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Wait over; challenges intensify (5/28/09)


Tuesday, supporters of traditional marriage in California received the long-awaited answer to their prayers. The California Supreme Court, in a 6-1 decision, upheld the constitutionality of Proposition 8, the marriage-protection initiative passed by the people last November. This ruling closes the door on this chapter, yet the challenges will intensify as advocates of homosexual marriage promise a return to the ballot in 2010 or 2012. 
 
Across the nation, Iowa, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut now recognize same-gender marriage, but that right likely will be challenged in Iowa and Maine. In the last decade, in 30 of the 30 states where marriage has been on the ballot, the people have protected marriage as only between a man and a woman. 
 
Californians will need to remain vigilant to protect marriage, their parental rights, and their religious freedoms. Ron Prentice, CFC’s executive director and the chairman of the ProtectMarriage.com coalition, said, ”It is time to celebrate, but that celebration will be mixed with ongoing strategic plans both for the grassroots and media outreaches. We recognize that the opponents of same-sex marriage will follow through with their threat to overturn the will of the of the people.” 
 
"We will now turn our attention to public education and outreach so that citizens come to better understand and appreciate the many benefits that traditional marriage provides for society and our families," said Prentice.  "The institution of marriage as we have always understood it has served California and our broader society since the nation was founded.  We look forward to working with young people, churches, ethnic communities and all of California with an ongoing discussion about the benefits of traditional marriage."
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