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NEW: The Best Arguments Against Same-Sex Marriage

November 8, 2012 at 11:30 am

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Dear Marriage Supporter,

Our opponents will use the election results to push the idea that the radical redefinition of marriage is “inevitable.” Now more than ever, we have to fight back hard with prayers—and with strong arguments.

That's why I think it's Providential that we're just weeks away from the release of the strongest pro-marriage argument ever written, praised by the likes of Rick Warren and Cardinal Dolan!

What Is Marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense, written by NOM co-founder and Princeton professor Robert P. George along with Sherif Girgis and Ryan T. Anderson, is the best short, accessible argument for marriage as a union of man and woman. Their 2010 article on marriage was an instant international success, cited worldwide as the toughest, most eloquent pro-marriage argument out there. They've expanded and enhanced it for this book, further developing key arguments and responding to critics.

The book offers a devastating critique of all the pro-gay marriage arguments, which no one has been able to answer. Use it to challenge friends and coworkers who think "history is on their side."

Finally, it demolishes the usual objections to our cause—points about infertility, interracial marriage, equality, freedom, same-sex couples' practical needs, separation of Church and state, and much more.

And it's very affordable—just $9.92 on Amazon! Buy it now, "like" its Facebook page, and invite your friends and family to do the same.

See below the high praise it's already gotten!

What people are saying about Marriage and the Public Good

"This book brilliantly explains why the definition of marriage is so critical and why the strengthening of marriages is absolutely essential to our freedom and our future."
— Dr. Rick Warren, Author of The Purpose Driven Life and Pastor of Saddleback Church

"What Is Marriage? There is the question. Thanks to these three eloquent authors for so cogently reminding us of that, and for showing us how reflective reason answers it."
— Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York

"What Is Marriage? is the most insightful, eloquent, and influential defense of marriage as it has been historically and rightly understood. People of all traditions—and everyone who cares about the future of this central and sacred social institution—owe Sherif Girgis, Ryan T. Anderson, and Robert P. George an extraordinary debt."
— Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, Yeshiva University

"With many countries on the verge of redefining a basic social institution, What Is Marriage? issues an urgent call for full deliberation of what is at stake. The authors make a compelling secular case for marriage as a partnership between a man and a woman, whose special status is based on society's interest in the nurture and education of children."
— Mary Ann Glendon, Harvard Law School

"What a joy to see this book by Sherif Girgis, Ryan T. Anderson, and Robert P. George, which presents the most philosophically astute and historically accurate defense of traditional marriage to date. It exposes the incoherence of attempts to radically redefine marriage by showing the inherent wisdom in what is our oldest social institution."
— Rabbi David Novak, University of Toronto

Brian Brown
By Brian Brown | Posted in Debating Marriage, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (58)

UPI: "Support for Gay Marriage Falls in France"

November 8, 2012 at 11:00 am

UPI:

Support for same-sex marriages in France has fallen by 5 percent to 58 percent in the last year, a poll published in Paris indicated.

The results were published in Le Parisien/Aujourd'hui en France Saturday, in the run-up to Wednesday's Cabinet vote on a bill to legalize same-sex marriages, Radio France International reported.

Meanwhile, French faith leaders are activating and seeing results:

"...However, only months later [French PM] Hollande and his allies are on the defensive against a surprisingly broad groundswell of opposition to his plans, led by André Vingt-Trois, the Cardinal Archbishop of Paris.

Vingt-Trois, as well as Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim leaders, have vociferously expressed their opposition to the proposed measure, and have been joined by conservative politicians and pro-life activists, who staged an attention-grabbing protest on October 23. Larger protests are scheduled for the 17th and 18th of this month.

The result has been a dramatic shift in public opinion, which polls had consistently shown to favor homosexual “marriage” and adoption.  According to a recent poll by IFOP commissioned by Le Figaro magazine, opposition to homosexual adoption has increased by ten percentage points in just one month, resulting in a majority of 52% opposed.  In apparent response to the outcry, the socialists have delayed a debate on the bill until next year." -- LifeSiteNews

The AP adds comment:

A plan to legalize same-sex marriage and allow gay couples to adopt was a liberal cornerstone of Francois Hollande's election manifesto earlier this year. It looked like a shoo-in for the French President, supported by a majority of the country, and an easy way to break with his conservative predecessor. But that was then.

Now, as the Socialist government prepares to unveil its draft "marriage for everyone" law Wednesday, polls show wavering support for the idea and for the president himself amid increasingly vocal opposition in this majority Catholic country.

And it's not just religious and rural leaders speaking out; top figures within Hollande's own party also are at loggerheads over the plan. The Socialists are now dragging their feet, releasing the bill later than planned and delaying parliamentary debate on it until January.

The political hot potato has exposed divisions between urban France, where homosexuality is widely accepted, and the rural heartland, where conservative attitudes hold sway.

And PinkNews adds more details:

"...Polls show a majority of French voters support marriage equality, but it has divided the country’s left and right, with lawmakers from the conservative UMP denouncing the measure.

“It’s the end of the family, the end of children’s development, the end of education. It’s an enormous danger to the nation,” UMP Senator Serge Dassault said on the radio show France Culture on Wednesday."

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in France, Marriage, Polling, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (2)

Archbishop of Canterbury Admits: Most Anglicans Don’t Support SSM

November 8, 2012 at 9:00 am

LifeSiteNews:

Despite apparent support for same-sex “marriage” from leadership in the Anglican Church, Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury admitted recently at a youth forum in New Zealand that most of those who fill the pews of Anglican Churches around the world favor a traditional definition of marriage.

According to a Taonga News report, the comment came during a question-and-answer session in which one of the participants asked, “New Zealand is debating a bill to authorize same sex marriage. What do Anglicans have to say about same sex marriage?”

“The Anglican Church has quite a lot to say about this issue – but it’s not always the same thing that people are saying,” Williams responded. “I’d say that for the vast majority of Anglicans in the world, the idea of same-sex marriage is not something they can come to terms with.”

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Marriage, News, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off on Archbishop of Canterbury Admits: Most Anglicans Don’t Support SSM

Cardinal Dolan Promises President Obama: Catholic Church Will Continue to Fight For Marriage

November 7, 2012 at 2:45 pm

The US Bishops:

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, congratulated President Barack Obama, November 7, the day after his re-election as President of the United States.

Cardinal Dolan promised the prayers of the bishops saying that "The Catholic Bishops of the United States offer our prayers that God will give you strength and wisdom to meet the difficult challenges that face America."

He added that "In particular, we pray that you will exercise your office to pursue the common good, especially in care of the most vulnerable among us, including the unborn, the poor, and the immigrant. We will continue to stand in defense of life, marriage, and our first, most cherished liberty, religious freedom. We pray, too, that you will help restore a sense of civility to the public order, so our public conversations may be imbued with respect and charity toward everyone."

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Catholic Church, Election Watch 2012, Marriage, Marriage Election Watch, New York, President Obama, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (22)

Maryland Archbishop: We Must "Redouble Our Efforts to Defend Marriage"

November 7, 2012 at 2:15 pm

Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, MD:

"The election results on same-sex marriage should serve as a “wake up call” for Catholics, Archbishop Lori said, demonstrating “our need to redouble our efforts to defend marriage, to preach about what marriage is, and to help people understand it as a unique relationship that does not discriminate against anyone, but is for the good of children and for the good of our society.”

Catholics can continue to work to uphold traditional marriage by strengthening their own marriages and family life, he added.

... A strong advocate of traditional marriage, Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori was among the campaign’s most vocal leaders. He was disappointed to see voters approve same-sex marriage, he said.

“I think that vote will prove not to have been for the common good of our state,” Archbishop Lori said.

The Maryland Catholic Conference, which advocates for public policy on behalf of the state’s bishops, joined the Maryland Marriage Alliance in efforts to overturn the law. Archbishop Lori praised the advocates’ work over the past year.

“So much hard work went into this, and I’m very, very grateful to everyone who worked so hard,” he said. “We will continue to witness to the values of marriage as understood as the union of one man and one woman, as the most sound, secure and loving way to bring children into the world.”

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Catholic Church, Marriage, Maryland, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off on Maryland Archbishop: We Must "Redouble Our Efforts to Defend Marriage"

Disappointed but not Defeated

November 7, 2012 at 1:45 pm

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Dear Marriage Supporter,

Obviously last night did not go the way that we had hoped, prayed and worked so hard to accomplish. Our endorsed candidate for president, Mitt Romney, came close but did not cross the finish line. We are very disappointed in losing four tough election battles on marriage by narrow margins. Even though marriage significantly out-performed the GOP ticket in each of these very liberal, very Democratic states, we also came up just short of the finish line.

But make no mistake: we are disappointed, but we are not defeated! We are fighting for a true and just cause—God's institution of marriage. This is a social compact that is not only ordained by the Almighty, it has served society very well. It's a cause worth fighting and with your support we will continue to do just that.

We knew long ago that we faced a difficult political landscape with the four marriage battles occurring in four of the deepest-blue states in America. As our opponents built a huge financial advantage, the odds became even steeper. We ran strong campaigns and nearly prevailed in a very difficult environment, significantly out-performing the GOP ticket in every state.

Despite the fact that NOM was able to contribute a record amount to the campaigns (over $5.5 million), we were still heavily outspent, by a margin of at least four-to-one. We were fighting the entirety of the political establishment in most of the states, including sitting governors in three of the states who campaigned heavily for gay marriage.

Our opponents and some in the media will attempt to portray the election results as a changing point in how Americans view gay marriage, but that is not the case. Americans remain strongly in favor of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The election results reflect the political and funding advantages our opponents enjoyed in these very liberal states. And they don't change the fact that in most states, marriage is protected from being redefined by state judges and politicians because voters have already adopted state
constitutional amendments defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

Though we are disappointed over these losses, we remain faithful to our mission and committed to the cause of preserving marriage as God designed it. Marriage is a true and just cause, and we will never abandon the field of battle just because we experienced a setback. There is much work to do. With your continued support and with faith in God, we begin that process now.

Brian Brown
By Brian Brown | Posted in Election Watch 2012, Marriage Election Watch, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (114)

Maine Bishop Thanks Catholics Who Fought to Defend Marriage

November 7, 2012 at 1:15 pm

Bishop Richard Malone of Maine:

“I am deeply disappointed that a majority of Maine voters have redefined marriage from what we have understood it to be for millennia by civilizations and religions around the world. I am thankful for those who engaged in sincere and civil discourse on this matter of such serious consequence to our society. I am grateful to those who supported and recognize the value of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. I especially want to thank the Catholic faithful who did not abandon Catholic teachings on the nature of marriage.

These past few months have served as a teaching opportunity to explain to parishioners and the wider community about how and why the Church views and values marriage as the union of one man and one woman open to new life.

It has also been an opportunity for learning. I trust that those who voted for such a radical change did so out of concern for our brothers and sisters who struggle with same-sex attraction. Respect and acceptance of all people regardless of sexual orientation is not a point of controversy. It is a teaching of the Church, but so is the authentic meaning and definition of marriage. That is why the Catholic Church will continue its commitment to work for the basic human rights to which all people are entitled, while remaining devoted to preserving and strengthening the precious gift of marriage.”

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Catholic Church, Maine, Marriage, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off on Maine Bishop Thanks Catholics Who Fought to Defend Marriage

National Organization for Marriage: We Are Not Defeated in Our Fight for Traditional Marriage

November 7, 2012 at 11:45 am

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 7, 2012

Contact: Elizabeth Ray or Jen Campbell (703-683-5004)

"Americans remain strongly in favor of marriage as the union of one man and one woman." —Brian Brown, NOM president—

National Organization for Marriage

Washington, D.C. — Brian Brown, president of the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), released the following statement today:

"Obviously we are very disappointed in losing four tough election battles by narrow margins. We knew long ago that we faced a difficult political landscape with the four marriage battles occurring in four of the deepest-blue states in America. As our opponents built a huge financial advantage, the odds became even steeper. We ran strong campaigns and nearly prevailed in a very difficult environment, significantly out-performing the GOP ticket in every state.

Despite the fact that NOM was able to contribute a record amount to the campaigns (over $5.5 million), we were still heavily outspent, by a margin of at least four-to-one. We were fighting the entirety of the political establishment in most of the states, including sitting governors in three of the states who campaigned heavily for gay marriage. Our opponents and some in the media will attempt to portray the election results as a changing point in how Americans view gay marriage, but that is not the case. Americans remain strongly in favor of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The election results reflect the political and funding advantages our opponents enjoyed in these very liberal states.

Though we are disappointed over these losses, we remain faithful to our mission and committed to the cause of preserving marriage as God designed it. Marriage is a true and just cause, and we will never abandon the field of battle just because we experienced a setback. There is much work to do, and we begin that process now."

###

To schedule an interview with Brian Brown, President of the National Organization for Marriage, please contact Jen Campbell (x145), [email protected] , or Elizabeth Ray (x130), [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 Marriage Election Watch, Press Releases | Comments (80)

GOP Majority in New York in Jeopardy As Pro-SSM Saland Goes Down

November 7, 2012 at 10:01 am

More from us soon, friends, about the results of last night's elections.

In the meantime we wanted to point out a silver lining outcome from last night:

"The fight for control of New York's state Senate was too close to call hours after the polls closed.

With most precincts reporting in unofficial results, it appeared two Republican seats would switch to Democrats leaving the chamber tied 31-31. A new seat was too close to call.

It appeared Stephen Saland, a Republican from Poughkeepsie who voted to support gay marriage, would lose. And in Rochester, Democrat Ted O'Brien appeared to have defeated Sean Hanna. That seat had been held by another Republican who had voted for same-sex marriage..." -- AP

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Election Watch 2012, Marriage, Marriage Election Watch, New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (16)

Reuters: "French Conservatives Gear Up Against Gay Marriage"

November 7, 2012 at 9:00 am

Reuters:

Roman Catholic bishops and conservative politicians are stepping their campaign against French President Francois Hollande's plan to legalize gay marriage days before his government presents its draft law in cabinet.

Paris Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois is expected to call for a broad mobilization against the law when Catholic bishops meet in the southwestern pilgrimage town of Lourdes for their annual plenary on Saturday.

Far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen and Jean-Francois Cope, who is campaigning to lead the main opposition UMP party, both backed proposals this week for a large national protest march in defense of traditional marriage.

Protesters took to the streets of 75 cities and towns across France last week and lay Catholic leaders have called for another round of demonstrations in mid-November. Sample letters against the law have been posted on websites sent to elected officials.

"In a rare turn for France, the Catholic Church finds itself setting the tone for the political opposition," wrote the Catholic newspaper La Croix. "The bishops have been raising their voices in a crescendo."

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in France, Marriage, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (13)

SHOCKING: Church Vandalized for Support of Traditional Marriage

November 6, 2012 at 4:24 pm

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Dear Marriage Supporter,

Take a deep breath and then take a look at these pictures. Overnight, vandals attacked a small, 150-year old church with graffiti, leaving spray-painted swastikas to greet Pastor Steve DeGroft as he arrived this morning.

Why? Because this church in Maine took a stand for marriage.

Now ask yourself this question: Have you voted today? Have you done everything in your power to make sure that in Maine, Minnesota, Maryland, Washington, and Iowa that you or your friends and family have voted to protect marriage.

Some states require a yes vote to protect marriage; some a vote no, against, or to reject same-sex marriage.

To protect marriage:

  • In Maine Vote NO on Question 1

  • In Maryland Vote AGAINST Question 6

  • In Washington vote to REJECT Referendum-74

  • In Minnesota vote YES on Question 1 (the Marriage Protection Amendment)

  • In Iowa, vote NO on retaining pro-gay marriage Judge David Wiggins

Each of these races—in Maine, Washington, Maryland, Minnesota, and Iowa—is extremely close. And our opponents know it.

Take another look at that vandalized church. If you have not done everything in your power to get out the vote in these key states—or if you have not voted yourself—you are allowing this to occur, not just in Maine, but throughout the country.

Same-sex marriage undermines religious liberty. Many of those who wish to redefine marriage believe that churches and individuals who stand up for traditional marriage deserve to be intimidated and punished.

Will we let them?

We can't let hostility and intimidation carry the day. If you live in one of these four states, please call your friends and family right now to make sure they join you at the polls today. Perhaps you know someone in your church who might need a ride.

Whatever you can do, do it now. Stand up for marriage, religious liberty, and common decency with your vote today!

Brian Brown
By Brian Brown | Posted in Election Watch 2012, Maine, Marriage Election Watch, Same Sex Marriage, SFMA | Comments (15)

Iowans for Freedom: 4 Reasons to Fire Wiggins

November 6, 2012 at 1:00 pm

Iowans For Freedom:

1) Wiggins made and executed law from the bench. Judges can’t do that. Article 12.Section 1 of the Iowa Constitutions says, “The general assembly shall pass ALL laws…”

2) Wiggins is the worst rated Supreme Court Judge in 50-year retention history. He received only a 63% retention recommendation from his own peers.

3) Wiggins broke the Iowa Judicial Code of Conduct. He violated Iowa Code when he did his own research. Iowa Code Chapter 51:2.9 says “A judge shall not investigate facts in a matter independently” but on pg. 54 of the Varnum opinion, they noted the evidence was “confirmed by our own independent research.”

4) It’s “We the People”, not we the courts.

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Election Watch 2012, Iowa, Law, Marriage, Marriage Election Watch, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (5)

A Libertarian Vote Against Gay Marriage

November 6, 2012 at 11:00 am

Popular conservative blogger Ed Morrissey of HotAir explains his vote:

"...Before I left Minnesota to spend the election in California, I cast my ballot in support of both measures, and I’ll explain why — and urge my fellow Minnesotans to join me.

First, contrary to what the measure’s opponents have written, it doesn’t change the definition of marriage in the state.  Marriage in Minnesota is restricted by statute to one man and one woman.  The measure would amend the state constitution to define it more foundationally.  That puts the issue outside the reach of the judiciary, which in other states changed the definition of marriage without voters having any say in this government policy.  If at some point in the future Minnesota voters want to change the definition of marriage to something else, they can amend the state constitution to do so — and only need a simple majority of all ballots cast, as is the case today.  Citizens who believe that representative government and direct democracy are better forms of self-government than judicial fiat should support this process."

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Marriage, Minnesota, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (3)

A Maine Surprise: Could Marriage Supporters Score an Electoral College Vote for Romney?

November 6, 2012 at 10:00 am

A statewide poll of Maine by critical insights shows Obama under 50% support, leading Romney by only 7 points.

Maine apportions its electoral votes by congressional district, and in Maine's 2nd district dem-leaning PPP has Romney only down by 5 points.

Republicans have sent a mailer into this area informing voters that "only one candidate supports traditional marriage: Mitt Romney."

Pundits are already pointing out the advantage Romney is gaining from pro-Amendment 1 supporters in Minnesota.

Could the wave of voters showing up to vote no on Question 1 (gay marriage) tomorrow also carry Romney to a win in Maine's 2nd district?

We don't know but it will be fascinating to find out tomorrow.

NOM
By NOM Staff | Posted in Election Watch 2012, Maine, Marriage, Marriage Election Watch, Mitt Romney, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (3)

Time to Vote YES on Marriage in Minnesota!

November 6, 2012 at 7:00 am

Minnesota for Marriage reminds us:

"VOTE YES NOVEMBER 6TH! Leaving the ballot blank counts as a "no" vote!"

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