Supporters of California’s Proposition 8 to uphold the traditional definition of marriage warn the ballot measure will fail unless more money is donated immediately to the cause.

The ballot initiative seeks to amend the state constitution to define marriage as between only one man and one woman. If passed, it would invalidate last spring’s Supreme Court of California decision legalizing same-sex “marriage.”

In the wake of recent polls showing the Yes side leading, Hollywood stars and other well-heeled backers of homosexual “marriage” have pumped millions of dollars into the campaign to defeat Proposition 8, Baptist Press reported Oct. 24.

Frank Schubert, campaign manager for ProtectMarriage.com, released an email appeal Oct. 23 saying the Yes side must raise $3 million immediately “or we’re going to lose.”

“The institution of marriage is in cardiac arrest in California and I am pleading with you to help save it,” said Schubert. “Marriage as we know it is in a life or death moment.”

Supporters of Proposition 8 say it is required not only to define marriage as a heterosexual-only institution, but also to help prevent pro-homosexual rights events like the Oct. 23 “National Coming Out Day” scheduled last week at one California middle school.

Donations to support California’s Proposition 8 can be made here through the ProtectMarriage.com website. The Knights of Columbus is working actively in favor of the ballot initiative and is a leading donor to the Yes side.

In an August 1 statement supporting Proposition 8, the bishops of California said “we strongly encourage Catholics to provide both the financial support and the volunteer efforts needed for the passage of Proposition 8.”

— Tom McFeely