage of people should redefine what

marriage means in our society,” said Carolyn Roney, volunteer coordinator

for Newport Beach’s Yes on Prop. 22 campaign. “This is not meant to be

mean-spirited or intolerant toward their lifestyle or their choice of

commitment. It’s about keeping the status quo and the institution of

marriage.”