What does California's Prop 2 mean for the future?

Almost a week after the election and the passage of California's Prop 2, pundits on both sides of the issue are debating what happened and what the longer term consequences will be both for farmers and consumers. Brownfield Ag News has this report, with comments from the Humane Society of the United States and Animal Agriculture Alliance.

Chickens win over gay rights

In one of the more odd moments in what has been nothing shy of an earth-shaking election, California's chickens have come out on top in a race that has left gay and lesbian Californian's feeling like second class citizens.

Voters in California have approved Proposition 2, or "Standards for Confining Farm Animals". Prop 2 would require “that calves raised for veal, egg-laying hens and pregnant pigs be confined only in ways that allow these animals to lie down, stand up, fully extend their limbs and turn around freely”.

Proposition 8 would require an amendment to California's constitution defining marriage as being between one man and one woman. As of this writing, Prop 2 had support from about 70 percent of voters (or a ratio of 3-2, according to the San Francisco Chronicle). Prop 8 also appears to have won, 52 to 48 percent.

The results of Prop 2 won't be fully implemented for more than six years. The lawsuits stemming from Prop 8 should begin just about any moment now.