Voters in three Western states will consider ballot measures this November to repeal marriage amendments previously approved by voters. These measures would add redundant legal fortifications to same-sex marriage in anticipation of the day when the current cultural juggernaut consumes its final momentum. The state ballot measures would have no immediate effect on policy, due to the double-layered federal protection that same-sex marriage currently enjoys. The Supreme Court rendered state constitutional provisions defining marriage as one man and one woman unenforceable when its Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) decision unilaterally legalized same-sex marriage. Then in 2022, the U.S. Congress passed the so-called Respect for Marriage Act, which requires all states to recognize any marriage recognized in any other state. However, pro-LGBTQ+ activists want to remove the offending language from state constitutions anyway. The three states where voters will face ballot measures this November are California, Colorado, and Hawaii. California In the 2008 election, 52.3% of California voters approved Proposition 8. According to the official ballot summary, the proposition “changes the California Constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in California” and “provides that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” The proposition responded to the California Supreme Court’s ruling on May 15, 2008, (In re Marriage Cases) that legalized same-sex marriage. The proposition amended the California Constitution by adding Article I, Section 7.5, which states, “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” The amendment survived a constitutional challenge in state court on June 17, 2009, (Strauss v. Horton) but was ruled unconstitutional under the federal constitution in the Northern District of California on Aug. 4, 2010, (Perry v. Schwarzenegger), five years before the Obergefell decision. In the 2024 election, California voters will consider Proposition 3, which “amends California Constitution to recognize fundamental right to marry, regardless of sex or race” and “removes language in California Constitution stating that marriage is only between a man and a woman.” Colorado In the 2006 election, 55% of Colorado voters approved Amendment 43. The ballot question authorized “an amendment to the Colorado constitution … specifying that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Colorado.” As a result, Section 31 was added to the Colorado Constitution, stating that “Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state.” In the 2024 election, Colorado’s Amendment J asks voters, “Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution removing the ban on same-sex marriages?” Hawaii In the 1998 election, 69.2% of Hawaii voters approved Amendment 2, which asked, “Shall the Constitution of the state of Hawaii be amended to specify that the Legislature shall have the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples?” The amendment added Article I, Section 23 to the Hawaii Constitution, which states, “The legislature shall have the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples.” In the 2024 election, Hawaii’s Ballot Question #1 asks voters, “Shall the state constitution be amended to repeal the legislature’s authority to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples?” Status in Other States One other state has previously repealed a marriage amendment. In the 2020 election, 62.43% of Nevada voters approved Ballot Question 2. The measure repealed “an existing provision that only a marriage between a male person and a female person may be recognized and given effect in Nevada” and required that state entities “must recognize marriages of and issue marriage licenses to couples regardless of gender” with a narrowly constructed conscience protection for “religious organizations and members of the clergy.” According to Ballotpedia, 26 other states still have constitutional amendments on record that define “marriage as between one male and one female.” Polling Changes These attempts to establish same-sex marriage in state constitutions may reflect fears that support for same-sex marriage has peaked. While a supermajority (69%) of Americans still believe same-sex marriage should be legal, support among Republicans has slipped below 50%, according to a Gallup survey released in June 2024. Support for same-sex marriage among Republicans dropped from 55% in 2021 and 2022 to 49% in 2023 and 46% in 2024, a 9-percentage-point fall over two years. Such a sudden and precipitous drop may have spooked same-sex marriage activists into action by suggesting that future support for same-sex marriage is not guaranteed. If they are to establish a constitutional endorsement of same-sex marriage, their best chance is now, while they have strong support. Future Implications But ballot measures like California’s have the potential to go much further. “Rather than simply repealing the definition of marriage as one man and one woman, Proposition 3 would have consequences far beyond the legal realm,” Jonathan Keller, president and CEO of the California Family Council, told The Washington Stand. The California Family Council argued that the proposition “opens the door to potentially enshrining … other non-traditional relationships into state law … paving the way for the normalization of polygamy, child marriage, and even incestuous relationships.” “It would send a powerful message about the nature of marriage and the values that underpin our society,” said Keller. “For centuries, marriage has been rooted in the biological realities of procreation and child-rearing. By redefining marriage as a purely individual right, Proposition 3 would sever the connection between marriage and these fundamental purposes and endanger families, children, and society as a whole.” Originally published by The Washington Stand The post Voters in California, Colorado, Hawaii to Consider Ballot Measures Repealing Marriage Amendments appeared first on The Daily Signal.

The family of a former University of Alabama baseball player who passed away after receiving an experimental COVID-19 jab said their son’s coaches pressured him into getting the shot. Davis James Heller, 22, died on October 5, 2022, from a cardiac episode. “His father, DJ Heller, told 1819 News his son did not want to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Heller presented a fake vaccination card the first year. But when it was time for a second vaccination, DJ Heller said his son felt guilty despite having a pre-existing condition,” 1819 News reports. “The coach, trainer and doctor never acknowledged what happened, but Davis’ teammate has come forward to describe the pressure they felt,” Dr. Mary Talley Bowden said. Davis Heller took one for the team, and it cost him his life. The coach, trainer and doctor never acknowledged what happened, but Davis’ teammate has come forward to describe the pressure they felt. @AlabamaBSB https://t.co/G1Jo53eWnm pic.twitter.com/6bmp7vB5fC — Mary Talley Bowden MD (@MdBreathe) October 17, 2024 The university told the outlet there were never official COVID-19 jab mandates for any sport. “No student-athletes at The University of Alabama were ever required to be vaccinated against COVID,” the university told 1819 News. “To state otherwise is false,” it added. However, a former teammate of Heller’s described the pressure players felt to get the experimental shot to the outlet. The family of a University of Alabama baseball player who passed away after being pressured into getting the COVID-19 vaccine is raising awareness and helping young athletes succeed.Davis James Heller was only 22 years old and had a promising baseball career ahead of him when he… pic.twitter.com/wrlbXg2Rxa — “Sudden And Unexpected” (@toobaffled) October 16, 2024 1819 News reports: However, Heller told his parents that coaches told the team it was selfish not to get vaccinated. Without the shot, players were not allowed to go out to eat on road trips or eat in the dining hall, Heller told his parents. They also had to be tested for COVID twice a week and quarantined for five days after every contact trace, according to Heller. He told his parents the coaches strongly advised them to get the shot if they planned to play ball. Even though he had a medical exemption from a doctor, Heller did not want to let anyone down. “So, when he got there in the second year and was told he would not be able to go into a locker room or a training room, he knew he would basically be isolated,” DJ Heller said. “Now looking back on it, he reluctantly decided to get it. He was completely distraught about it and towards the end of that year, he didn’t get a whole lot of opportunities.” Davis Heller’s teammate Jim Jarvis spoke to 1819 News about his friend and his own experience feeling pressured to get the vaccine. The pair became fast friends when they played in the same San Diego league. Jarvis said Heller was an amazing player, and even though they were on opposing teams, he was respectful. “There were like different guidelines if you didn’t get the vaccine and those guidelines came off as very, very strict,” Jarvis told the outlet. “It was to a point where you got the feeling that if you didn’t get the vaccine, you, like, basically were going to be kind of excluded from the rest of the team,” he continued. “You were basically told that without getting the vaccine, you were hurting the team,” he added. “Davis Heller was forced to get the C0VID shots to play baseball for @UofAlabama. His exemption from a cardiologist was denied, and Davis died on his couch studying for a test. I spoke with his father @ncm20az and will share our conversation tomorrow,” Bowden said. Davis Heller was forced to get the C0VID shots to play baseball for @UofAlabama. His exemption from a cardiologist was denied, and Davis died on his couch studying for a test. I spoke with his father @ncm20az and will share our conversation tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/03zgwEUxxT — Mary Talley Bowden MD (@MdBreathe) October 13, 2024 From America Out Loud News: Today, I talk to DJ Heller, whose son, Davis, died unexpectedly and suddenly at the age of twenty-one. Davis, an all-star athlete, was required to get the COVID shots to play for the University of Alabama’s baseball team. Davis’ cardiologist recommended he not get the shots and wrote him an exemption letter, but the University refused to accept it. Davis died nine months later of “sudden cardiac arrest” while studying for an exam on his sofa. Davis was an accomplished athlete with an incredibly positive attitude who said he wanted to be the “best teammate in the country.” He struggled with the decision to get the COVID shots but succumbed so he could fulfill his dream to play collegiate baseball. Heller spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons playing with the Crimson Tide before transferring to North Greenville University. He passed away during his first semester at North Greenville.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) announced a five-day human trafficking operation yielded nearly 160 arrests. The operation, called “Operation Autumn Sweep,” led to 157 arrests of people involved in alleged criminal activity related to sex work. Sheriff Grady Judd said suspects were ”involved in illegal acts related to soliciting prostitutes, offering to commit prostitution, or aiding and abetting prostitutes,” WKMG reports. “25 illegal immigrants were arrested in this operation,” Judd said during a press conference. “Sixteen percent of these total arrests were people who should not have even been in this country,” he continued. “There is no border security at the Southern Border. Zero. It doesn’t exist,” he added. WATCH: JUST IN: Polk County, Fla. Sheriff announces 157 arrests in human trafficking operation, including Disney World employee and over 2 dozen illegal aliens "There is no border security at the Southern Border. Zero. It doesn't exist." pic.twitter.com/PtBAllMvZc — Breaking911 (@Breaking911) October 17, 2024 WKMG reports: Sheriff’s officials said four possible human trafficking victims were identified during the operation. In addition to the 157 arrested, three other people were arrested for soliciting “who they thought were children online, and charged with traveling to meet a minor, attempted lewd and lascivious battery on a minor, and use of a computer to seduce a child,” a release said. One of these suspects, 28-year-old Branden Orr, told a detective who was posing as a girl that he could go to their house and that he wanted to take her to Disney, Judd said. The sheriff’s office said Orr told detectives he is a lifeguard at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. “Sheriff Grady Judd is briefing the media about Operation Autumn Sweep, an undercover investigation during which 157 suspects were arrested – as well as 3 suspects who were arrested for soliciting who they thought were children online for sex. One of those suspects – Michael Gillis – is out on bond from Minnesota for committing the same crime there,” Judd said. Sheriff Grady Judd is briefing the media about Operation Autumn Sweep, an undercover investigation during which 157 suspects were arrested – as well as 3 suspects who were arrested for soliciting who they thought were children online for sex. One of those suspects – Michael… pic.twitter.com/Rsc12FBh6u — Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd (@PolkCoSheriff) October 17, 2024 From ABC Action News: In addition, PCSO said 96 suspects were arrested for soliciting a sex worker and traveling to the undercover location to negotiate having sex in exchange for money Fourteen other suspects were arrested on other charges. One was charged with human trafficking. Sheriff Judd said the operation ended early due to the approaching hurricane, and he called it amazing that they could arrest 157 in that short time. Of the arrests, PCSO said that: Twenty-six suspects told detectives they were married. Twenty-five of the arrested are suspected of being undocumented migrants and are from Cuba, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Venezuela. Ten suspects brought illegal drugs to the location: cocaine, MDMA, and marijuana. Ten guns were brought to the undercover location A total of 131 suspects were outside Polk County, including nine states and the United Kingdom: Arkansas, California, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The people arrested ages ranged between 15 and 61 Three suspects were either active duty military or veterans Three suspects that were arrested worked at Disney World. WATCH:

Democrat mayor of Dolton, Illinois, Tiffany Henyard, whom residents have dubbed “the worst mayor in America,” has officially announced that she is running for re-election.

Former President Donald Trump has taken the lead over Vice President Kamala Harris across key battleground states in not just the betting markets, but also in the polls looking at the 2024 White House race. On Thursday, Rasmussen Reports and American Thinks unveiled the results of a poll that showed Trump ahead of Harris 49%-47% among likely voters in Wisconsin, after which RealClearPolitics (RCP) updated its poll tracker for the state to give Trump an overall 0.1 percentage point advantage. Harris had a better average than Trump in Wisconsin since the beginning of August, with a 0.2 percentage point lead as recently as Wednesday. As it turns out, Harris traveled to Wisconsin on Thursday for a number of campaign events. ? BREAKING: Trump flips Wisconsin in New RealClearPolitics No Toss Ups Map and now leads Kamala Harris in all battleground states. pic.twitter.com/HvCRcGGvkd — Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 17, 2024 With less than three weeks to go before Election Day, the spread in every one of the “Top Battlegrounds” tracked by RCP favored Trump. As of October 17, Trump’s advantage was 1.1 percentage points in Arizona, 0.5 points in Nevada, 0.1 points in Wisconsin, 0.9 points in Michigan, 0.5 points in Pennsylvania, 1 point in North Carolina, and 0.9 points in Georgia. This happened one day after Polymarket showed that Trump had pulled ahead of Harris across six battleground states: Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Nevada, and Michigan. Harris had been performing better than Trump in some of those states, including Wisconsin and Nevada, just days ago. Other betting markets have also favored Trump. MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ COMING TO DAILYWIRE+ OCT. 28 Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that a poll it conducted found swing state voters viewed Trump as being more capable than Harris to handle the economy and border security, two issues they rated as their top areas of concern in the election. Harris got better marks when it came to issues such as health care and housing affordability. Overall, the newspaper said, the candidates were “virtually tied” across the battleground states the poll examined. RCP’s average for national polls showed Harris ahead 49.2%-47.7% as of Thursday. But the site’s Electoral College page shows Trump being favored to win 219 electoral votes, Harris being favored to get 215 electoral votes, and 104 electoral votes labeled as “Toss ups.” And with RCP’s “No Toss-up” option, Trump leads Harris 312-226 after Wisconsin, Nevada, Michigan, and Pennsylvania started to lean toward the GOP over the past few weeks. The Senate, according to RCP, looks to be leaning toward a narrow GOP majority. RCP’s “Battle for the House 2024” page shows Republicans favored to get 207 seats, Democrats to get 196 states, and 32 seats that remain “Toss Ups.” Its “2024 Governor Races” page shows 23 Democrats, 26 Republicans, and one — New Hampshire — in the “Toss Ups” category.

Within hours of Vice President Kamala Harris‘ appearance on Fox News, it became clear that the legacy media outlets had all received their pre-written talking points and their marching orders. The interview, which was shortened to just over 20 minutes after the vice president arrived late — grew combative at times as Bret Baier pressed the Democratic presidential nominee for real answers. Harris responded to each question — regardless of topic — by filibustering until she found a point from which she could pivot and attack her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump. Democrats and multiple media personalities took to X to do damage control because, as Mark Hemingway noted, “If Kamala had done well, they’d be posting her highlights from the interview, not attacking Baier, who was perfectly professional.” “I figured @BretBaier would be tough. I didn’t think he would be downright rude and disrespectful. The VP did great. She is strong. He is scared,” former Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) posted in response. I figured @BretBaier would be tough. I didn’t think he would be downright rude and disrespectful. The VP did great. She is strong. He is scared. — Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) October 16, 2024 CNN’s Jim Acosta and Brian Stelter complained that Baier was “misleading” and “deceptive” during the interview. CNN's Jim Acosta and Brian Stelter held a Legion of Stupid meeting just now and, needless to say, they HATED how @BretBaier treated Kamala Harris and believe he was deceptively misleading her pic.twitter.com/5OkRKLmDhf — Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) October 17, 2024 Stelter’s initial response to the interview was fairly telling as well — without highlighting anything that Harris actually said, he claimed that she had given a show of strength simply because she was willing to make an appearance on Fox News. MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ COMING TO DAILYWIRE+ OCT. 28 .@brianstelter: This was one of the most adversarial interviews Kamala Harris has probably ever done. A lot of viewers are going to come away saying, 'Wow, she's willing to do that. That's a sign of toughness and strength' pic.twitter.com/DExzpPBSvE — Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) October 16, 2024 MSNBC anchor Joe Scarborough complained that Baier was “shockingly rude.” The hosts of ABC’s “The View” argued that Baier only challenged Harris with tough questions because she was a woman — despite the fact that Baier’s interview with Trump in 2023 was equally, if not more, contentious. Joe Concha found a common thread in a number of legacy media headlines as well, and he posted a screenshot of five of them along with the caption, “The ‘testy’ memo went out from the DNC. Everybody getting how this works now?” The “testy” memo went out from the DNC. Everybody getting how this works now? pic.twitter.com/wZS8CRWmZp — Joe Concha (@JoeConchaTV) October 17, 2024 While Democrats tried to spin Harris’ appearance, the Trump campaign took a different approach. They posted the interview, unedited and in its entirety, saying, “Our newest ad just dropped.” ? OUR NEWEST AD JUST DROPPED pic.twitter.com/jX9MMQRHuv — Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 16, 2024