Calif Ban on Divorce Underway

In satirical response following Proposition 8, John Marcotte wants to put a measure on the ballot next year to ban divorce in California.

Marcotte reasons that voters should have no problem banning divorce considering that they were willing to ban same-sex marriage based on the need to protect the sanctity of traditional marriage.

"Since California has decided to protect traditional marriage, I think it would be hypocritical of us not to sacrifice some of our own rights to protect traditional marriage even more," said the Web designer turned activist, reports the Associated Press.

Marcotte needs 694,354 valid signatures by March 22 in order to qualify his measure for the November ballot.

The 38-year-old married father of two said he has received support from across the political spectrum, including from gay rights proponents and religious conservatives.

The proposal would amend the state constitution to preclude married couples from getting divorced while allowing them to receive annulments. The law would be similar to the Catholic Church's policy on divorce.

No other state bans divorce, but a few countries do, including the Philippines and Malta.