With the passage of California's ban on gay marriage, parents around the state can rest assured that their children finally are safe. Or, so supporters of Proposition 8, which will adjust the state's definition of marriage to exclude same-sex couples, want them to think. For months before yesterday's vote, pro-ban messaging called on voters to "do it for the children."

From Protectmarriage.com, a site in support of the ban:

It protects our children from being taught in public schools that "same-sex marriage" is the same as traditional marriage, and prevents other consequences to Californians who will be forced to not just be tolerant of gay lifestyles, but face mandatory compliance regardless of their personal beliefs.

What this means on a micro level is that Ellen DeGeneres, darling of so many Ellen-watching households who might oppose gay marriage on a macro level, may no longer be legally married to the love of her life, Portia de Rossi. Ellen is, in a sense, America's gateway gay; for those who once considered homosexuality something people "chose" to do in big cities or secular environments "in other parts of the world," suddenly here was a witty, lovable lesbian right in their living rooms. Even children watch her show with no reported harm done!

Of course, in California, voters were likely well aware of the repercussions of the ban. The state has granted more than 18,000 same-sex unions since a court decision ruled gay marriage legal last spring. Opponents of the ban already plan to introduce new lawsuits challenging Proposition 8, as they did in 2000 when a similar statewide vote deemed same-sex marriage unconstitutional.

In the meantime, a majority of California voters chose to speak up instead of forever hold their peace and thousands of gay married couples may now be forced to not just be tolerant of straight lifestyles, but face mandatory compliance regardless of their personal beliefs.