avoid being dated, noting that being a science fiction show, "some topics are probably not going to be around by the time the show airs." In particular, with "Proposition Infinity", they paid specific attention to developing the plot in a way that would "history-proof" the episode and avoid being over-politicized or "preachy." When taking on "real" social issues in the show, Cohen stated that one of their methods of keeping controversy from overwhelming the episode is to "futurize" issues until the audience is unlikely to have developed a strong opinion one way or another about the presented conflict. This was the method used for "Proposition Infinity", as the team felt that most viewers would not have a strong opinion for or against robot and human intermarriage, thus lightening the potentially polarizing nature of the source material. Theme and cultural references [[Image:NOMvNOI.png|left|thumb|200px|The 2009 National Organization for Marriage (NOM) "Gathering Storm" advertisement (top); Futuramas "No on Infinity" advertisement (bottom).|alt=Screen captures of National Organization for Marriage and No on Infinity advertisements both featuring individuals facing a camera with gray storm clouds in the background]] "Proposition Infinity" was inspired by the political battle over California Proposition 8 in the United States and heavily satirizes the controversy over same-sex marriage. The title is a reference to California Proposition 8 with the "8" sideways, thus becoming the symbol of infinity (∞'''). The camp where Bender is being reprogrammed parodies conversion therapy camps for homosexuals. The episode also satirizes the people against same-sex marriage, and in particular, the National Organization for Marriage (NOM); the episode depicts an anti-Proposition Infinity advertisement ("No on Infinity"), which is a direct parody of NOM's 2009 "Gathering Storm" campaign. Many of the jokes in the episode were inspired by the actual vote regarding Proposition 8 and similar legislative debates over same-sex marriage throughout the United States, with several critics noting that the episode was favorable toward same-sex marriage. Openly gay actor George Takei guest stars in this episode, moderating the Proposition Infinity debate. Takei, a frequent guest star in the series, is an outspoken LGBT activist and marriage equality spokesperson. Takei married his partner, Brad Altman, on June 17, 2008 when same-sex marriage was legal in California. Despite the passing of Proposition 8 in November of that same year, which banned same-sex marriage in California, the California Supreme Court ruled that it did not affect same-sex marriages entered into before its passing,