And then there were 5

And then there were 5
While Californians await an imminent decision from the California Supreme Court on the constitutionality of Proposition 8 and same-sex marriage in California, activist judges and legislatures in other states have wasted no time foisting same-sex marriage on their citizens.  With Massachusetts leading the way in 2004 and Connecticut following last year, recent weeks have found Iowa, Vermont and Maine destroying their states’ traditional definitions of marriage – all since April 3, when Iowa’s highest court shocked the nation by legalizing same-sex marriage in the heartland.

Last week, council members in the District of Columbia voted 12-1 to approve same-sex marriage in the District.  The issue is now before the United States Congress, which has 30 days for final approval of district laws.  If Congress takes no action, the measure will become law automatically.  African-American pastors, said to be “up-in-arms,” have vowed to fight the council’s decision.

The nation’s eyes are currently on New Hampshire, where legislation legalizing homosexual marriage passed the legislature last week, and is awaiting the action of Gov. John Lynch.  Lynch, a Democrat, remains uncommitted.  Although he believes marriage should be reserved for a man and a woman, he has promised to “make the best decision [he] can for the people of New Hampshire.” 

Despite these actions, three other state high courts ruled in recent years that homosexual couples do not have the right to marry, and two others have allowed the rights of marriage without the title.  Thirty states – including California, which is awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court – have placed marriage-protection measures into their state constitutions.  A movement is underway in Maine to overturn the actions of the legislature.  (For more information on nationwide trends, read Stateline.org’s Same-sex marriage legal in 5 states.) 

While polling continues to show the nation’s majority unwilling to accept same-sex marriage, pro-homosexual activists in California are moving forward with a campaign designed to change the public’s mind on the issue.  A May poll by the Pew Research Center found 49 percent of the American population opposed same-sex marriage and 38 percent approved of it.  Earlier this week, pollster Angus Reid found only 36 percent of Americans supported homosexual marriage, while 25 percent supported civil unions but not marriage, and 29 percent would deny homosexual couples any legal recognition.

Equality California, a lead organization in opposition to Proposition 8, recently rolled out a huge media and grassroots campaign called “Win Marriage Back: Make it Real!” to change public opinion.  Television commercials, featuring homosexual families, hit the airwaves earlier this week, and the grassroots campaign is expected to reach thousands in a door-to-door campaign utilizing 25 paid field organizers and 100,000 “equality ambassadors.” 

Despite evidence at the polls that Californians favor the protection of traditional marriage, pro-homosexual activists, emboldened and heartened by gains nationwide, stand ready to proceed with a possible initiative attempt in 2010 should the California Supreme Court, as expected, rule in favor of Proposition 8.

Dobson interviews Miss California
Earlier this week, Dr. James Dobson devoted two Focus on the Family broadcasts to talk with Carrie Prejean about her steadfast stand for marriage.  If you missed it, be sure to read Monday’s CitizenLink and listen to Dr. Dobson’s conversation with Prejean.  On Tuesday, Donald Trump, owner of the Miss USA pageant, stood by Miss Prejean and supported her right to retain the crown.