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Bachmann, Santorum Right About Two Parent Families Under Slavery

July 27, 2011 at 9:30 am

John McWhorter, in The New Republic, "semi-defends" the Marriage Vow's "slavery passage" as factually accurate and revealing an important truth:

"The factual essence, then, of the now-infamous line in The Family Leader’s pledge represents a truth that all should take to heart: Black people, like all human beings, are capable of great resilience in the face of difficulty; and culture—there, I said it—is not just a lockstep response to the GDP or racism. This is the lesson we should learn from how uncommon single parenthood was among black people familiar with slavery, lynching, and Jim Crow."

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Culture, Election Watch 2012, Marriage Election Watch, Parenting | Comments (8)

Chuck Colson: "Never, Never Give Up: The Defense of Marriage Today"

July 27, 2011 at 9:00 am

Resolve:

Yes, same-sex “marriage,” so-called, poses a grave threat to religious freedom. There have already been cases where photographers and others have been sued for refusing to participate in same-sex “wedding” ceremonies. Catholic Charities in several states has been pushed out of the adoption business because they only place children with a married mom and dad. Make no mistake: protecting religious freedom is a major priority.

But this is exactly why abandoning the battle over traditional marriage is foolish and dangerous. My colleague and Princeton professor Robert George sums it up perfectly: “If you ask,” he said, “‘What can be done going forward around the country to protect religious liberty?’ the answer is this: Win the fight to preserve the legal definition of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife. Period.”

... To give up the fight for marriage now after a few setbacks is crazy. The debate about marriage in America is not over. Now more than ever, Christians need to be equipped to defend marriage and to live out the truth about marriage, sex, and family in our own lives.

This is no time for defeatism or retreat, but for action.

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Culture, New York, Religious Liberty, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (7)

Minority Rules: Scientists Discover Tipping Point for the Spread of Ideas

July 27, 2011 at 8:00 am

EurekAlert:

Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have found that when just 10 percent of the population holds an unshakable belief, their belief will always be adopted by the majority of the society. The scientists, who are members of the Social Cognitive Networks Academic Research Center (SCNARC) at Rensselaer, used computational and analytical methods to discover the tipping point where a minority belief becomes the majority opinion. The finding has implications for the study and influence of societal interactions ranging from the spread of innovations to the movement of political ideals.

... "In general, people do not like to have an unpopular opinion and are always seeking to try locally to come to consensus. We set up this dynamic in each of our models," said SCNARC Research Associate and corresponding paper author Sameet Sreenivasan. To accomplish this, each of the individuals in the models "talked" to each other about their opinion. If the listener held the same opinions as the speaker, it reinforced the listener's belief. If the opinion was different, the listener considered it and moved on to talk to another person. If that person also held this new belief, the listener then adopted that belief.

... The researchers are now looking for partners within the social sciences and other fields to compare their computational models to historical examples. They are also looking to study how the percentage might change when input into a model where the society is polarized. Instead of simply holding one traditional view, the society would instead hold two opposing viewpoints. An example of this polarization would be Democrat versus Republican.

Our job is to make sure there is an unshakable 10 percent willing to stand up for the great truths of Genesis: we are made male and female and called to come together in love so children have a mother and a father.

 

Maggie Gallagher
By Maggie Gallagher | Posted in Culture, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (10)

New Yorkers Stand 10,000 Strong for Marriage!

July 26, 2011 at 6:12 pm

What an amazing, uplifting, and energetic turnout we had on Sunday! If you couldn't be there, I hope you were able to watch online.

The crowd in Manhattan was so large the NYPD asked us to begin our march early so that we could relieve overcrowding at the gathering site. By the time we reached the United Nations plaza, nearly 10,000 people were present.

If you haven't yet had a chance to watch the speeches and coverage of the event, I hope you'll take a few minutes to do so. It was truly an amazing day.

Diaz Speaks at LTPV Rally in NY

A new era in the debate about same-sex marriage has begun. It's not about what politicians think is best, it's about demanding that the People be given their right to be heard.

Working with leaders such as Sen. Ruben Diaz, Bishop Joseph Mattera, New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms president Jason McGuire and others, NOM will help to create the largest coalition ever assembled in New York history, working to put a measure on the 2015 ballot to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

The rallies on Sunday were just the beginning. In the days ahead, we will unveil monthly activities for supporters to keep up public pressure and built momentum as we head toward the 2012 election. We will ask every candidate where they stand on letting the people vote on marriage. And if they aren't willing to commit their support to putting a measure on the ballot, not only will they not get our backing, they will get our opposition.

What can you do today?

Thanks to a unique pledge from a donor, you can help raise money for marriage – and it won't cost you a dime!

Between now and September 1st, NOM will receive $1 for every Facebook like, Twitter follower, or SMS Text Message Signup. It's simple and easy!

  • Step 1. Like NOM on Facebook! Click here and earn NOM $1.
  • Step 2. Follow NOM on Twitter! Click here to get started!
  • Step 3. Sign up for NOM's SMS Text Alerts, becoming a part of our instant action army! Just text "NYVOTE" to 96362.
  • Step 4.Tell your friends! By sharing this email with just 10 friends, you can help raise up to $30 to protect marriage in New York and across the nation.
    share on facebook   |   tweet this   |   email friends

These next several months will be full of exciting new developments, as we roll out opportunities for you to stay involved, and to get your family and friends involved in the battle for marriage!

Brian Brown
By Brian Brown | Posted in Let The People Vote, New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (2)

Breaking News: NY Attorney General Files Lawsuit to Overturn DOMA

July 26, 2011 at 6:10 pm

This didn't take long:

The New York State attorney general, Eric T. Schneiderman, acting just days after the state began allowing gay couples to wed, filed a legal brief on Tuesday challenging the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

Mr. Schneiderman asserted that the law, which prohibits the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages, violates the right to equal protection under the law for gay and lesbian couples.

The brief (attached at the bottom of the post), filed in Federal District Court in the Southern District of New York, refers specifically to New York State’s Marriage Equality Act, which was approved by lawmakers last month and took effect to great fanfare on Sunday. --NYTimes' City Room blog

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in DOMA, New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (13)

Video: Brian Brown, Maggie Gallagher and Sen. Ruben Diaz at LTPV Rallies

July 26, 2011 at 10:48 am

Here are NOM's Brian Brown in Albany, NOM's Maggie Gallagher in NYC, and State Sen. Ruben Diaz in NYC helping to form a new movement for marriage as part of the Let The People Vote rallies which took place across the Empire State this Sunday!

===

NOM President Brian Brown was fired up and so was the crowd at this weekend's rally in Albany!

NOM Chairman Maggie Gallagher begins in Manhattan by saying the people gathered today are supporting the most important civil right - the right to vote:

Sen. Ruben Diaz received a hero's welcome from the Manhattan crowd as the only Democrat State Senator who voted against SSM:

Follow our ongoing coverage of the fight to protect marriage in New York right here.

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Let The People Vote, New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (80)

Maggie Gallagher to Albany Times Union: "Gay Marriage Has Consequences"

July 26, 2011 at 10:37 am

Published yesterday in the Albany Times Union:

In response to your July 22 editorial, "Gay marriage, a legal reality": Ruth Sheldon just resigned as clerk of Granby, a job she has held for 15 years.

In the unlikely event a same-sex couple showed up in this little town, Granby could easily have designated another employee to issue the license. Sheldon and others are now out of a job and health insurance, because at least one district attorney has shamefully announced an intent to criminally prosecute people like Sheldon who do not believe in gay marriage.

The Times Union stands by and applauds. Gay marriage has consequences.

We do not have to accept unjust laws imposed as part of a corrupt sell-out by Republicans in Albany. Let the people vote.

Maggie Gallagher

Chairman

National Organization for Marriage

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (27)

Photo: "We Won't Be Silent"

July 26, 2011 at 10:16 am

This photo captures well the message New Yorkers witnessed on the streets of Manhattan:

Source: AM New York

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Let The People Vote, New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (44)

Hundreds Gather Outside Buffalo City Hall to Protest Grisanti Vote for SSM

July 26, 2011 at 10:13 am

BuffaloNews.com:

Outside Buffalo City Hall, where 20 gay couples had earlier applied for marriage licenses, about 250 people gathered to remind state legislators that they won't forget the politicians who went back on their word and supported the Marriage Equality Act.

The day's main target was freshman State Sen. Mark J. Grisanti, R-Buffalo, whose vote helped move the bill through the Republican-controlled Senate. Speakers called on the crowd to vote him and any other legislator who supported gay marriage out of office in 2012.

"The fact of the matter is that when you have an issue that affects the State of New York as this one does, the people should decide it by voting," the Rev. William Gillison of Mount Olive Baptist Church said in an interview.

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (4)

WSJ Comes Out Swinging Against NOM

July 25, 2011 at 6:34 pm

James Taranto, the talented WSJ blogger/columnist, comes out swinging against NOM's Let the People Vote campaign (of course, it's not just NOM's campaign --it's a coalition effort-- but WSJ names NOM).

Listen, there will be an election in 2012, in which we will find out if Republican elites are right they can pass a gay marriage bill in NY without consequences.

And actually, even WSJ had to admit about our rally:

...we happened to run into the group's New York City march yesterday as it crossed Second Avenue, and the turnout was impressive. It was the biggest demonstration we can remember seeing in the neighborhood, which gets a lot of them thanks to its proximity to the U.N. Most interesting, it was a very diverse crowd--we'd say a quarter to a third black, with lots of Hispanics.

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Let The People Vote, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (14)

Cuomo Says Vote Will Be Political Asset; Sen. Alesi Worries About Primary Challenge

July 25, 2011 at 5:54 pm

In PolitickerNY:

...Asked whether he will support the Republican senators who voted for marriage equality, at the possible expense of a Democratic State Senate, Cuomo said he thought the vote itself would help them.

“What I’ve said is I believe the legislators who voted for marriage equality, this is actually going to be an asset to them in their campaign; I believe that,” he said.

“Yes, there’s opposition, but by the way, there’s opposition to everything.

...”Alesi has had a strained relationship with both the Republican and Conservative parties in his home district, for a variety of reasons predating his marriage vote, but cautioned Republicans against trying to oust him in a primary.“I don’t think this is the make or break issue here,” said Alesi. “I think it’s important to understand for someone like me, if I were the loser in a primary, I don’t know of anybody else in my district that is going to hold this seat.

I hold this seat because I represent the district well…So a loss in a primary for me, I think, would be disastrous for the Republican majority.”

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (5)

New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms Files Lawsuit to Overturn NY SSM

July 25, 2011 at 5:46 pm

The Associated Press:

Opponents to New York's gay marriage law filed the first lawsuit challenging the measure, an anticipated salvo that came one day after weddings were celebrated around the state.

... The lawsuit claims that the Senate prevented lawmakers who opposed the bill from speaking and that the Senate didn't follow procedures that require a bill to go through appropriate committees before a full Senate vote.

... "We should have an open and deliberative process," the Rev. Jason McGuire, executive director of New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, told The Associated Press. "If truly the legislation can stand on its own merits then it should be able to withstand being deliberated publicly."

... The debate on the night of the vote on June 24 was severely restricted in a manner unprecedented in recent years.

The Senate's Republican majority allowed unlimited time for supporters of the bill to speak, including Democratic Sen. Thomas Duane who sponsored it and Republican Sen. Stephen Saland who provided the pivotal vote. But Lieutenant Gov. Robert Duffy, presiding of the Senate, repeatedly cut off Democratic Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr., a minister who led the opposition to the bill. Diaz sought to persuade his colleagues to vote "no."

The lawsuit also claims that promises of campaign contributions were made to Republican senators who voted for the bill.

Learn more about the lawsuit here at the NYCF website.

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Law, New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (9)

Over 10,000 Demonstrators Usher in New Era in Gay Marriage Battle As Thousands Demand, “Let the People Vote!”

July 25, 2011 at 3:12 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mary Beth Hutchins or Elizabeth Ray at 703-683-5004

WASHINGTON — The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) today praised the more than ten thousand supporters who crowded streets and plazas in New York City, Albany Rochester and Buffalo in four simultaneous rallies to demand the Legislature give New Yorkers the right to vote on marriage, just as voters in 31 other states have been able to do. NOM estimates that well in excess of 10,000 supporters attended the four rallies.

“The crowds of supporters were just amazing,” said Brian Brown, NOM’s president. “The crowd in Manhattan was so large the NYPD asked us to begin our march early so that we could relieve overcrowding at the gathering site. By the time we reached the United Nation’s plaza, nearly 10,000 people were present. This shows that a new era in the debate about same-sex marriage has begun. It’s not about what politicians think is best, it’s about demanding that the People be given their right to be heard.”

NOM will work with other rally organizers to put a measure on the 2014 ballot to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The organization has committed $2 million toward this goal, with funding the rallies and a series of mailers into state Senate districts being the initial down payment.

“We will ask every legislative candidate – Democrat, Republican and Conservative Party – where they stand on letting the people vote on marriage,” Brown pledged. “If they aren’t willing to commit their support to putting a measure on the ballot, even if party leaders don’t agree, not only won’t they get our backing, they will get our opposition. We’re going to elect a pro-marriage Legislature in 2012.”

Brown said that NOM will help organize monthly activities to keep up public pressure and momentum for putting a marriage amendment on the ballot. “The rallies yesterday were just the beginning. Every month we’ll be calling on supporters to take action and to help us grow our coalition. Working with leaders such as Sen. Ruben Diaz, Bishop Joseph Mattera, New Yorkers for Constitutional Rights president Jason McGuire and others, we will create the largest coalition ever assembled in New York history by the time we’re done. This is a great and righteous cause.”

To schedule an interview with Brian Brown, President of the National Organization for Marriage, or Maggie Gallagher, Chairman of the Board, please contact Mary Beth Hutchins (x105), [email protected], or Elizabeth Ray (x130), [email protected], at 703-683-5004.

###

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Let The People Vote, New York, Press Releases | Comments (26)

Brian Brown on Fire in Albany: "NOM Head Seeking an Army to Undo a Lie"

July 25, 2011 at 12:48 pm

A sample of Brian's barnburner speech in Albany:

“All we have done is put into statute a lie,” said Brian Brown, president of the National Organization for Marriage.

... Brown said his group, and others, should build a new coalition to push for a statewide referendum on same-sex marriage. He proposed amending New York’s constitution, which requires the approval of two successive legislatures and a popular vote. It would take until November, 2013, for such an effort to bear fruit, but legislative leaders have indicated no interest in allowing the necessary bills to floor votes.

... “We are not the kind of people that when politicians betray us, to take our rights away, go home,” Brown said. “If they believe their polls, then let this come to a vote. I don’t think lies enacted into law can last.”

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Let The People Vote, New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (37)

Impromptu Syracuse Rally: Let the People Vote!

July 25, 2011 at 12:30 pm

NOM helped organize rallies in Manhattan, Albany, Buffalo and Rochester (more on that soon!).

... Syracuse joined on its own!

...Several dozen people gathered for the "Let the People Vote Rally" in Clinton Square Sunday afternoon.

Organizers believe that the same sex marriage law should have been something that New Yorkers voted on rather than a few hundred legislators.

They also claim 31 other states have had same sex marriage laws go before the people and every time the people voted to uphold traditional marriage.

"Let the people vote, that is our message. Let the people vote to repeal this same sex marriage law. New York State was not able to, people were not able to vote and that's our message today...let the people vote,” said Kenneth Reed, Greater Evangelical Church pastor.

Organizers say similar rallies will continue across the state until lawmakers decide to listen and put this issue before the people. - YNN

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Let The People Vote, New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (5)
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