Dear editor, We read with complete disbelief the letter, “The Dangers of Proposition 8” in the Oct. 29 Register.

 The errors of fact were only exacerbated by the inflammatory rhetoric. The writer referenced “activist judges” whose decision (based on state constitutional protections) gave all couples the constitutional right to marry in the state of California. These so-called “activist” judges are actually considered moderate to conservative, some of whom are Republican and were appointed by Ronald Reagan.

The statement the writer makes that somehow “children will be targeted” is absurd. Even the California Superintendent of Schools has stated publicly that Proposition 8 has absolutely nothing to do with children. Shame on the writer for using lies about children to try to persuade voters to eliminate the civil rights of a minority.

The writer further states that her church and many others will lose their constitutional rights to freedom of religion. Again, fear-based scare tactics. Proposition 8 has nothing to do with churches or church weddings. Churches will continue to decide whom they marry. The writer is dangerously uninformed.

The writer states that somehow doctors will be affected. Where this absurd idea comes from is truly a mystery. This proposition has nothing to do with doctors.

 The writer “cannot be silent when the God-ordained institution of marriage is attacked and degraded.” This is not about God. This is about the civil rights of a minority. Marriage licenses, and the legal rights, protections and privileges associated with them, are provided by the state, not the church. Jewish, Buddhist and atheist heterosexual couples are currently allowed to marry. Are you going to target them next because they don’t share your faith?

Face the facts: Proposition 8 is nothing more than an attempt to deny constitutional rights to gay and lesbian Californians.

What are you really afraid of?

Voting no on Proposition 8 will continue to give equal rights to all California couples.

Thom Thompson, Tony Spleen / Napa