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NOM BLOG

Minnesota For Marriage Releases 5th TV Ad: Broken Promises

November 2, 2012 at 3:30 pm

Minnesota for Marriage urges Minnesotas to consider the promises gay marriage advocates have broken to push their agenda:

"There have been a lot of broken promises elsewhere about gay marriage, like it won't affect anyone else, even as small businesses are fined, charities closed, and people fired. Or "it won't impact religious liberty" even as pastors are punished and harassed, churches are sued, and believers targeted. Or "it won't be taught to young children in public schools" even though it was in Massachusetts and Canada. Don't trust broken promises. Vote YES on Amendment 1 to protect marriage."

By NOM Staff | Posted in Ads, Marriage, Minnesota, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off

New Must-See Video: Dan Savage, Obama's Bully-in-Chief

November 2, 2012 at 3:00 pm

Faith, Family, Freedom and FRCAction have just released this punchy video that mashes-up some of Dan Savage's most offensive comments with the President Obama's support of him:

By NOM Staff | Posted in Civility, Culture, President Obama | Comments (2)

Brad Pitt Donates $100K to Gay Marriage! We Can Fight Back!

November 2, 2012 at 2:45 pm

Dear Marriage Supporter,

Did you hear the news? Brad Pitt just gave $100,000 to the four campaigns fighting to impose gay marriage next Tuesday.

What's even more distressing is that Brad Pitt's own mother Jane Pitt has been the subject of death threats and a torrent of public abuse for speaking out against gay marriage, and yet her son has still chosen to double down by pushing gay marriage on the rest of the country!

I can hardly think of a better example of a liberal millionaire trying to impose his Hollywood values on all of us, no matter the consequences.

Let's fight back!

Our Stand for Marriage America campaign, which directly funds the four campaigns fighting to protect marriage, has raised almost $100,000, from almost 1,000 donors! Can I count on you to give $10, $100 or even $1,000 today?

Your contribution will help determine who has the final say on gay marriage: the $100,000 Brad Pitt just gave...or the $100,000 we raise from hundreds of pro-marriage activists like you!

This will be our last chance to fight back against the Brad Pitts of the world through Stand For Marriage America. Can I count on you to chip in at least $10 or as much as you can spare right away?

Together, we can fight back against Hollywood millionaires like Brad Pitt and, with your help, we can protect the values they are attempting to dismantle and obscure.

So please join me in standing up for marriage and for pro-marriage citizens like Jane Pitt by donating generously to these four state efforts.

Thank you for all your generosity. We are so close!

By Brian Brown | Posted in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, SFMA, Washington | Comments (1)

Iowans for Freedom: Iowa Voters Will See Through Justice Not Politics’ Hypocrisy

November 2, 2012 at 2:30 pm

A press release from Iowans for Freedom:

Iowans for Freedom has been accused of inserting politics into Iowa’s judiciary by accepting out-of-state money to educate Iowans on voting “no” on Supreme Court Judge David Wiggins’ retention. Now in the closing days of the election, IFF’s biggest critic on this matter has accepted $100,000 from a Washington, D.C. based PAC whose tagline is “working for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equal rights”.

“I am in disbelief at how Justice Not Politics has constantly criticized us for taking out-of-state money and claim we are putting politics in the judiciary for merely wanting to hold an activist judge in check,” Executive Director of Iowans for Freedom Greg Baker said. “Yet, they in the final days of the campaign, have taken $100,000 from a Washington, D.C. organization whose sole mission is to further the gay agenda. I’m sure they were hoping Iowans wouldn’t notice the hypocrisy.”

By NOM Staff | Posted in Iowa, Law, Marriage, Politics, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off

Maine Resident: "Question 1 Doesn't Include Protection for Religious Freedom

November 2, 2012 at 2:00 pm

Cyndi Redmond writes to the Kennebec Journal:

"On the same-sex marriage bill, Mainers deserve answers to two basic questions:

* With the overwhelming evidence that legalizing same-sex marriage will dramatically undermine religious freedom in Maine, why did same-sex marriage advocates intentionally omit the protections to reduce some of the threats, such as protection of religious objectors to same-sex marriage, including religiously affiliated nonprofit organizations from being penalized by loss of government contracts or in other ways because of their religious objection? And what about housing programs of religious organizations? These are bright, well-informed people, and they certainly knew that by choosing not to include protections, they were guaranteeing a deeply divisive conflict over religious freedom issues in Maine.

* Since they had to know that this decision would actually result in greater threats to religious freedom in Maine if this law is enacted, why would they try to mislead Mainers that their bill actually protects religious freedom?"

By NOM Staff | Posted in Maine, Marriage, Religious Liberty, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off

Maine Coalition: "The Marriage Title Cannot be Shared or Appropriated Simply Because it is Not Ours to Share"

November 2, 2012 at 1:30 pm

Peter Pinette of Woodland is a member of the local Coalition for Marriage Compromise and writes in the Bangor Daily News:

If there is a situation that is begging for a compromise, then it exists in the coming same-sex marriage referendum. We feel that compassion, understanding and consideration are the paramount issues in this referendum. If both sides of the debate give a truly heartfelt reflection on these issues then hopefully a just compromise can be achieved. A sincere understanding of each side’s rightful wants and consideration of values will lead to fairness.

Let us begin with the essential want of the traditional advocates. They want to retain the exclusive ownership of the marriage title. They believe it is their gift; it was ordained for those who are joined in the very foundation that God requires. They want to stress the sacredness and inalterability of the marriage title; a title that holds a deeply ingrained belief. It is the belief that marriage is a union both civilly and sacramentally of one man and one woman.

... Redefining marriage alters the basic foundation of a two-gender union that is required to merit the ordained marriage title. The marriage title cannot be shared or appropriated simply because it is not ours to share.

... In this referendum same-sex marriage advocates are looking to the people of Maine for compassion and understanding to grant them the right to marry with all the marriage entitlements. The privileges of marriage can be available to them under the title of civil unions.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Civil Unions, Civility, Culture, Maine, Marriage, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (7)

Maine Voices: Questions on Same-Sex Parenting Cast Doubt on Same-Sex Marriage

November 2, 2012 at 1:00 pm

Keith Moore in the Portland Herald Press:

"...I appeal to the intuition and experience of the people of the great state of Maine. I know this about you. You are men and women committed to your children. You are serious parents. May I propose that there is not enough data for us to safely conclude that children thrive in households with same-sex parents?Far too little is known about this new household form. For this reason alone, and for our children's sake, doesn't it make sense to wait before we institutionalize same-sex marriage?

To this point, the data shows that the safest place for a kid is in a household with a mom and dad. Common sense dictates that every child should be mentored every day with both male and female influences. Mainers United for Marriage consistently claims that they have 30 years of research on their side. Do they?

Every study has weaknesses, but here are the two weaknesses I see with these studies. First, most of this research is based on samples too small to detect genuine differences that may exist in children raised in opposite-sex partnerships versus same-sex parents; and second, much of this research is based on self-selected pools of volunteers, not a random, unbiased look at the entire population of same-sex parents."

... Mainers should vote "no" based on the serious questions that remain concerning the impact of same-sex parenting on children.

...In my opinion, this is not about kids and wanting to protect them at all. It's about adults asking the state to affirm their relationship choices. As people who care about children, Mainers must vote "no" on Question 1."

By NOM Staff | Posted in Children, Maine, Marriage, Parenting, Research/Study, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (16)

Over 500 Christian Pastors and Leaders Endorse the Minnesota Marriage Protection Amendment!

November 2, 2012 at 12:30 pm

A massive outpouring of support from the faith community on behalf of marriage!

Pastors for Marriage, a member group of the coalition Minnesota for Marriage, today announced that over 500 Christian pastors and leaders have endorsed Amendment 1, the marriage protection amendment. These 500+ Christian faith leaders represent Minnesota Assemblies of God, Lutheran, nondenominational, Baptist, minority, Presbyterian, Catholic, and other churches. They outline how their faith will guide them to vote YES on Amendment 1.

Pastor Steve Goold of New Hope Church stated: “As the author and architect of marriage, God has spoken clearly that marriage is to be between a man and a woman. These are unique and urgent times that shout the need to prevent the almost incomprehensible destruction that will come to society if that definition is permitted to be conveniently altered through the legal process. Bottom line for me as a Pastor—vote, vote yes, and enthusiastically encourage others to do the same. This is right and good.”

This statement, The Christian Vote on the Minnesota Marriage Protection Amendment, follows yesterday’s announcement by Billy Graham who stated that he “wholeheartedly endorse[s]” Amendment 1. -- Minnesota For Marriage

By NOM Staff | Posted in Marriage, Minnesota, News, Religious Liberty, United for Marriage | Comments Off

Archdiocese of Washington, DC Video: Vote Against Question 6

November 2, 2012 at 12:00 pm

A new video from the Archdiocese of Washington, DC (which includes parts of Maryland) urges Catholics to Vote Against Question 6:

By NOM Staff | Posted in Catholic Church, Marriage, Maryland, Same Sex Marriage, Washington DC | Comments (1)

Brian Brown Defends Marriage in Minnesota!

November 2, 2012 at 11:45 am

The South Washington County Bulletin published an early report of our President Brian Brown debating marriage yesterday with Episcopalian Bishop Gene Robinson.

The event was hosted in front of an audience of over 350 and broadcast via MNPR to tens of thousands of Minnesotans:

Minnesota’s hottest election topic continues to get hotter as Election Day nears.

Whether to amend the state Constitution to ban same-sex marriage has generated the most debate and most money this election season, and a Thursday night debate did nothing to pave over differences.

“What we are talking about is marriage, just marriage,” Episcopalian Bishop Gene Robinson said.

But supporters of the proposed amendment said that having same-sex parents is not good for children.

“Children deserve having both a mother and a father,” President Brian Brown of the National Organization for Marriage said.

The debate about a subject that polls show nearly evenly divides Minnesotans was organized by Minnesota Public Radio and moderated by talk show host Kerri Miller in front of 365 people and a statewide radio audience.

... Brown said the overwhelming majority of clergy support a marriage only of a man and a woman.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Events, Marriage, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off

BP: Maryland, Washington Could Overturn Gay Marriage

November 2, 2012 at 11:00 am

The Baptist Press:

Gay marriage laws in Washington state and Maryland are in danger of being overturned by voters, according to new polls that were released after traditional groups went on the air with television ads warning of the consequences of marriage redefinition.

Both new polls show traditional groups making up significant ground in the span of a few weeks.

In Washington state, Referendum 74 to legalize gay marriage is too close to call, with supporters of R-74 leading 49-45 percent, according to an Elway Poll of 451 likely voters conducted Oct. 18-21. A month earlier, supporters led, 51-37 percent.

"Opposition to Referendum 74 has grown over the past month while support has stayed at virtually the same level since July," an analysis by Elway Poll said.

In Maryland the vote on Question 6 -- which would legalize gay marriage if passed -- also is a dead heat, with 47 percent of likely voters opposing it and 46 percent favoring it. The survey of 801 likely voters was conducted Oct. 20-23 by OpinionWorks for the Baltimore Sun newspaper. A month earlier, supporters of gay marriage led, 49-39 percent.

Both states saw Democratic legislators and governors pass gay marriage laws this year, only to have citizens gather signatures to overturn them at the ballot. Neither law has taken effect.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Marriage, Maryland, Polling, Same Sex Marriage, Washington | Comments Off

National Organization for Marriage Launches Massive Phone Campaign for Marriage

November 2, 2012 at 10:45 am

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 2, 2012
Contact: Elizabeth Ray or Jen Campbell (703-683-5004)

"Along with advertising and other mobilization efforts we have undertaken, which are unprecedented in their scale, we are confident that Election Day 2012 will mark a triumph for marriage and family in the United States." —Brian Brown, NOM president—

National Organization for Marriage

Washington, D.C.—The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) was founded to advance pro-marriage initiatives across the country through advocacy and grassroots mobilization. Today NOM issued the following statement on campaign 2012:

In the final days before voters go to the ballot box, the National Organization for Marriage and its partners are launching a major push to reach and mobilize 10 million voters with a positive message for marriage. The new campaign, with a budget of $500,000, involves robocalls to households in Maine, Maryland, Washington State, Wisconsin, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The calls feature prominent advocates for traditional marriage and family, including Dr. James Dobson, Senator Marco Rubio and former Governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. Calls will be placed in both English and Spanish, targeting voters across the political spectrum who favor retaining the definition of marriage, which has characterized society for centuries.

Brian Brown, president of the National Organization for Marriage, described the telephone campaign as "the largest national mobilization of traditional marriage voters in history. Our aim is to reach 10 million voters or more. We are proud to work with state-and national-based partners in the four states that have marriage referenda on the ballot—states where we believe the polls are trending in our favor—and in three presidential swing states, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, that many pundits are surprised to find now in play.

"Even in these tough economic times," Brown said, "people know that the stability of the family is crucial and the need to preserve the institution of marriage has never been greater. These calls from leaders in public life will remind voters to go to the polls, to protect marriage, and to support public officials who will do the same. Along with advertising and other mobilization efforts we have undertaken, which are unprecedented in their scale, we are confident that Election Day 2012 will mark a triumph for marriage and family in the United States."

###

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).

By NOM Staff | Posted in Maine, Marriage Election Watch, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Press Releases, Washington, Wisconsin | Comments Off

LATimes: Black Pastors Driving Mounting Opposition to Question 6 (Gay Marriage)

November 2, 2012 at 10:30 am

The Los Angeles Times acknowledges the powerful effect of African-American pastors encouraging their congregations to stand up for marriage and vote against Question 6 (gay marriage):

Maryland, which just a month ago appeared poised to become the first state in the country to back gay marriage by popular vote, is now reported to be deadlocked on the issue, in part because of a drop in support from religious blacks.

Only a few weeks ago, polls were suggesting that Marylanders were leaning toward supporting gay marriage, but as November approached, the numbers tightened.

The change appears to be partly driven by black pastors in Maryland urging their congregations to vote against the measure.

During a sermon in October, pastor Harold L. Dugger of First Baptist Church in Prince George's County, Md., asked his congregation to go to the polls to cast their votes against same-sex marriage.

"No vote means you've already voted," Dugger told church members. "We stand firmly on the word of God — your faith has to do a lot with what you do at the polls."

A poll conducted in late September for the Baltimore Sun showed the measure to legalize same-sex marriage ahead by 10 percentage points, with more than 50% of African Americans supporting the idea despite a history of opposition from black churches. A quarter of black respondents were opposed.

Since then, voters in Maryland have been exposed to a media blitz, with both sides airing TV ads in an effort to swing undecided voters their way. The latest polling for the Sun, conducted Oct. 20-23 by the Annapolis, Md., firm OpinionWorks, now shows 50% of black voters against same-sex marriage, with 42% supporting the idea.

Find out more at www.MarylandMarriageAlliance.com.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Marriage, Maryland, Same Sex Marriage, United for Marriage | Comments Off

Maryland Resident: "Question 6 Advocates Show Vicious Side"

November 2, 2012 at 10:00 am

Fred D. Murray of Pikesville, MD writes to the Baltimore Sun:

I find it so amazing that the proponents of Question 6 say that passing this will help to promote a climate of tolerance. All the while they are attacking anyone, any organization or church that opposes it. The recent comments of those opposing the Rev. Robert Anderson and other pastors who oppose the redefining of marriage have been anything but tolerant ("Same-sex unions: What would Jesus do?" Oct. 25).

I understand that there have been threats made to him. Perhaps, this is just of glimpse of what to expect if this Question 6 becomes Maryland law. I guess we will have free speech, as guaranteed by the United States Constitution, as long as we agree with supporters of this ballot question. Looking back in history, I can imagine Patrick Henry being vilified if he opposed this law.

Proponents of Question 6, examine your heart and your methods. I will still pray for you and love you because that is what our God commands. What does your God command you to do?

By NOM Staff | Posted in Civility, Marriage, Maryland, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (1)

Audio: Gay Radio Host Tells Gay Guest Who Voted for Romney to Commit Suicide

November 2, 2012 at 9:00 am

Gay Patriot calls this "such tolerance":

Our reader Tim in MT shared this video with us that he had made after catching Michelangelo Signorile on SiriusXM radio yesterday.

The left-wing radio talker, twice in the segment (at about 2:15 & 3:45) advises his gay Romney-supporting caller to drink arsenic or other poison so he can commit suicide. At 2:57, he tells the young man that he should not be allowed to vote.