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SPECIAL: Call to Action: Protecting Marriage and Family

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y Bill May
Your Catholic Voice

Call to Action: Protecting Marriage and Family

Aftershocks have been reverberating across the country from the Massachusetts Supreme Justice Court's ruling that same-sex "marriage" is a right protected by that state's constitution. People are waking to the fact that our country is on the verge of redefining marriage and the family, the very bedrock on which our society is built. They are also waking to the fact that these critical decisions are not coming from the will of the people who oppose same-sex "marriage," but will likely be forced upon us by activist judges.

We do not take the idea of amending the constitution lightly, but after careful consideration, Your Catholic Voice (YCV) has determined that the courts have unfortunately left concerned Americans very little choice. The first of the two sentence Federal Marriage Amendment reads, "Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman." This is a fact that is supported by natural law, biology and human history, and it is common sense to most people. Enacting this amendment is the only way to assure that same-sex marriage is not legalized against the will of the voters.

Embrace your Faith

Our faith teaches us to respect the dignity of every single person, each made in the image and likeness of God. Human solidarity leads us to try to understand the challenges and difficulties facing a small segment of diverse people with same-sex attractions. Many are able to resolve these attractions and do not adopt a homosexual lifestyle. Others do not, but not all of them seek same-sex unions. The segment that does is led by "gay " advocate organizations that are well financed, very vocal and highly visible.

No matter what identity or lifestyle people with same-sex attractions choose, it does not give a very small minority the right to redefine marriage and the family for all of society.

These "gay" special interests argue that the issue is about providing benefits of marriage to those who adopt "gay" identities and want to enter into committed long-term relationships. That represents a very cynical and shallow view of marriage and its contribution to society. Married people are not a special interest group seeking benefits for their own interest. The benefits of marriage are incentives by the state to encourage marriage and families with a mother and father because without them, a strong society and nation cannot exist. To provide benefits for gay unions would merely provide the same incentives for alternatives to real marriage. It makes no sense.

This issue is not about benefits. It is about the future of marriage, the family, and our children and grandchildren. Faithful Catholics are not against people who adopt "gay" lifestyles, but are for protecting the important institution the cornerstone of our society the marital relationship between a man and a woman.

No matter whether same-sex unions are called "marriage," civil unions or domestic partnerships, they all have the impact of redefining marriage and family. We are not just trying to protect the word "marriage." It is the institution that is the foundation for a family with a mother and father that must be protected. The laws that we make and the values they communicate must send a positive message to our children about marriage, family and their future.

It is true that marriage has already been devalued to some extent by the current American culture. The divorce rate is high, society no longer seems to condemn unfaithfulness in marriage, and many start families without the commitment of marriage. Too many children are raised in homes without a mother and a father in a marriage relationship. While these parents do their absolute best under extremely difficult circumstances, most would agree that this is less than an ideal situation for raising children. While giving these parents credit for their heroic efforts, children must have continuous reinforcement of the value of strong marriages and families with a mother and a father for raising the next generation.

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This is an important point of disagreement with radical "gay" activists and their allies. Their agenda reinforces that families without marriage with a mother and father are equally good alternatives to families with mothers and fathers in marital relationships. Scientific studies and common sense tell us this is untrue. Children are susceptible to these messages and they will negatively impact their futures and society as a whole.

We must not let anyone weaken and undermine marriage further. Please join YCV in strengthening it for our children and grandchildren.

How you can help...

Your Catholic Voice has launched a major project to support marriage and the family and for the passage of the Federal Marriage Amendment. It is going to take the effort of tens of thousands of volunteers over time. There are three things you can do at this time:

1. Sign the YCV petition in support of the Federal Marriage Amendment. Sign up to volunteer in you parish at the same time. Sign Petition: Federal Marriage Amendment.

2. Please make a small contribution for this effort. This will help support volunteers and increase our ability to communicate with the public and members of Congress on this issue. Donate: Marriage & Family Project.

3. Call or write to your two Senators and your Congressman and ask them to co-sponsor the Federal Marriage Amendment.