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National Organization for Marriage Sharply Criticizes Activist Judiciary For Redefining Marriage In New Jersey and Christie For Abandoning Voters

October 21, 2013 – 12:46 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 21, 2013
Contact: Elizabeth Ray or Matille Thebolt (703-683-5004)

"An activist judiciary has once again imposed its views and ignored the rights of voters. Regrettably, Governor Christie's decision to surrender on marriage reveals him to be a man who lacks the courage of his supposed convictions." — Brian Brown, NOM president —

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Washington, D.C. — The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) today sharply criticized the courts of New Jersey for orchestrating the redefinition of marriage, and also criticized New Jersey Governor Chris Christie for withdrawing an appeal of the court ruling imposing same-sex marriage and thus abandoning the right of voters to determine the definition of marriage. NOM pledged to continue to fight for the right of New Jerseyans to define marriage, and suggested that Christie's decision will end any chance of him winning the GOP nomination for president.

"There's no question that the courts of New Jersey are responsible for the imposition of same-sex marriage in that state, and we sharply criticize them for redefining our most important social institution with no regard to the wishes of voters or even elected officials," said Brian Brown, NOM's president. "The refusal of the New Jersey Supreme Court to order a stay of the same-sex 'marriage' ruling was wrong, and the latest example of an activist judiciary running amok, substituting their views for those of the people of the state. Still, we are extremely disappointed in Governor Chris Christie for withdrawing the state's appeal of the underlying decision, effectively throwing in the towel on marriage. The mark of a leader is to walk a principled walk no matter the difficulty of the path. Chris Christie has failed the test, abandoning both voters and the core institution of society - marriage as the union of one man and one woman."

A superior court judge had imposed same-sex marriage in New Jersey in a ruling in September, with same-sex 'marriages' set to begin today. Christie's administration appealed the decision and sought a stay to preserve the status-quo until the merit of the case is heard next year. The New Jersey Supreme Court denied the request for the stay, and today Christie dropped his appeal of the underlying decision imposing same-sex marriage.

"It's a sad day for the voters of New Jersey," said Brown. "An activist judiciary has once again imposed its views and ignored the rights of voters. We will continue to fight for the right of New Jersey voters to determine the definition of marriage. Regrettably, Governor Christie's decision to surrender on marriage reveals him to be a man who lacks the courage of his supposed convictions. As far as we are concerned, it's a disqualifying failure. His surrender on marriage effectively surrenders any chance he might have had to secure the GOP nomination for president."

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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).

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Alerts, Featured, New Jersey, Press Releases | Comments Off on National Organization for Marriage Sharply Criticizes Activist Judiciary For Redefining Marriage In New Jersey and Christie For Abandoning Voters

Statement from the National Organization for Marriage on the New Jersey Supreme Court Decision

October 18, 2013 – 3:45 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 18, 2013
Contact: Elizabeth Ray or Matille Thebolt (703-683-5004)

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"It is extremely disappointing that the New Jersey Supreme Court has allowed the ruling of an activist judge to stand pending its appeal through the court system." — Brian Brown, NOM President —

Washington, D.C.—The following should be attributed to Brian Brown, president of the National Organization for Marriage (NOM).

 It is extremely disappointing that the New Jersey Supreme Court has allowed the ruling of an activist judge to stand pending its appeal through the court system. The definition of marriage is something that should be decided by the people of New Jersey themselves, not by any judge or court. New Jerseyans should have the right to vote on this issue just as voters in nearly three dozen other states have done. In addition, the decision to allow same-sex ‘marriage’ to proceed even while the law is being tested in court is unfair both to the voters of the state and to same-sex couples themselves. If the state Supreme Court were to uphold marriage as they should do, then the validity of the ‘marriages’ that will be performed starting next week will be called into question. Further, the decision opens the door to a possible federal court ruling similar to what occurred in California in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal which held that once a state grants same-sex ‘marriage’ rights it can never take them away. All in all, today’s ruling is another sad chapter in watching our courts usurp the rights of voters to determine issues like this for themselves.

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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).

 

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Featured, New Jersey, Press Releases | Comments Off on Statement from the National Organization for Marriage on the New Jersey Supreme Court Decision

A Learning Opportunity

October 17, 2013 – 2:10 pm

National Organization for Marriage

Dear Marriage Supporter,

OK, sometimes late is better than never.

If you have the opportunity this evening, you are invited to Princeton University to hear Ryan T. Anderson, William E. Simon Fellow at the Heritage Foundation, on the consequences of redefining marriage. He is the co-author of What is Marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense.

The lecture will take place in McCosh Hall, Room 50 at 7:30 PM on the Princeton Campus, and is hosted by the University's Anscombe and American Whig-Cliosophic Societies. Click here for more details on the event.

What is Marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense is one of the best resources for understanding and helping explain to others the unique and critical institution of marriage. I urge anyone who is able: Please make the effort to hear this enlightening lecture.

Across the country, but critically in New Jersey, each one of us who believes marriage to be the union of one man and one woman need to be able to give a reasoned defense of our position — across the back fence, with our families at dinner, or in the public square. This special opportunity will help you do just that.

I hope you can make it.

Faithfully,

Brian S. Brown

Brian Brown
By Brian Brown | Posted in Alerts, New Jersey, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off on A Learning Opportunity

Today's the Day New Jersey! Vote for Steve Lonegan in the Special Election!

October 16, 2013 – 7:00 am

Brian Brown
By Brian Brown | Posted in Alerts, New Jersey, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off on Today's the Day New Jersey! Vote for Steve Lonegan in the Special Election!

A Race to Win

October 15, 2013 – 2:00 pm

National Organization for Marriage

Dear Marriage Supporter,

Please be sure to vote in the special election tomorrow Wednesday October 16th — and when you do, cast your vote for Steve Lonegan.

Steve Lonegan is a true social conservative who will protect and promote marriage, life, and religious liberties on the national stage. And Steve Lonegan supports the right of the people of New Jersey to vote on the definition of marriage as three dozen other states have done.

Steve Lonegan would be a champion in the US Senate for New Jersey families. He's a tremendously effective public official and will get immediately to work to begin to restore the direction of the country.

Lonegan began the campaign 35 points behind, but has worked to make the race close in these final days. Each passing poll shows him closing the gap and gaining momentum. With turnout expected to be low, the race is now up for grabs.

Cory Booker expected a coronation — not a close contest. 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.

It's vital that we carry Steve Lonegan over the top by voting tomorrow, Wednesday the 16th, for the only candidate who shares New Jersey's values and will fight for them in the U.S. Senate — Steve Lonegan.

And be sure to forward this message to as many of your friends and family as possible. With turnout expected to be low, every vote is particularly important.

Fighting for New Jersey Families,

Brian S. Brown

Brian Brown
By Brian Brown | Posted in Alerts, New Jersey, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off on A Race to Win

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).

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Featured, New Jersey, Press Releases | Comments Off on The National Organization for Marriage Launches Independent Expenditure Campaign In Support Of Steve Lonegan for US Senate in New Jersey

Heading to A Dead Heat in New Jersey

October 10, 2013 – 12:35 pm
National Organization for Marriage

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.

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Even if you're not a New Jersey voter you can still be involved. The Lonegan campaign is looking for volunteers to make calls into New Jersey to get out the vote. If you would like to volunteer from around the country, follow this link to the campaign's "Get Out the Vote" center.

Every marriage champion across the country can make a difference in this crucial election. Steve Lonegan is the only candidate in New Jersey who will stand proud for marriage, life, and family in the U.S. Senate — and he deserves our help. Please join me in getting involved as a volunteer, and consider making a contribution to Steve's campaign.

Together, we can roll up our sleeves to win an unprecedented victory. And don't forget — if you are in New Jersey be sure to vote on Wednesday October 16th...and get your family and friends to do the same.

Can you imagine the national uproar if Steve Lonegan were to pull of an incredible upset? Coming from 35 points back to capture this seat would be historic. It would serve a powerful message to Washington that being conservative, pro-life and pro-marriage are winning issues even in deep blue states like New Jersey.

Let's push hard for the next week and try to help Steve cross the finish line.

Faithfully,

Brian S. Brown

Brian Brown
By Brian Brown | Posted in Alerts, New Jersey, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off on Heading to A Dead Heat in New Jersey

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 21st.

New JerseyThis 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.

NOM
By Christopher Plante | Posted in Marriage, New Jersey, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off on All to Play for in the Garden State

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)

“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.” — Brian Brown, NOM president —

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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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).

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Featured, New Jersey, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off on National Organization for Marriage Denounces New Jersey Superior Court Ruling Redefining Marriage

Don't Veto the Voters

September 25, 2013 – 10:15 am

National Organization for Marriage

Dear Marriage Supporter,

Same-sex marriage activists are working hard to drum up the votes required to override Governor Christie's veto of a bill (2012-S1) that would have redefined marriage in New Jersey.

While they may be working quietly and behind the scenes, you can be sure that this small but very powerful and well financed lobby is being heard by our leaders in Trenton. So now we need to make sure we get a hearing too!

Marriage is a vital and important institution in our society as it has been in every society since the foundation of the world. It is the best means by which we bring new children into the world and ensure them a happy and loving environment, by uniting their own mom and dad to them and to one another.

The people of New Jersey know this about marriage, and they deserve to be heard. Let them hear you in Trenton today: "Do not vote to override the Governor's veto! Do not vote to redefine marriage! Let the people have their say in this important and critical matter!"

The people of New Jersey need to be heard in this matter, and — as Governor Christie himself has said — they should be allowed to vote directly on the issue of marriage. At the very least, they must be heard by their elected representatives and demand that these lawmakers follow the will of the people who sent them to Trenton to work on their behalf.

So please make sure your voice is heard by your representatives today by clicking here to send an immediate and urgent message. And, after you've taken action today, use the buttons below to forward this email to your family and friends or share it on Facebook and Twitter, so that our voice for our values is heard loud and clear in Trenton today!

Brian Brown
By Brian Brown | Posted in Alerts, New Jersey, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off on Don't Veto the Voters

NJ GOP Hopefuls Targeted by 'Deep-Pocketed, Coordinated Campaign' to Redefine Marriage

September 5, 2013 – 2:39 pm

The fight for marriage continues in New Jersey, with deep-pocketed same-sex marriage activists going after Republican lawmakers.

NorthJersey.com:

Chris ChristieA coalition of national and New Jersey-based gay rights groups is launching a full-scale push this fall |to persuade enough Republican ­lawmakers to join the ruling Demo­crats and override Christie’s veto of a bill that legalizes same-sex marriage in New Jersey.

In effect, New Jersey United for Marriage will be asking Republicans to take a step that they have been loath to do: rebuff Christie in public.

Same-sex marriage activists acknowledge that Christie and an organized opposition — a coalition of groups that support the traditional definition of a marriage between a man and woman — pose significant hurdles. But they are confident that once they lay out their case, Republicans will support the override.

Defenders of traditional marriage will make the case that an issue of this magnitude should be decided directly by voters through a ballot referendum — the position Christie supports.

...Donald Sico, a lobbyist for the Coalition to Preserve and Protect Marriage, a group that includes the National Organization of Marriage and the Catholic Conference of New Jersey, says 35 states have already held referendums asking voters to approve or ban same-sex marriage.

“It’s ludicrous to suggest that only in New Jersey is marriage a civil rights issue that is improperly placed on the ballot,’’ Sico said.

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Marriage, New Jersey, Politics, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off on NJ GOP Hopefuls Targeted by 'Deep-Pocketed, Coordinated Campaign' to Redefine Marriage

New Jersey to Defend State's Civil Unions Law

August 2, 2013 – 12:51 pm

NBC40:

New JerseyLawyers for New Jersey are expected to defend the state's civil unions for same-sex couples as opposed to gay marriage.

Legal papers are due Friday in a lawsuit filed by gay couples and their children who say New Jersey's civil unions fall short of a court mandate that gay couples be treated the same as married couples.

The suit was expedited after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June that invalidated key parts of a federal law banning same-sex marriage.

The advocates say New Jersey is now blocking them from getting rights granted by the federal government.

A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Aug. 15.

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Civil Unions, Law, New Jersey, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off on New Jersey to Defend State's Civil Unions Law

Peters on SSM Proponents: "They're Hugely Overplaying Their Hand"

July 10, 2013 – 11:30 am

NOM's Thomas Peters responds in an interview with Reuters to a new plan by gay marriage activists to target four states next:

Poker HandOpponents of same-sex marriage called the Freedom to Marry's four-state strategy overly optimistic.

"They're hugely overplaying their hand," said Thomas Peters, a spokesman for the National Organization for Marriage, which opposes gay marriage.

"These are states where gay marriage advocates have been saying for months, if not years, that gay marriage is inevitable and they've made no progress."

In Illinois, a bill to recognize same-sex marriage stalled in the state legislature this year but could be revived when lawmakers return in the fall.

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Hawaii, Illinois, Marriage, New Jersey, Oregon, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (2)

NJ Democrat Senate Leader Doesn't Want the People to Vote on Marriage

December 21, 2012 – 9:00 am

Even in deep blue New Jersey, pro-gay marriage Senate President Steve Sweeney (D) doesn't want a bill introduced by one of his fellow Democrats calling for a vote of the people on marriage to proceed. Presumably it’s because he fears he will lose such a public vote:

Sen. President Steve Sweeney today reiterated his position that he does not believe same sex marriage is an issue for voters to decide.

Sweeney was responding to a bill introduced by Assemblyman Reed Gusciora that would place the issue on the ballot next November.

"I have firmly stated before and will say again now that I do not believe you put civil rights on the ballot, period. It is the job of elected officials to ensure that everyone is provided equal protection and equal rights under the law. We should not hide from that responsibility...we should embrace it," Sweeney said in a statement. "We gave the governor an opportunity to ensure true marriage equality in this state, just as other states and nations have done. He punted by shamelessly issuing a conditional veto. I fully plan on overriding that veto before this legislative session is done."

Earlier this year the Legislature passed a measure legalizing same sex marriage, however the bill was vetoed by Gov. Chris Christie who said at the time the state should let voters decide.

While Sweeney voted in favor of the latest iteration of the "marriage equality" bill, he was not always so inclined.  When the measure came before the Legislature in 2009, Sweeney abstained from the vote.  He later called it the worst decision of his political career. -- PolitickerNJ

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Let The People Vote, Marriage, New Jersey, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (7)

Bloomberg: SSM Backers Remain Focused on States Where People Can't Have a Say

November 16, 2012 – 11:00 am

More evidence that despite what happened in these past elections, gay marriage backers still don't trust their ability to win state elections:

Gay-marriage advocates, coming off their first ballot-box victories, are targeting New Jersey and five other U.S. states where the road to legalization is simpler because voters can’t overturn laws through referendums.

In Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey and Rhode Island, lawmakers plan to consider or revisit the issue next year, and all except Minnesota already allow civil unions. Even though they prevailed in votes in four states Nov. 6 after a decade of defeats, backers say they prefer to make homosexual weddings legal through legislatures or courts. -- Bloomberg BusinessWeek

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Delaware, Election Watch 2012, Hawaii, Illinois, Marriage, Marriage Election Watch, Minnesota, New Jersey, Politics, Rhode Island, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (11)
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