Proposition 8

This 2008 ballot initiative in relation to gay marriage became a moment of fierce public disagreement - and hence, diverging collective interpretation. Created by opponents of same-sex marriage, this providing that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California - and was passed after a vigorous, intense debate. Later, it was declared unconstitutional by a federal court two years later.

For some people, Proposition 8 is an example of legitimate defense of the orthodox Judeo-Christian views and values around marriage - overturned in an act of judicial activism. For others, this proposition is an example of closet bigotry masquerading as religious belief - rightly overturned by judges who realized the decision was not constitutional.