California’s initial court ruling that same-sex marriage was a constitutional right was quickly fought in California. Many Californians rushed to overturn that ruling with a constitutional amendment that would prevent same-sex marriage.

In total there were 3 states voting on gay marriage this year 2008, they were California, Arizona and Florida. All 3 states overturned gay marriage proposals denying that there may be a marriage union between same-sex couples.
As of today, there have been 3 states that have allowed same-sex marriage; Massachusetts, California and Connecticut of which, just today, California has overturned.

Same-sex marriage or Prop 8 was driven by 52% of the voters, voting yes that same sex marriage should be overturned. According to the Associated Press 96 percent of precincts reported. And the results were as follows, Proposition 8 had 5,220,694 votes or 52 percent voting yes (yes same-sex marriage should not be recognized) while on the other hand, 4,792,873 votes or almost 48 percent, voted no (against overturning same-sex marriage).

In California those for same sex marriage focused their efforts on convincing the public that Prop 8 denies civil rights if you are not allowed to have same-sex marriage. While on the other hand, those voting to oppose same sex marriage said, children could be taught in schools about gay marriage whether they believe in it or not.

What does all this mean?
That California has now created a constitutional amendment which prevents same-sex marriage. This amendment also recognizes that marriage is only valid between a man and a woman as opposed to those of the same-sex.