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The National Organization for Marriage Launches Independent Expenditure Campaign In Support Of Steve Lonegan for US Senate in New Jersey

October 12, 2013 – 8:00 am

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 12, 2013
Contact: Elizabeth Ray or Matille Thebolt (703-683-5004)

“Steve Lonegan is a champion for marriage, life and religious liberty.” — Brian Brown, NOM president —

National Organization for Marriage

Washington, D.C. — Today, the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) announced that it is launching an independent expenditure campaign in New Jersey to boost the candidacy of Steve Lonegan in the special election for US Senate set for October 16th.

“Steve Lonegan is a champion for marriage, life and religious liberty and would be a leader in the US Senate for New Jersey families,” said Brian Brown, NOM’s president. “He’s a tenacious campaigner and an even more effective public official. He will get immediately to work to begin to restore the direction of the country.”

NOM has in excess of 120,000 supporters in New Jersey and will organize them to turn out to vote for Lonegan next Wednesday. Lonegan began the campaign 35 points behind, but has worked to make the race close in these final days. With turnout expected to be low, the race should be considered up for grabs.

“Corey Booker expected a coronation, not a close contest,” said Brown. “He’s been busy raising money in Hollywood and among the gay lobby, who’ve lavished money on his campaign because he shares their values. Meanwhile, Steve Lonegan has worked hard to talk about the real issues impacting New Jersey families, and voters are responding. We hope our independent expenditure effort can help propel him over the top.”

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To schedule an interview with Brian Brown, President of the National Organization for Marriage, please contact Elizabeth Ray (x130), [email protected], or Matille Thebolt (x143), [email protected], at 703-683-5004.

Paid for by The National Organization for Marriage, Brian Brown, president. 2029 K Street NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006, not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. New § 68A.405(1)(f) & (h).

By NOM Staff | Posted in Featured, New Jersey, Press Releases | Comments Off

Heading to A Dead Heat in New Jersey

October 10, 2013 – 12:35 pm

Dear Marriage Supporter,

No, I'm not talking about Governor Christie's reelection race next month. I'm talking about the US Senate special election in New Jersey next week. Marriage, life, and family values are on the ballot in New Jersey one week from yesterday on October 16th — and every marriage champion across the country can play a part to make sure those values come out on top.

Next Wednesday voters in New Jersey need to make a special effort to get out and vote for the only US Senate candidate who will protect and promote marriage, life, and family on the national stage — Steve Lonegan.

In the beginning, no one gave Steve any chance against Newark mayor Corey Booker. The big city mayor with over a million Twitter followers and a 35 point lead in the polls was supposed to waltz through this special election — but Steve Lonegan and his conservative supporters didn't get the message...they have fought and scraped and dramatically closed the gap. An internal poll by the Lonegan campaign has the race at six points, while other polls have Booker up by 11-12 points. All the polls show that momentum is with Lonegan, meaning by this time next week it could well be a dead heat.

What will push Steve — and marriage, life, and family — over the top?

First and foremost — getting out the vote. In this special election, where voter turn-out is expected to be low, every vote is particularly important. Please make every effort to get out to vote on next Wednesday, October 16th, and to urge your family and friends to do so. You can forward this email to them by using one of the social media buttons below.

Suing to Prove Your Innocence

October 10, 2013 – 9:08 am

Turning the tables on the national narrative, Mennonite art gallery owners Betty and Richard Odgaard have filed suit against the Iowa Civil Rights Commission asking the Commission to rule that their refusal to participate in a religious ceremony by allowing their gallery to be used for a same-sex wedding ceremony is not a violation of the Iowa Civil Rights Act. From the Quad City Times…

Religion and Law DES MOINES — A nationally known religious rights group is suing the Iowa Civil Rights Commission on behalf of a Grimes couple who refused to host a same-sex couple’s wedding…

“Just as the Odgaards cannot be forced to display art that violates their religious convictions, they should not be forced to host religious ceremonies that violate their religious convictions,” Hardman wrote. “To our knowledge, no Iowa or Federal court has ever forced anyone to participate in a religious activity against their will. Doing so now would abandon Iowa’s history of being the vanguard of protecting individual freedom, and out of line with state and federal law.” (Read More)

It is a sad day in America when people of faith have to sue to prove their innocence.

By Christopher Plante | Posted in Iowa, Law, Religious Liberty, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off

Get Active

October 9, 2013 – 4:00 pm

Dear Marriage Supporter,

The next month is vital for the future of marriage in Illinois. Same-sex 'marriage' advocates have been working around the clock to gather votes — but now it's our turn.

G.K. Chesterton wrote: "...an ordinary man and an ordinary woman and their ordinary children literally alter the destiny of nations."

While gay 'marriage' activists have thrown millions of dollars and high-profile names at your legislators, it is now up to ordinary men, women, and children to secure the destiny of marriage in Illinois.

The special legislative session is just about upon us — October 22, 23, 24 & November 5, 6, 7 — and we need all marriage champions in Illinois to stand strong and make every effort to tell their legislators to not redefine marriage.

There are three ways in particular you can make a difference for marriage today:

Email your legislators today. They need to hear from you. Use this simple link to send them the important message today that marriage in Illinois deserves to be defended and strengthened, not redefined. Every voice and vote counts — make yours heard.
Join the Illinois Family Institute (IFI) on October 23rd for their Marriage Lobby Day. This crucial event will bring marriage champions like you from all across the state to rally and meet with legislators face to face. IFI has worked hard to organize this day and even arranged buses to help gather as many people as possible. Information about the buses with contact persons and other logistical information is below. And more information about the day itself can be found here.
Tell your family and friends to make a stand for marriage by joining you in emailing, calling, and visiting your legislators. Use these buttons to forward this email to as many family and friends as possible:

Bus Locations for Marriage Lobby Day

Buffalo Grove area
St. Mary School
10 N. Buffalo Grove Rd (intersection of Lake-Cook & Buffalo Grove) in Buffalo Grove
Contact Fred Sturgeon — 847-344-8791 or Ted Valenti — 847-910-2009
Leaving at 7:15 am (school bus) and returning from Capitol at 2:30 PM
Cost per person: $20

Chicago area
Israel Methodist Community Church
7616 Cottage Grove, Chicago
Departing at 6 am
Returning from Capitol at 2:30 pm
Contact Dr. Crawford, Pro-Life Pro-Family Coalition, (773) 960-5656 or (773) 483-1131
Cost per person: $10 (includes lunch)

Queen of All Saints Basilica
6280 N. Sauganash Ave. in Chicago
The bus leaves at 5:30 AM
Contact the Archdiocese of Chicago's Respect Life Office, 312-534-5355
Cost per person: $25 (includes lunch)

Crystal Lake area
St. Thomas The Apostle Church (176th & Oak St.) in Crystal Lake
Departing @ 6: AM and returning from Capitol @ 2:00 PM
Contact Phil Weyna, McHenry County Right to Life, 815-861-5847
Cost per person: $30

Hobby Lobby in the parking lot
6250 Northwest Hwy Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Departing at 6:00 AM and return to Crystal Lake at 6:00 PM
Register at www.truthexchange.net
Questions: Email [email protected]

Lansing area
Faith Church at 100 — 81st Ave. Dyer, IN 46311
Departing at 6:30 AM (church van(s)) and returning from Capitol at 12:30 PM
Contact Bob Hofstra, 708-257-7772
Cost per person: TBA

Libertyville area
Marytown - 1600 W Park Ave. (Butterfield Rd & Rt 176) in Libertyville
Departs from Marytown at 6:00 AM and returning from Capitol at 2:00 PM
Contact Bonnie Quirke, Lake County Right to Life, 847-644-8456
Cost per person: $35

O'Fallon area
WalMart at 1530 W US Hwy 50 in O'Fallon
Departing at 8:30 AM (school bus) and returning at 4:00 PM
Contact Ken Brosh, 618-540-5960
Cost per person: $13

Western Springs Area
St. John of the Cross Catholic Church
5005 S. Wolf Road in Western Springs
Contact the Archdiocese of Chicago's Respect Life Office, 312-534-5355
Cost per person: $25 (includes lunch)

Wheaton area
Wheaton Wesleyan Church at 1300 S President St, Wheaton
Departing at 5:30 AM and returning from Capitol at 3:00 PM
Contact Dick Norton, 630-260-1135
Cost per person: $34

Freeport area
East Gate Christian Center
1650 S. Armstrong Ave. in Freeport
Contact Pastor Steve Barr at 815-541-5898
Cost per person: $5

By Brian Brown | Posted in Alerts, Illinois, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off

Thou Shall Compromise Thy Faith

October 7, 2013 – 12:52 pm

Despite the fact that the Washington State Constitution reads:

SECTION 11 RELIGIOUS FREEDOM. Absolute freedom of conscience in all matters of religious sentiment, belief and worship, shall be guaranteed to every individual, and no one shall be molested or disturbed in person or property on account of religion;

Religious Freedom That state continues to be at the forefront of sanctioning people of faith when it comes to same-sex marriage. First the State sued a Christian florist, and now it has admonished a judge for simply saying he would not perform same-sex weddings due to his religious beliefs.

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A Thurston County Superior Court judge has been formally admonished for saying he wouldn’t perform gay marriages.

Judge Gary Tabor first made the comments during an administrative meeting shortly before Washington’s gay marriage law took effect late last year. He told colleagues he wasn’t comfortable performing same-sex weddings and asked if other judges would do it in his stead. (Read More)

So we ask, “What does ‘Absolute freedom of conscience in all matters of religious sentiment…’actually mean in Washington State?”

By Christopher Plante | Posted in Marriage, Religious Liberty, Same Sex Marriage, Washington | Comments Off

Flock to the Capitol

October 4, 2013 – 10:00 am

“If same-sex “marriage” becomes the law in Illinois, the ramifications for our children will be disastrous. We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines.” Illinois Family Institute

Even while NOM battles on the national stage with the IRS, the battle to protect marriage in Illinois continues on. Our friends at the Illinois Family Institute are calling all marriage champions from all over Illinois to “Flock to the Capitol” on October 23^rd for the Defend Marriage Lobby Day.

CHILDREN will be taught implicitly and explicitly that mothers and fathers are interchangeable and that mothers or fathers are expendable…

CHILDREN need, deserve, and have a right to both a mother and a father. Social science research consistently demonstrates that children with both a mother and father fare better than do motherless or fatherless children. Mothers and fathers bring critical and different components to child-rearing. Purposely placing children in fatherless or motherless homes is tragic and will have negative consequences for future generations. Most societal ills can be traced to the breakdown of the natural family. Redefining family and marriage to include two people of the same sex will only further weaken marriage, family, and ultimately society.

They’ve even produced a 2-minute video for you to show in your church promoting this important day.

They're also helping to arrange buses to Springfield from across the region. We encourage you to take the time on October 23rd to stand for marriage in Springfield, Illinois.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Events, Illinois, Marriage, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off

All to Play for in the Garden State

October 4, 2013 – 12:27 am

Things are moving fast in New Jersey – the legislature continues to move towards attempting to override Governor Christie’s veto of same-sex ‘marriage,’ while the Courts recently ruled – in a very faulty and activist ruling – that New Jersey must start allowing same-sex ‘marriages’ to begin by October 21^st.

This week Governor Christie reiterated his position that the definition of marriage should be left to the people and at the same time appealed the Court’s ruling and asked for a stay while the appeal is considered.

Finally today, a new, pro-marriage coalition – New Jersey Coalition to Preserve and Protect Marriage – held a press conference to announce itself and its plans for defending marriage and religious liberties in New Jersey.

Among their points are letting the people vote on marriage and challenging the legislature to take whatever action it is planning BEFORE the November elections so the voters will know where their representatives stand when they go to the polls in November.

By Christopher Plante | Posted in Marriage, New Jersey, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off

Eviscerating our First Amendment Freedoms

October 2, 2013 – 11:28 am

"It's an evisceration of our freedom of association," said John Eastman, the chairman of the National Organization for Marriage...

We’ve been saying for years that one of the first casualties when you redefine marriage are our first amendment rights of religious liberty, free speech, and association. Now even the mainstream media has picked up on the growing list of attacks on the rights of businessmen and woman who wish to run their enterprises by the tenets of their faith. The Wall Street Journal reported,

Erasing the First Amendment

As more states permit gay couples to marry or form civil unions, wedding professionals in at least six states have run headlong into state antidiscrimination laws after refusing for religious reasons to bake cakes, arrange flowers or perform other services for same-sex couples.

The issue gained attention in August, when the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that an Albuquerque photography business violated state antidiscrimination laws after its owners declined to snap photos of a lesbian couple's commitment ceremony.

Similar cases are pending in Colorado, Illinois, New York, Oregon and Washington, and some experts think the underlying legal question—whether free-speech and religious rights should allow exceptions to state antidiscrimination laws—could ultimately wind its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. (Read more)

However, there is a easier way to resolve this issue than going to the US Supreme Court – Don’t Redefine Marriage in the first place.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Corporate Ethics, Free Speech, New Mexico, Religious Liberty, Same Sex Marriage, Supreme Court | Comments Off

"Where's NOM?" We're Right Here Where We've Always Been

September 27, 2013 – 8:30 pm

Serial, frivolous case-filer and NOM obsessive Fred Karger had a question for me yesterday on Twitter:

PA Pastor fired for marrying gay couple Where's NOM? @maggiemarriage @briansbrown What about "Religious Freedom?" http://t.co/FWoqJq2Stg
— Fred Karger (@fredkarger) September 26, 2013

So I replied:

@fredkarger this IS #religiousfreedom: the congregation is free to choose its pastor based on its beliefs, and he is free to go elsewhere.
— Brian S. Brown (@briansbrown) September 27, 2013

The story to which Karger is referring is indeed a testament to how religious liberty works - and Fred's being miffed about it is an ominous indication of what would happen to religious congregations such as this one, which have the right to hire and fire their own clergy personnel, if Karger and other same-sex 'marriage' activists had their way. No doubt he would rather see the government step in and deny this congregation its first amendment rights with respect to religion, and force them to keep employing a pastor who is at odds with the congregation's beliefs. But that kind of anti-religious tyranny, which is a part of the ideal same-sex marriage regime, is precisely what we here at NOM are working against - so this story (or rather, the backlash to it) serves as a useful cautionary tale. Thanks for the news tip, Fred!

By Brian Brown | Posted in Marriage, Pennsylvania, Religious Liberty, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off

National Organization for Marriage Denounces New Jersey Superior Court Ruling Redefining Marriage

September 27, 2013 – 5:29 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 27, 2013
Contact: Elizabeth Ray or Matille Thebolt (703-683-5004)

National Organization for Marriage

Washington, DC — This afternoon the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) denounced today’s ruling by a New Jersey Superior Court judge that purportedly requires the state to redefine marriage to impose same-sex ‘marriage’ on the state.

“This is another outrageous example of judicial activism. An activist judge has overreached her authority and chosen to impose same-sex ‘marriage’ on the entire state of New Jersey,” stated Brian Brown, NOM’s president. “Judge Jacobson has trampled on the right of the people of New Jersey to define marriage, a right that the Supreme Court has upheld in the very case she misuses to redefine marriage.”

The New Jersey state judge applied her own reading of the US Supreme Court’s decision in Windsor v United States to find that the state’s law defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman must be changed. However, the Windsor decision declined to impose same-sex marriage on the nation and instead upheld the right of states to define marriage for themselves.

“This is a gross abuse of power that cannot be allowed to stand,” said Brown. “We urge Governor Chris Christie to appeal this lower court ruling immediately. It’s essential that a single lower court judge not be allowed to impose her own views of marriage on the entire state.”

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By NOM Staff | Posted in Featured, New Jersey, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off

A Small But Important Victory

September 27, 2013 – 1:01 pm

According to reports, “The Richmond City Council gave itself at least another month to think over a proposal to allow spousal health benefits for non-married partners of employees.”

Victory in VA That’s the quote, but the truth is they gave themselves another month to think over a proposal that would redefine marriage in the City of Richmond if and when the Commonwealth of Virginia did the same. Don’t be fooled, this seemingly innocuous proposal is not about benefits but about the definition of marriage.

The proposed ordinance would simply be playing politics and using the bully pulpit to promote a radical agenda, inviting out-of-state influences and special interests into Virginia during a critical Gubernatorial election season.

But what gave the Council pause? It was the noble effort of a small coalition of local faith leaders led by Bishop Darryl Husband, Bishop Leon Benjamin, and Pastor Michael Hirsch. These men stood up for marriage in front of City Hall and delivered the resounding message that marriage is the union of one man and one woman because that's the way it best serves society, and especially our society's most precious members, our children. They delivered this message boldly and clearly, and they were heard!

But you were heard as well!

NOM asked our supporters to speak truth to power on this issue, and rallying them to call, email, and visit City Council members expressing their opposition to the proposal - and hundreds of you responded! Thank you to all who stood strong for marriage in this small but important skirmish.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Religious Liberty, Same Sex Marriage, Virginia | Comments Off

Undoing the Myth of Inevitability

September 27, 2013 – 10:25 am

Kellie Fiedorek at the Alliance Defending Freedom has a great piece in American Thinker this morning as to why states’ laws and constitutional amendments defining marriage as one man and one woman are completely constitutional and should not be overturned by the US Supreme Court despite efforts by those who would redefine marriage. She writes…

Myth of Inevitability Proponents of redefining marriage again have set their sights on the U.S. Supreme Court to force a new definition of marriage on every state in the country -- this time by 2015…
But the problem for those behind this plan is that the state marriage laws they are challenging do not violate the Constitution. Maintaining the gendered definition of marriage that these states have always known falls squarely into what both the Constitution and U.S. Supreme Court precedent approve…
Some assume that the Supreme Court found a new right to same-sex marriage when it issued the Windsor decision at the end of June, but nothing could be farther from the truth.

Keep Up the Good Work

September 26, 2013 – 12:00 pm

Dear Marriage Supporter,

You may have heard media reports in the past week that the sponsors of the same-sex 'marriage' bill are reconsidering their strategy of calling the bill for a vote during the veto session this fall. This is good news, but we can't let up yet.

It means that your efforts — the emails, the calls, and the in-person visits to legislators — are making a difference.

If those who would redefine marriage had the votes to push through their bill, they would not be equivocating about calling the vote this fall. Despite all their money and big names, they have not yet been able to overcome the voice of the people.

However, we can't stop yet. We must keep the pressure on legislators so there can be no doubt in their minds that the people of Illinois do not want marriage redefined. Keep calling — keep writing — keep visiting — and get your family and friends to do the same.

And don't forget the Illinois Family Institute's lobbying day on Wednesday October 23. This will be a crucial opportunity for true marriage champions to join together in Springfield — before the Legislature and before the media — to take a stand for marriage.

The only way we will defeat the special interest groups with their multi-million dollar campaign and high-profile lobbyists is if we continue to stand together and make our voices heard. And so far so good — let's keep up the good work.

Finally, if you are able, please consider a generous donation to the National Organization for Marriage today.

It's a great time make a contribution because your gift will be doubled dollar-for-dollar in our $1 million matching campaign. NOM relies on gifts from people just like you to multiply your voices in the halls of power. Whether it be telephone calls to constituents, advertisements, or organizing rallies and marches — just to name a few — it is only through the generous contributions of marriage champions from across the country that NOM is able to help you make your voice heard.

We're making progress in Illinois. Your voices have given our opponents pause and caused them to begin reconsidering their strategy. But the situation in Springfield is still fluid and we can't afford to let up now. Let's continue to stand together to protect marriage in Illinois.

Faithfully yours,

Brian S. Brown

By Brian Brown | Posted in Alerts, Illinois, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off

New Mexico GOP Files Amicus Brief in Defense of Marriage

September 26, 2013 – 9:30 am

Following the lawless actions of certain county clerks in New Mexico issuing illicit 'marriage' licenses to same-sex couples, a case has been working its way through the court system there and is due to be heard by the New Mexico Supreme Court on October 23rd.

New Mexico's Attorney General, Gary King, is refusing to defend New Mexico law in the courts, but thankfully others, like Governor Martinez, are stepping up to fulfill their constitutional duties.

On Monday, GOP lawmakers in the State also stepped up to the plate, filing an amicus brief in the case:

The Republican lawmakers... said anti-discrimination and equal protection guarantees in the state constitution do not provide a legal right to marriage for same-sex couples.

The lawmakers said that "the judiciary should exercise caution when asked to divine fundamental and important constitutional rights not expressly provided in the Constitution's text."

You can read more about the case here.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Law, New Mexico, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off

Gutting the Republican Party

September 25, 2013 – 3:45 pm

Dear Marriage Supporter,

As you know, NOM is engaged in fights to defend marriage in Congress as well as in states all across the country.

And one of the most frustrating things I repeatedly run in to is Republicans who are pressured, bullied and cowed into silence by a small but powerful faction that is trying to GUT the Republican Party of its traditional principles and values.

These RINO-backers are telling Party members that they shouldn't stand up for marriage... that they shouldn't even talk about marriage, or protecting innocent life from the scourge of abortion... that marriage and life are losing issues... When NOTHING could be further from the truth!

When over 60% of the voting public backs marriage at the ballot box, how on Earth can they make that claim with a straight face?

And yet, they do. The marriage issue performed an average of 7 points better than the Romney ticket did last November, and yet GOP candidates are still told to ignore marriage. And wishy-washy politicians who lack principles fall in line, abandoning marriage, life, and pro-family policies in the process.

I don't know about you, but I'm sick of it.

That's why you and I need principled leaders like Kirk Jorgensen in Congress.

Please click here today to make a donation to support Kirk's campaign.

Not only does Kirk have to fight against liberal California Democrats — he has to fight a liberal challenger from his own party!

Carl DeMaio is a career politician, running as a Republican, who has abandoned the party's platform on both marriage and life — a RINO to the core — and, worst of all, is being backed by many establishment Republicans trying to reshape the party to be more “progressive”!

Will you let them do that? Or will you stand with me today and help send a true marriage champion to Washington?

The September 30th FEC filing deadline is rapidly approaching and Kirk needs our help right away. Many of you have already given — almost 100 of you have stepped up in the past few days to make a donation — but we need to help Kirk's campaign take the next step.

We cannot miss this opportunity to send a message to the Republican-In-Name-Only establishment in Washington: WE the People reject your attempts to GUT the Republican Party of its core principles and values.

We need leadership in Washington that will stand for the values that made this country great — that will stand for marriage, for life, and for family!

And, after you have donated, please forward this email to your family and friends and ask them to help you send this true marriage champion to Washington!

Sincerely,

Brian S. Brown

P.S. The struggle for control of the Republican Party is real. A well-financed group of political operatives are working day and night trying to get the Party to abandon its values and reshape its principles. We CANNOT let that happen!

The Grassroots base of this great nation believes in marriage and we WILL NOT stand by and watch as the core values of the Republican Party are gutted. We must respond by taking advantage of this opportunity to send principled leaders like Kirk Jorgensen to Washington. Will you stand with me today in supporting Kirk by making a generous donation to his campaign?