WEST HOLLYWOOD—On December 6, the West Hollywood City Hall held a live C-SPAN broadcast where a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit heard the oral arguments in Perry v. Schwarzenegger. The case could overturn Proposition 8, giving same-sex couples the right to marry.

The live broadcast took place on Monday between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Scott Imler, Pastor at United Methodist Church in West Hollywood, stated, “I was only there for about 35 minutes or so and there were only about six or seven people attending.” When asked about the low turnout, Imler stated that the broadcast “wasn’t really advertised.”

When asked about the broadcast, Imler said, “I was encouraged by it…This is what the United States is all about. We don’t give people second class citizenships.”

In his oral argument, Charles Cooper, Attorney for Supporters of Proposition 8, claimed, “The key reason that marriage has existed at all, in any society, and at any time is that sexual relationships between men and women naturally produce children”¦Society needs creation for new life.”

Imler described Cooper’s arguments as “hollow.” He further said that “every step we take towards acceptance” is important. In reference to the recent number of suicides among homosexual teens, Imler stated, “It’s the non-acceptance that’s killing us.”

One of the primary arguments of those in support of Proposition 8 is that the people of California voted and that their voices should be heard. “Slavery was around for a long time, too, but we [eventually] saw the light on that one,” said Imler.

There are many differing views regarding Proposition 8. GodandScience.org states that there have always been restrictions against marriage. Examples provided are that marriage is only allowed among adults, not minors. There can only be two people in a marriage, and marriage cannot take place between close relatives. The site states, “If marriage is declared a fundamental right of all individuals, then all restrictions to marriage would be declared unconstitutional, opening the doors to polygamy, polyandry, incest and child marriage.”

Then there are views that range somewhere in the middle. One individual questioned stated, “I think [homosexuals] should be allowed to unite in the form of civil unions”¦they should have the same rights as heterosexual couples [and] should be allowed to live as a family. It’s the word ”˜marriage’ I can’t get over.”

When asked how he thought the City of West Hollywood would be affected if Proposition 8 was overturned, Imler stated, “I think people will be euphoric. Then it will be like marriage”¦you settle into married life and the euphoria waivers. The community will celebrate and then settle down to real life.”