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Monthly Archives: March 2013

Undaunted! NOM Marriage News

March 22, 2013 – 2:45 pm

NOM National Newsletter

Dear Marriage Supporter,

They're here. They support God's design for marriage. They are not going away or giving up. And the New York Times has finally noticed!

"Young Opponents of Gay Marriage Undaunted by Battle Ahead," the headline shouts — and for once the New York Times tells the truth.

A cadre of next generation heroes for marriage are arising and were interviewed by the New York Times on the verge of the first annual March for Marriage (which the Times called "The highest-profile effort" currently underway to defend marriage!). One among these young marriage heroes featured was our own undaunted Thomas Peters! Here's a glimpse of what some of the others had to say:

"'It's really a broader defense of marriage and a stronger marriage culture,' said Will Haun, 26, a lawyer and member of the Federalist Society."
"'Proponents of same-sex marriage have done a fantastic job of telling the story of same-sex marriage through music and television and film,' said Eric Teetsel, 29, the executive director of the Manhattan Declaration…. 'I think it's really a case where once they hear the other side of the issue, and really think about it deeply, we're going to win a lot of those folks back.'"
"Last week, the Heritage Foundation released a report by Ryan T. Anderson, 31, in defense of traditional marriage, Marriage: What It Is, Why It Matters, and the Consequences of Redefining It.
"'When you de-link marriage from childbearing, you then have to increase the complexity of that relationship,' said Caitlin Seery, 25, the director of programs for the Love and Fidelity Network…."
"'If you take the longer view of history — I'm not talking just 15 years, I'm talking 40 years or even 100 years — I can't help but think that the uniqueness of man-woman marriage will be adjudicated over time,' said Andrew T. Walker, 27, a policy analyst at the Heritage Foundation."

These young people are evidence that support for marriage and the belief that kids do best with a mom and a dad is growing rather than waning. And there's plenty more evidence in other recent news:

At last week's CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference), Senator Marco Rubio bravely and forcefully reaffirmed his support for marriage and the rights of states, saying in part: "Just because I believe that states should have the right to define marriage in a traditional way does not make me a bigot."

I want to thank Senator Rubio for his courage to speak up at this crucial time, exemplifying the kind of conservative leadership our nation needs right now. And I want you to thank him too. Please click here to send a thank you message to Senator Rubio commending him for his courage to speak up for marriage as the unique union of one man and one woman, an institution vital to the well-being of men, women, children, and society as a whole.

Rallying the Troops to March for Marriage

History is going to be made on the steps of the Supreme Court on Tuesday, and as the momentum for the March for Marriage builds, the heroes are gathering.

Former Sen. Jim DeMint is a hero to a lot of people, especially in the Tea Party movement. He's also the new president of the Heritage Foundation.

At CPAC, Sen. De Mint gave a lucid, brilliant argument for why social conservatism and economic conservatism are linked—by the institution of marriage.

Here is the crux of what the new president of Heritage said at CPAC that you and I know in our hearts:

We cannot hope to limit government if we do not stand up for our core civil society institutions, beginning with marriage. Marriage is the foundation of America's cultural stability and economic prosperity and the courts have no business overruling the people's democratic decisions in the states. People can love whom they want and live the way they choose, but no one is entitled to redefine a foundational institution of civil society that has existed for centuries.

In two weeks, the Supreme Court will hear arguments against the right of states to protect marriage and the federal Defense of Marriage Act. Judicial activism is to blame for the Court even considering these cases. The Supreme Court should uphold these laws. It must recognize that the American people should make these decisions, not unelected judges.

We are told that the social issues divide Americans and that we should stop talking about them. We cannot.

Economic and social conservatism go hand-in-hand.

But Senator DeMint has gone even further. He has endorsed the March for Marriage — and here you can see him say why it's so important to turn out on March 26:

Archbishop Cordileone, another hero for marriage, will be speaking at the March. The Archbishop's initiative at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop's just released "Five Reasons to Participate in the March for Marriage." I won't spoil it for you, but here is the first reason:

When Pope Francis was archbishop of Buenos Aires, he encouraged the Catholic faithful to march for marriage. The year was 2010 and the Argentinean legislature was debating whether or not to redefine marriage. According to Zenit news, then-Cardinal Bergoglio "appealed to parish priests, rectors and chaplains of churches to facilitate the participation of the faithful" in a planned march and demonstration against redefining marriage. The marchers united under the motto "We want a mommy and daddy for our children"….

So many other heroes will be there: the bravest Democrat in America, Rev. Senator Ruben Diaz; Peggy Nance; Gary Bauer; Pastor Jim Garlow; Bob Van der Plaatz; Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse; Professor Robert P. George; Professor Robert Oscar Lopez; and more!

Come, join us, and make your own voice heard!

Illinois's Black Pastors Band Together to Defend Marriage

In Chicago, a new coalition of black Church leaders, Democrats almost all, have formed an African American Clergy Coalition to make their voices heard! The press is taking notice. The Southern Illinoisan reported it this way: "Some Chicago-area clergy are getting vocal about same-sex marriage — including through radio ads opposing pending legislation to legalize the practice in Illinois."

The Illinoisan says that the 60-second radio spots began airing on Tuesday, and that a "street campaign" and robo-calls are also a planned part of the Coalition's overall efforts.

The robo-calls feature former state Sen. James Meeks, who is also senior pastor of Chicago's Salem Baptist Church. God bless these pastors for their brave and exemplary leadership!

Four Days Until the March!

In the Bible, the rainbow is the symbol of hope, a promise that God's words will be kept. On Tuesday, a truly rainbow coalition — people of all races, creeds, and colors — will gather in our nation's capital to March for Marriage. I truly hope you will join us!

Let me close with a few words from Focus on the Family's President, Jim Daly:

Jim proudly notes that Focus on the Family (along with CitzenLink) is a "proud cosponsor" of the March for Marriage. "The fact that so many have gathered in response to these critical court cases should give everyone hope as we find our way forward," he says.

You and I know we are standing on firm ground. God's design for marriage has always been about bringing together the two distinct, but complementary expressions created in His image: male and female. Two people coming together in oneness capable of bringing forth new life. Marriage is an example of God's common grace… given for the benefit of all humanity.

Yes, this view of marriage is becoming "countercultural" in some circles, Daly acknowledges; but all that means is that we must lovingly, and with grace and courage, "lift up and celebrate God's magnificent design for this unique and irreplaceable relationship between a man and a woman!"

I couldn't help but be moved by his final call:

"Every generation has its moment: this is ours."

By NOM Staff | Posted in NOM Marriage News | Comments (35)

Major Upset Brewing...

March 22, 2013 – 2:30 pm

Dear Marriage Supporter,

There's an upset brewing in Springfield. Even the media is taking notice.

Here's the headline from the Chicago Tribune: "Speaker Madigan says gay marriage bill 12 votes shy in the Illinois House."

How things change when voters stand up for what they believe.

Less than three months ago, same-sex marriage supporters were claiming passage was a question of "when, not if." Today, thanks to your efforts, and those of thousands of your fellow Illinoisans, same-sex marriage is on the ropes, with supporters stuck at 48 votes out of the 60 needed for passage in the Illinois House. The stories of sacrifices that people have made to stand for marriage are overwhelming.

But this is a dangerous moment . . . gay marriage activists are desperate, and willing to do just about anything to sway the votes they need. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and even President Obama himself, are calling in favors in an effort to push the bill through.
The House is back in session until Friday before taking a two-week recess. These next few week are critical as legislators return to their districts.

Please keep the momentum up with a message to your state representative today. Remind them that their constituents are watching, and that we expect them to stand firmly against same-sex marriage.

Click here to give them the backing they need to stand strong against the back-room, closed-door, old-school political special interest machine!

In addition, I NEED you to forward this email to your family and friends in Illinois, and encourage THEM to take action as well. If it's easier for you, use the buttons below to share this message on Facebook and Twitter. Or pick up the phone and call them so they can take action right away.

Finally, I urge you to take some time during the upcoming recess to make a phone call or even request a personal meeting with your state representative. There's nothing like personal contact when it comes to communicating the importance of marriage for connecting children to a mom and a dad.

Victory is on the horizon, but only with your help today!

By Brian Brown | Posted in Alerts, Illinois, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (6)

Anderson in CNN -- Responds to AAP and Says Court Should Uphold Marriage

March 22, 2013 – 1:00 pm

Ryan Anderson of Heritage (and co-author of What is Marriage? One Man, One Woman: A Defense) writes in CNN:

"...So what about that release from the American Academy of Pediatrics? Two eminent political scientists, Leon Kass (a professor at University of Chicago) and Harvey Mansfield (a professor at Harvard), filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court cautioning against accepting politicized science: "Claims that science provides support for constitutionalizing a right to same-sex marriage must necessarily rest on ideology. Ideology may be pervasive in the social sciences, especially when controversial policy issues are at stake, but ideology is not science."

Kass and Mansfield urge the court not to redefine marriage based on new, inconclusive research. The academic studies on same-sex parenting purporting to show "no differences" are, they argue, "subject to severe constraints arising from limited data" and a lack of "replicable experiments." The professors contend:

"Even if same-sex marriage and child rearing by same-sex couples were far more common than they now are, large amounts of data collected over decades would be required before any responsible researcher could make meaningful scientific estimates of the effects."

Although we still have much to learn about the impact of same-sex parenting, we do know quite a bit about marriage and child well-being. We have decades of rigorous social science data confirming that children do best with a married mother and father.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Marriage, Research/Study, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (38)

USAToday Profiles Leaders in the Pro-Marriage Movement

March 22, 2013 – 11:00 am

Richard Wolf's lengthy profile in USAToday of leaders in the pro-marriage movement is well worth the read. He interviews both Brian Brown our president and Maggie Gallagher our co-founder:

"...At the tip of the spear is the National Organization for Marriage, led by Brian Brown, a father of seven who travels the nation speaking at rallies opposing gay marriage. He succeeded Maggie Gallagher, a renowned conservative writer and speaker who warns about "losing American civilization."

... Their battle will culminate Tuesday with a "March for Marriage" in the nation's capital, the same day the Supreme Court kicks off two days of oral arguments that could change the face of marriage in America. California's Proposition 8 ban on gay marriage will be addressed first in a case that could affect other states as well, followed by the federal Defense of Marriage Act's denial of government benefits to same-sex spouses.

...Brown notes, opponents helped to pass laws and voter initiatives against gay marriage in 38 states. Only nine states and the District of Columbia allow same-sex marriage — including three states where voters approved it last fall.

"The people are definitely on our side," Brown says. "The fight is not over. We have not lost the Supreme Court."

Since the Family Research Council shooting, Brown's organization has hired an armed guard in its Washington office, and hecklers are a common problem. Brown, however, says he's not intimidated.

... Like Brown, [Gallagher] remains optimistic about banning gay marriage in the states and the courts. But even in defeat, she says, the opposition will grow stronger, much like the abortion opposition after the Supreme Court's 1973 ruling that legalized abortion.

"I don't believe in inevitability," Gallagher says. "We make the future happen, and we're in the process of making a decision."

By NOM Staff | Posted in Marriage, Media, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (9)

National Organization for Marriage Responds to the American Academy of Pediatrics

March 21, 2013 – 2:53 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 21, 2013
Contact: Elizabeth Ray or Jen Campbell (703-683-5004)

National Organization for Marriage

"We are disappointed that the American Academy of Pediatrics has taken the transparently political step of endorsing same-sex marriage in an attempt to influence the US Supreme Court." — Brian Brown, NOM president —

Washington, D.C. — Today, Brian Brown, National Organization for Marriage president, released the following statement regarding the American Academy of Pediatrics endorsing same-sex marriage:

"We are disappointed that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has taken the transparently political step of endorsing same-sex marriage in an attempt to influence the US Supreme Court. They have done a grave disservice to America’s children by endorsing a policy that intentionally deprives children of either a mother or a father. Their position seems to be that the unique contributions of both mothers and fathers do not matter. Which parent can a child do without — her mother or her father?

The AAP has not conducted any new research to justify their preposterous conclusion, adding evidence that it is a political act, not a scientific one. Instead, they have reviewed a series of studies produced by gay children. As was reported by respected Louisiana State University researcher Loren Marks, virtually every study to date has involved small samples and hand-selected participants. None of them utilize large-sample, randomly selected participants — a key requirement to rigorous research.

One recent large-scale random sample study that has been produced by University of Texas researchers found that those raised in a same-sex household fared worse than those raised in intact heterosexual families on two-thirds of outcomes measured. Nowhere in the AAP statement do they address the confounding scientific evidence by Regnerus, Marks, Sirota and Allen — all published in peer-reviewed journals. The AAP simply ignores them.

We remain confident that the US Supreme Court will uphold the ability of states and the federal government to define marriage as the union of a man and a woman, a definition that has served our nation well for hundreds of years."

###

To schedule an interview with Brian Brown, President of the National Organization for Marriage, please contact Elizabeth Ray (x130), [email protected], or Jen Campbell (x145), [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 Press Releases, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (37)

Out of Time...

March 21, 2013 – 12:35 pm

National Organization for Marriage

Dear Marriage Supporter,

In a few days, on March 26th, NOM along with over 40 pro-family partners will March for Marriage in our nation's capital.

We are running out of time.

We still have many, many churches that want to organize buses for their congregants to attend the March, but do not have the money to fund them.

Will you give now to help change history? Many generous donors have contributed to the March. But if everyone who receives this email would give something, anything — even $5 or $10 — we would easily have the resources to shape history together.

Won't you please make an immediate, secure, confidential and tax-deductible donation to support this historic undertaking?

We also remain in need of volunteers at the March. Please e-mail [email protected] if you are interested in volunteering.

But above all else, please forward this email to everyone you know who supports traditional marriage!

You can also use the buttons below to do so:

God bless you!

By Brian Brown | Posted in Alerts, March for Marriage, Same Sex Marriage, Washington DC | Comments (1)

New York Times Profiles Young Marriage Activists!

March 21, 2013 – 9:00 am

The New York Times covers an often ignored story -- the young men and women who are active in the fight to protect and promote marriage in politics and culture! Ryan Anderson, co-author of "What is Marriage?" and our Communications Director Thomas Peters were interviewed for this article, as were many inspiring young pro-marriage voices:

"...opponents of same-sex marriage say they must argue in favor of traditional marriage, not against gay people or gay rights. “It’s really a broader defense of marriage and a stronger marriage culture,” said Will Haun, 26, a lawyer and member of the Federalist Society.

In the highest-profile effort, the National Organization for Marriage is gearing up for a march on the National Mall on Tuesday, the day the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on California’s 2008 voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage.

Last week, the Heritage Foundation released a report by Ryan T. Anderson, 31, in defense of traditional marriage,"Marriage: What It Is, Why It Matters, and the Consequences of Redefining It.” Mr. Anderson, a Heritage Foundation fellow, has also held briefings for members of Congress, their staff and others to explain his arguments against same-sex marriage, and he and two co-authors released a book last year laying out their case in depth.

...“If you take the longer view of history — I’m not talking just 15 years, I’m talking 40 years or even 100 years — I can’t help but think that the uniqueness of man-woman marriage will be adjudicated over time,” said Andrew Walker, 27, a policy analyst at the Heritage Foundation.

Either way, they are not planning on giving up any time soon.

“Even if we are doomed, and I’m totally naïve, I think it’s important that I do this work anyway,” Mr. Teetsel, of the Manhattan Declaration, said. “If what I believe is true is true, then I’ve got a responsibility to be on its side for as long as I can be.”

By NOM Staff | Posted in Marriage, Politics, Same Sex Marriage, Youth | Comments (15)

This Is Our Time!

March 20, 2013 – 1:28 pm

National Organization for Marriage

Dear Marriage Supporter,

This is our time... our time to make the political establishment, the media elites and the small, well-orchestrated band of activists pushing their radical same-sex marriage agenda on the country step back and take notice.

This is our time... our time to send the message more loudly and more clearly than ever before — that the American people will stand up and defend marriage as the union of one man and one woman because they know that children have a right to a mother and a father.

This is our time... our time to bring the most comprehensive and broadest coalition of marriage supporters to the table — Protestants, Mormons, Jews, Catholics, Orthodox, Muslims and those of no religious tradition — Christian advocacy organizations, the Catholic Church, African-American pastors, women’s groups, Latino advocacy organizations, news groups and educational institutions — all coming together for one single purpose:

To preserve marriage as the union
of one man and one woman!

Be a part of this powerful, growing grassroots coalition today by making a generous, confidential, tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $500, $1,000 or more to support this historic March for Marriage.

Every donation you make will be instantly DOUBLED thanks to our matching gift campaign which expires in less than a week!

I have one more special request today. We are looking for several dozen additional volunteers to help out the day of the March. If you would be willing to help make this historic event a resounding success by spending a couple of hours passing out literature, staffing a table, or directing traffic, please send an email to [email protected] and we will send you all the details.

This is our time to stand together in defense of marriage.

Stand with us today. Support the March for Marriage!

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

URGENT ACTION NEEDED: Tell Senator Raptakis to Let the People Vote on Marriage!

March 20, 2013 – 12:58 pm

Dear Marriage Supporter,

Your help is urgently needed today!

You and I know that the voters of the Ocean State overwhelmingly support marriage as the sacred and time-honored institution that unites men and women together and provides the best environment for the upbringing of children.

We also know that over three-quarters of Rhode Island voters — 78 percent! — believe that this matter should be put in the hands of citizens and not left to legislators and judges to decide.

But Senator Leonidas Raptakis disagrees with the voters on this point. After initially cosponsoring a bill that would have allowed voters to decide this issue, yesterday he asked that his name be removed, and has indicated that he might instead support a same-sex marriage bill currently working its way through the committee process.

Click here to contact Senator Raptakis right away and tell him to REJECT Senate Bill 38 in the Senate Judiciary Committee and to stand firm for marriage. Instead, the Senator should reaffirm his SUPPORT for Senate Bill 708, which would give Rhode Island voters the final say in this important matter.

Senator Raptakis could be the decisive swing vote in the Judiciary Committee that will determined whether marriage redefinition is put before the full legislature. He's been hearing a lot from same-sex marriage activists on this issue, so now it is time that pro-marriage men and women like you and I make our voices heard!

Don't give way to the noisy but powerful lobby trying to foist marriage redefinition on our state without the consent of the voting public who firmly believe that the ballot box is where this issue should be decided.

Let Senator Raptakis know that his constituency in Rhode Island wants him to AFFIRM Senate Bill 708 and the rights of the voters of Rhode Island to be heard on the issue of marriage, and to REJECT Senate Bill 38 which would take the matter out of our hands and give it over to powerful special interests groups instead.

The Senator needs to hear from you today! Please don't delay to send him this important message right now.

And if you have friends and family in Rhode Island, forward this email to them as soon as you can, and share it on Facebook and Twitter, urging all pro-marriage Rhode Islanders to make their voice heard today while we still have the chance!

With your help, we'll make sure Senator Raptakis knows truly where the hearts and minds of Rhode Islanders rest on the important issue of marriage, the most basic unit of our civilization. We have a limited window of time to ensure that our voices will be heard on this matter, and if we miss it we risk being silenced on the issue forever!

Thank you for your immediate action at this critical time.

By Christopher Plante | Posted in Alerts, Rhode Island, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (6)

NOM's Peters: March for Marriage "an opportunity to show the positive face of the pro-marriage movement"

March 20, 2013 – 12:30 pm

Catholic San Francisco:

San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone will speak on the importance of marriage, particularly to children, at the March for Marriage in Washington, D.C., March 26, the date of the U.S. Supreme Court hearing on California’s Proposition 8.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops sent letters to all American dioceses asking them to promote participation in the March for Marriage. The event is organized by the National Organization for Marriage, and is supported by a coalition of 30 organizations including Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council, said Thomas Peters, one of the organizers.

“It’s an opportunity to show the positive face of the pro-marriage movement and to call on the Supreme Court to respect the seven million Californians who voted to enact Prop. 8 in 2008,” Peters said.

By NOM Staff | Posted in California, Catholic Church, March for Marriage, Marriage, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (18)

Have You Signed Up For The March For Marriage?

March 20, 2013 – 12:25 pm

National Organization for Marriage

Dear Marriage Supporter,

Knowing what you know today, what would you do if you could roll back the clock to before the infamous Roe v Wade decision was issued by the Supreme Court?

Would you show up in front of the Supreme Court and make your voice heard?

Well, today it's 1973 for marriage.

And that's why the National Organization for Marriage has brought together the broadest, most extensive coalition of organizations ever (including Catholics Called 2 Witness, CatholicVote.com, The Family Research Council, Concerned Women for America, Focus on the Family and CitizenLink, the Coalition of African American Pastors and many, many more) to make a resounding statement on March 26th by marching for marriage in front of the United States Supreme Court on the day they will be hearing a case that has the potential to become the Roe v Wade for marriage.

And YOU can be a part of it. Even though the March for Marriage is just a few days away, there's still time to sign up — just click here to be a part of this historic march!

Please consider coming to march for marriage next Tuesday and be a part of history. And even if you can't make it, please forward this message to family and friends who may be able to attend (you can use the buttons below).

Together, we can make March 26th a historic day for marriage, showing the world — and our government leaders nationwide —that the American people believe that marriage is the union of one man and one woman because children have a right to both a mom and a dad.

Your help is crucial to the success of this important endeavor. This is our time to March for Marriage, to stand up for the rights of future generations to share in this beautiful and time-honored institution and not to have foisted on them a radically reshaped version of it. We need to stand up now — the stakes are just too high to sit on the sidelines.

With all of us doing our part, we will prevail — for marriage, for family, for God and country.

I hope to see you on the 26th!

By Brian Brown | Posted in Alerts, March for Marriage, Same Sex Marriage, Washington DC | Comments Off

Mainwaring on SSM: We're Playing Chess, Not Checkers

March 20, 2013 – 11:15 am

Doug Mainwaring, who will be speaking at our March for Marriage next Tuesday, writes in the Public Discourse:

In our sometimes misguided efforts to expand our freedom, selfish adults have systematically dismantled that which is most precious to children as they grow and develop. That’s why I am now speaking out against same-sex marriage.

By the way, I am gay.

A few days ago I testified against pending same-sex marriage legislation in Minnesota’s Senate Judiciary and House Civil Law Committees.

The atmosphere at these events (I’ve also testified elsewhere) seems tinged with unreality—almost a carnival-like surrealism. Natural law, tradition, religion, intellectual curiosity, and free inquiry no longer play a role in deliberations. Same-sex marriage legislation is defended solely on grounds of moral relativism and emotions.

Pure sophistry is pitted against reason. Reason is losing.

Here’s the problem: The national discussion of same-sex marriage treats the issue like a game of checkers, where opponents can quickly gain each other’s pieces without much forethought about the consequences. This unreflective view of the discussion has prevented any real debate.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Debating Marriage, Marriage, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (11)

USCCB Marriage Blog: Five Reasons to Participate in the March for Marriage

March 20, 2013 – 10:45 am

The Marriage Unique for a Reason blog run by the U.S. Catholic Bishops gives five reasons Catholics should support the March for Marriage -- here's the first reason:

1. When Pope Francis was archbishop of Buenos Aires, he encouraged the Catholic faithful to march for marriage. The year was 2010 and the Argentinean legislature was debating whether or not to redefine marriage. According to Zenit news, then-Cardinal Bergoglio “appealed to parish priests, rectors and chaplains of churches to facilitate the participation of the faithful” in a planned march and demonstration against redefining marriage. The marchers united under the motto “We want a mommy and daddy for our children” and Cardinal Bergoglio encouraged them to keep the tone positive. Read more about Pope Francis’ defense of marriage and family during his time in Buenos Aires.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Catholic Church, March for Marriage | Comments (4)

Young Conservative LTE: SSM Denies Children a Fundamental Right

March 19, 2013 – 4:00 pm

Tommy Valentine in a letter to the editor of the Washington Examiner:

There are too many fallacies in Michael Barone's same-sex marriage column to address in a letter to the editor. But I would like to hit a couple points.

The statement that in 2004 the Massachusetts Supreme Court "discovered that the state's 1780 Constitution required recognition of same-sex marriages" is utterly ridiculous. No serious person actually believes that Samuel Adams and John Adams had homosexual marriage in mind as they wrote the Massachusetts Constitution. The 2004 decision was legislating from the bench at its finest.

I do agree with Barone's point that homosexual marriage is a bipartisan issue. This is neatly summed up in the ignored story of 11-year-old Grace Evans, who testified before the Minnesota House of Representatives on the importance of every child having a mom and a dad -- a right homosexual marriage inherently and deliberately denies children.

"Which parent do I not need? My mom or my dad?" Grace asked a panel of lawmakers. They were silent. She repeated the question and again got no response, because there is no response. Every child deserves a mom and a dad, and support for that right definitely crosses party lines.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Marriage, Same Sex Marriage, Youth | Comments (32)

Speaker John Boehner: Marriage is "what I grew up with. It's what I believe."

March 19, 2013 – 9:00 am

Over the weekend, Speaker John Boehner was interviewed about his views on marriage -- he gives a good answer:

House Speaker John Boehner says he's unswayed by a prominent fellow Republican's flip-flop on gay marriage, and that he still opposes the same-sex unions.

Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, a Boehner ally from his home state, revealed Friday that his son is gay and that he now supports gay marriage. Asked about the shift Sunday on ABC's "This Week," Boehner didn't knock his friend, but reiterated his own position.

... "Listen, I believe that marriage is the union of one man and one woman," he said. "It's what I grew up with. It's what I believe. It's what my church teaches me. And I can't imagine that position would ever change."

And with debate over the future of the Republican Party breaking into the open at last week's Conservative Political Action Conference, Boehner cast his lot with Republicans who believe better messaging -- not policy changes -- are what's needed for the party.

"The issue with our party is pretty simple," Boehner said. "There's nothing wrong with the principles of our party. But Republicans have not done as an effective job as we should in terms of talking about our principles in terms that average people can appreciate." (New York Daily News)