The New Hampshire chapter of National Organization for Marriage launched a brutal ad campaign on Friday, targeting 87 Republican state representatives who voted against the recent bill to repeal the state’s law allowing same-sex marriage.
The ad accuses the legislators of misrepresenting their support for traditional marriage to voters when running for office, points out that every Republican presidential candidate opposes same-sex marriage, and singles out Manchester Rep. Michael Ball for a statement he made that the ad says “mocked the very institution of marriage that God himself authored.”
NOM-NH Runs Ad Slamming GOP Legislators for Gay Marriage Vote
April 17, 2012 at 10:00 am
Same-Sex Marriage Going Nowhere in Illinois
April 17, 2012 at 9:00 am
Despite a push by gay lawmakers, the effort to legalize gay marriage in Illinois is unlikely to get off the ground this year, the chief sponsor of a marriage proposal said.
State Rep. Greg Harris (D–Chicago) told the Chicago Sun-Times that reeling in Medicaid and pensions programs as well as approving an overall budget would take precedence during the homestretch of the General Assembly’s spring session.
“I never say never,” Harris quipped. “[But] I don’t think there will be a push before the end of this session.”
His bill, HB 5170, would delete a provision outlawing marriage between individuals of the same sex.
It was first introduced on Feb. 8 and, perhaps unsurprisingly during an election year in which fiscal issues have been front-and-center, remains pent up in the House Rules Committee.
... Recent poll numbers in Illinois outline the political difficulty of moving from civil unions to marriage in the Land of Lincoln.The last statewide poll on the topic conducted by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University was during the fall of 2010, when a third of registered voters said they supported gay marriage. Back then, the civil unions measure passed with only one vote to spare in the Illinois House.
NOM's Peters: Gay-Rights Activists Creating a "Legal Mess" on Income Taxes to "Push an Agenda"
April 16, 2012 at 3:00 pm
Tomorrow is Tax Day, and NOM's Thomas Peters was interviewed by the Iowa Gazette over how some gay marriage activists are using the tax code to attack DOMA:
"...The 2010 census counted more than 131,000 same-sex married couple households in the United States. The gay-rights organization One Iowa puts this state’s figure at about 4,500 marriages since same-sex marriage became legal in April 2009.
“Tax time brings into clear focus the additional burdens that one set of married couples, gay couples, have to face that other couples don’t,” Cole-Schwartz said.
Thomas Peters, cultural director for the National Organization for Marriage, which opposes same-sex marriage, said what is unfair is Iowa residents not getting a chance to vote on same-sex marriage. The tax issue is part of that larger debate, he said.
“If we want to simplify the tax code, let’s allow the democratic process to work out over the underlying debate about what marriage is,” he said.
The Iowa House last year passed legislation calling for a statewide vote on constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, but Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs, said he will not bring the measure to a vote and believes passing such an amendment would put discrimination in the Iowa Constitution.
The Internal Revenue Service says it is bound by the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as between one man and one woman in federal law.
... Some couples have defied the law and filed joint federal returns. The “Refuse to Lie” campaign offers advice such as filing two individual returns and adding a joint return or including an attachment saying they’re married.
... The National Organization for Marriage’s Peters said gay-rights activists are trying to create a “legal mess” to “push an agenda to offer a false solution.”
The IRS said all taxpayers are expected to file complete and accurate returns, and one element for determining a penalty is whether an error was intentional."
A Special Message from Bishop Harry Jackson
April 16, 2012 at 2:36 pm
Dear Marriage Supporter,
For three years, I have stood shoulder to shoulder with Brian Brown and the National Organization for Marriage, fighting to protect marriage in Maryland and in our nation's capital.
Together—for the first time in Maryland—we have built a true rainbow coalition of Blacks, Latinos and whites, Republicans and Democrats, Catholics, evangelicals, Mormons and Jews, all working together to protect and preserve marriage. It's a new phase in the battle for marriage—and critical as we head toward a referendum this fall.
The National Organization for Marriage has done so much to protect marriage, not only in Maryland, but in similar battles all across the country.
It's no wonder groups like the Human Rights Campaign and The New York Times are trying to tear our coalition apart.
My answer? Not a chance!
The ugly insinuations and outright lies I have seen over the past two weeks are nothing short of reprehensible. They're trying to create the impression that NOM is exploiting racial division—using Blacks and Hispanics to further its political agenda.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Same-sex marriage isn't about civil rights. It's about our civil responsibilities. As Americans and as people of faith, we have a duty to stand up, engage, and speak the truth about marriage. And when we all stand in unity, no one can stop us.
Same-sex marriage supporters have it all backward. It is the Democratic Party elites and gay marriage leaders that are pushing an agenda of division.
In the weeks following California's vote on Proposition 8, I witnessed some of the most vile and disgusting attacks on African-Americans that I have seen in the past 20 years. Why? Because gay marriage activists thought they owned the black vote—but 70% of African-Americans voted in favor of Prop 8. So gay marriage supporters engaged in a campaign to silence, bully and intimidate Black voters.
NOM is doing a new work in the battle for marriage. They are building a national grassroots coalition. They are supporting state groups like ours in Maryland working to preserve marriage at the state level.
And now NOM is fighting back with a campaign to build our coalition even stronger. A donor has offered to match every gift up to $200,000. And every dollar of that gift will help to identify new leaders, organizers and grassroots activists who can stand up and speak the truth about marriage.
NOM is standing for marriage, and to make our voices heard. I hope you will join me in standing with NOM today.
Sincerely,
Bishop Harry Jackson
High Impact Leadership Coalition
Maggie Gallagher on NOM's Tax Info: "IRS Released It for Political Reasons"
April 16, 2012 at 2:00 pm
NOM co-founder Maggie Gallagher was interviewed by Bruce DePuyt on NewsTalk recently, discussing what's at stake when the IRS releases private information illegally:
DumpStarbucks.com: Bob Vander Plaats Drinks His Last Cup of Starbucks
April 16, 2012 at 1:00 pm
From a recent update by the head of the Iowa Family Leader, Bob Vander Plaats:
Our friends at the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) are urging customers across the globe to "Dump Starbucks" because the company has taken a corporate-wide position that the definition of marriage between one man and one woman should be eliminated and that so-called same-sex marriage should become equally normal.
On January 24th, 2012, Starbucks issued a memorandum declaring that a bill in the state of Washington to legalize so called same-s*x marriage is "core to who we are and what we value as a company".
A portion of every cup of coffee purchased at a Starbucks goes to fund this corporate attack on marriage. If you would like more information about why NOM wants you to "dump Starbucks" or would like to sign the petition, click here.
Audio: Rush Limbaugh on Obama & His DOJ's Hypocrisy on DOMA
April 16, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Rush Limbaugh on his radio show last week:
"This administration said not long ago they're going to stop defending the Defense of Marriage Act. Now, the day after Obama goes out and says 'it's unprecedented, the Supreme Court's never overturned a law' ... his own Department of Justice is asking the First Circuit to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act!"
Smith: Alesi Has "Done Himself In" by Betraying His "Old Friends" on Marriage
April 16, 2012 at 11:15 am
Curt Smith argues that Sen. Alesi more than deserves all the ridicule and rebuke he has received from his constituents, and explains how the Senator's betrayal on marriage has sealed his fate:
"... In 2010, [Sen. Alesi] was reelected vowing to support traditional marriage. In spring 2011, neither apologizing nor explaining, Alesi helped the Republican-controlled Senate make New York only the sixth state to let gay and lesbian couples wed, changing the historical definition of marriage between one men and one woman.
A 2009 photo shows him, head in hands, voting against same-sex wedlock, saying “I live in a political world. It’s not about courage.” Deeming his district increasingly liberal, Alesi changed his vote — cravenly, not courageously. The National Organization for Marriage scored his “tearing up the … contract with voters who trusted” him. In response, Alesi mocked old friends, saying “I have new friends now.” Incredibly, he never considered that the old friends might laugh last.
Besieged, Alesi now blames “a small handful of people who are vengeful (against gay marriage) and just have hatred in their hearts.” Such rhetoric shows delusion in his mind. In fact, the “handful” are his constituents: less “vengeful” than kinder, gentler: hating not Alesi but how, in their view, he lied.
Alesi’s “old friends” were the laborer, school teacher, and retiree in Gates, Greece, and Henrietta: so superior to the “new.” His current pals are socialites, gaudy fund raisers, double latte snobs, and religion-bashers from Manhattan to San Francisco. Why would Alesi even want them, let alone trade old friends for new?
In 1974, succeeding Richard Nixon as President, Gerald Ford said, “Ours is a nation of laws, not men. Here the people rule.” Too bad Jim Alesi didn’t listen. It might have spared him the political suicide ahead. -- The Messenger Post
Audio: Mark Levin on HRC's IRS Leak: "It's a Felony"
April 16, 2012 at 10:30 am
Mark Levin used his syndicated talk show last Friday to pick up on the Matt Lewis exclusive in the Daily Caller.
Levin concluded the segment by saying he "wouldn't put anything past this administration":
Former Governor: Maryland Will Be the 32nd State to Reject SSM
April 16, 2012 at 10:00 am
Robert Ehrlich, former Maryland governor and member of Congress, in his most recent Baltimore Sun column:
Maryland's present flirtation with gay marriage is only the latest chapter in a long-running culture war. In the "Free State's" case, it will ultimately come down to the people through a ballot initiative. A likely result: a coalition of Catholics, African-Americans, Hispanics and conservatives from both sides of the aisle send the measure to a decisive defeat. (Such a result would make Maryland the 32nd state to defeat a gay marriage referendum.) Opponents of all stripes will be tested in unique ways. First and foremost will be how to go about stating an opposing opinion without the usual "ism" and "phobic" charges from the secular left. It's not so easy — being on the cultural defensive never is.
... Today, many African-American preachers are taken aback by the criticism directed their way by some gay advocates. Many of these pastors are veterans of the civil rights movement; they are not acclimated to the negative epithets directed their way as a result of activism on behalf of traditional marriage. Theirs is a faith-based position identical to that of the majority of white religious leaders and many liberal politicians, including President Barack Obama. They do not deserve such invective.
... Many of us draw the line at marriage, however. We ask the state to defend this fundamentally important (albeit flawed) institution — not redefine it down to fit the demand of an influential interest group. Indeed, one redefinition will most assuredly beget additional redefinitions: Why not a civil right to more than one spouse? Where does one draw the line once the traditional threshold is crossed?
Traditional marriage is integral to our Judeo-Christian heritage. It is the institution most adept at the business of raising children. For many opponents, it's not a civil rights issue. It's about a foundational institution that deserves this ultimate protection.
AP: Gay Marriage Groups Split on Ohio Ballot Initiative
April 16, 2012 at 9:00 am
A 30,000-member gay rights group won't support a current ballot initiative aimed at overturning Ohio's ban on same-sex marriages.
Equality Ohio's executive director Ed Mullen tell The Columbus Dispatch he's concerned there may be problems with the language proposed by backers of the constitutional amendment and that more analysis is needed.
Ian James of the Ohio Freedom to Marry coalition that's proposed the amendment says the initiative will continue. He say the drive to overturn the ban needs to begin now.
The ballot issue would ask voters to repeal a 2004 amendment that says Ohio recognizes only a marriage between a man and a woman. Supporters must collect about 385,000 valid voter signatures for the issue to appear on the ballot.
ADF's Schowengerdt: "How Odd it is to Hear a DOJ Lawyer Argue a Law Passed by Congress is Unconstitutional"
April 15, 2012 at 9:00 am
Alliance Defense Fund attorney Dale Schowengerdt on National Review's Bench Memos blog:
It’s hard to describe how odd it is to hear a Department of Justice lawyer argue in court that a law passed by Congress should be struck down as unconstitutional. It is, after all, the DOJ’s job to defend laws passed by Congress. But as I sat at the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston on Wednesday listening to the appellate arguments for the Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) cases, that’s exactly what I heard for 20 minutes from the DOJ lawyer.
... Ultimately, it’s much better that Paul Clement is defending these cases rather than the DOJ, which only pretended to defend DOMA before deciding to jump ship and join the opposition. But still, you have to wonder how the DOJ’s unprecedented decision to attack the constitutionality of a law that it has a constitutional duty to defend will impact the Department in the long-term. Surely every administration has to defend laws that it would not have supported politically. For example, and speaking of Paul Clement, when he was solicitor general under the Bush administration he defended the infamous McCain-Feingold campaign-finance law, which is of course a darling of the Left. No doubt President Bush (and perhaps Clement himself), strongly disliked the law. But, by all accounts, Clement defended McCain-Feingold vigorously — and successfully — at the Supreme Court.
... Does DOMA deserve anything less? It was enacted by huge, bipartisan majorities in both houses (85–14 in the Senate, 342–67 in the House), its constitutionality was affirmed by the DOJ, and it was signed by President Clinton. When its constitutionality was later challenged in federal court three times under the Bush administration, the DOJ defended it successfully each time. So why the change? Has the legal precedent since then made defending DOMA a hopeless cause? Hardly. In fact, it’s just the opposite.
24 Hours for Victory!
April 14, 2012 at 12:51 pm
Dear Marriage Supporter,
Wow...what a week it has been!
In the midst of a vicious barrage of media attacks parroting the propaganda of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), HRC's publication of stolen NOM tax returns, illegal hacking of NOM's online accounts, and new legal action taken by NOM to defend ourselves and the rights of marriage supporters throughout the country, I don't want to forget the wonderful and important work taking place down in North Carolina.
Our theme this week has been "We Stand United!" And nowhere is that more true than in North Carolina where the African American church has provided stalwart leadership in speaking out for God's truth about marriage.
But if we are truly united, we must all stand with them, not just in word, but in deed as well. In just 24 days, North Carolina voters will go to the polls, making North Carolina the 32nd state to vote on same-sex marriage.
Our opponents in North Carolina have raised millions of dollars and amassed mountains of cash—and they are openly suggesting that they could defeat the North Carolina marriage amendment.
We've heard through numerous sources that the activists opposing the bill, backed by big money from gay billionaires and Hollywood elites, are planning on flooding the airwaves in the coming weeks—employing scare tactics and a powerful campaign of disinformation to sway public opinion.
While such a defeat would be a tragedy for North Carolina, the impact of such a defeat could be even more devastating nationally.
Our opponents are keenly aware that the American people have voted to reject same-sex marriage in 31 consecutive states—and that the Supreme Court isn't blind to what is happening in the states.
In these final weeks before North Carolina voters go to the polls on May 8, we all need to chip in and help support the North Carolina campaign. And so today, even in the midst of NOM's own critical fundraising drive, we are asking you to donate directly to VoteforMarriageNC, the group spearheading the North Carolina campaign.
* * * * *
My friend, even if you've already given to support NOM's efforts across the country this week, will you please help Vote for Marriage NC by making an emergency gift of $5,000, $1,000, $500, $100, $50 or whatever you can afford right away?
Our generous donor has promised that the funds we raise for the campaign
will count toward fulfilling his matching grant.
Even better, I promise to match every dollar you give in response to this email in support of marriage in North Carolina.
Every single dollar you donate will go directly toward saving marriage in North Carolina.
Special thanks to all of you who have been part of the incredible outpouring of support we've had since yesterday's email.
But we still have a long ways to go to reach our goal of $200,000.
Thank you.
Australian Catholic Archdiocese Mobilizing to Protect Marriage
April 14, 2012 at 11:00 am
From the Archdiocese of Melbourne, Australia's Life, Marriage and Family Life Office:
Presently our Federal House of Representatives is considering proposals that would redefine marriage to include same-sex couples. As our bishops have reminded us, our society is now at a critical turning point where truth is at stake. Our views are being sought by the Australian Parliament. It is important that we take this opportunity to express support for marriage between a man and a woman.
The points below are offered to assist you in responding to the inquiry.
... While affection between a married couple is important, those feelings alone do not provide a sufficient reason for governments to be involved. Regulating matters of the heart is not the business of the state. Rather, it is precisely because of the natural link between the intimate relationship of man and woman with bearing and nurturing children – the future citizens on whom society depends - that legislators should continue to recognise and protect our current definition of marriage.
... Decades of social research bears witnesses to the fact that children are best served when raised in the home of their biological parents. While this may not always be possible, it is no reason to discard the ideal which has served societies for thousands of years.
... Attempting to call “equal” a form of relationship which by definition must deprive a child of his or her relationship with one or both of their natural parents, denies children their rights.
Tory MPs Think Cameron’s Gay Marriage Law Will Not Succeed
April 14, 2012 at 9:00 am
The majority of Conservative MPs believe David Cameron’s same-sex marriage plan is doomed to failure and is a source of deep concern for their constituents.
An all-party poll of MPs found only 56 per cent believed the proposal to legalise same-sex marriage would succeed, with 41 per cent of Conservatives believing it. Almost as many Tory MPs (37 per cent) believed the proposal will fail and 22 per cent said they were unsure, the survey carried out by ComRes found.
It means that three out of five Tory MPs have doubts that the plan will go ahead. By contrast, more than two thirds of Labour MPs and almost all Liberal Democrat members polled were confident that it would go ahead.
The poll also found that 60 per cent of MPs did not think that the policy was of “significant importance” to their constituents. Among Tory MPs the proportion rose to 69 per cent.
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