Exodus: Live Out Loud

Values Voters Summit

Exodus brought a redemptive view of homosexuality to this years The Washington Briefing: Values Voters Summit.  At our booth we handed out plenty of informative material including general information about Exodus, testimonies and newsletters.  Person after person came up to us seeking prayer and ministry concerning their own struggles or their family member who identifies as gay.

The Washington Briefing is mainly about public policy concerning a broad spectrum of issues.  However, since the issue of redefining marriage into a gay worldview is of such importance (along with other gay-centric efforts in public policy), many leaders at The Washington Briefing have gone out of their way to welcome the Exodus message and bring a very important perspective to the table.  Our perspective includes preserving marriage, an extremely important social institution,  while reaching out with compassion.   Wherever, public policy affects the people we are ministering too, we will be there to offer a personal and redemptive view.

Included in the "continue reading" reading link below will be a couple of articles covering the summit and excerpts as they pertain to the battle over marriage.

SJC upholds law barring out-of-state gay couples from marriage

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/city_region/breaking_news/2006/03/high_court_upho_1.html

"In an eagerly awaited landmark decision, the state's highest court ruled today that Governor Mitt Romney and Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly had the authority to invoke a 1913 state law that Massachusetts used to block out-of-state gay couples from marrying here when same-sex marriage became legal in 2004.

The Supreme Judicial Court upheld the 1913 law when it was used to block same sex-couples from Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, because gay marriage is prohibited in those states."- Jonathon Saltzman, The Boston Globe, 30 Mar 2006

Is New Hampshire Next?

Our friend Dawn Videto writes a first hand account of her journey in New Hampshire to help preserve marriage.

Dawn writes ...

Last year, a state panel was held in New Hampshire to discuss whether or not to endorse same-sex marriage, to recommend civil-unions as an alternative, or to propose a ban on same-sex unions. This panel was to go to the people of New Hampshire and New England to get their views and then return with a recommendation based on those findings. I was asked to go and share my testimony to the panel, so I went.

The entire evening was unlike anything I had ever been a part of before. The panel was obviously divided on this issue and their internal disagreements often broke out into full scale arguments throughout the evening. At one point, the chairman, who was obviously conservative, needed to take a break for a few minutes. Another gentleman replaced him who was obviously liberal, and then some on the panel began to harass one of the speakers, who were against same-sex marriage. To say that it was a fiasco would be an understatement.

The panel did their interviews, discussed their findings and made a recommendation to the State; which was to ban same-sex marriage but be willing to keep an option for civil unions.

According to the Union Leader, a New Hampshire newspaper, the State of New Hampshire made a decision yesterday…

(They defeated the ammendment)  Dawn goes on to say...

I can’t say that I am surprised by this outcome, but I am a bit saddened. It saddens me because, as same sex marriage or any other sin becomes more widely accepted, those that are truly looking for healing and wholeness can become more discouraged than ever. Healing is possible, I am a living example of that, but I am sure most of those who live in New England and struggle with same sex attraction don’t know that.

Now, go read the rest of her post.

Same-sex marriage

Gay Couples Challenge Marriage Laws

http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-gaymarriage0321,0,7184835.story?coll=hc-headlines-local

Poll finds U.S. warming to gay marriage

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/03/23/MNGAOHSE4I1.DTL&feed=rss.news

Commentaries/News Briefs- Agape Press

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/3/222006h.asp

Same-Sex Marriage

France rejects same-sex marriage to protect children's rights

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2006/20/c3914.html

Focus Action Fights for Marriage in Minnesota

http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0039890.cfm

John Adams' former church supporting 'gay marriage'

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22775

"Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams just might be rolling over in their graves.

Officials at United First Parish Church -- where both former presidents are buried in crypts -- want to hang a huge 34-by-4-foot sign outside the building supportive of "gay marriage." The sign would read: "People of Faith for Marriage Equality."

The Quincy Historic District Commission, though, voted 3-2 Feb. 27 against a permit that would have allowed the church to hang the sign for 30 days, The Boston Globe reported.

"I just think that a vinyl banner like this creates a circus atmosphere that's not a good fit for a building with as much historic magnitude," commissioner Thomas Koch said, according to The Globe."-Michael Foust, Baptist Press, 3, Mar, 2006

Minister 'Honored' to Perform Gay Weddings

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060303/ap_on_re_us/presbyterians_gays_5

"A veteran Presbyterian minister told a church judicial panel that she knew the faith's position on gay marriage, yet felt called by God and her conscience to call the unions between two lesbian couples marriage anyway.

The Rev. Jane Spahr of San Rafael is charged with official misconduct for officiating at the ceremonies in 2004 and 2005. The constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) reserves marriage for a man and a woman, although ministers may bless other types of "holy unions."- Lisa Leff, Associated Press Writer, Mar 3, 2006

Same-sex marriage coming to California?

http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=49043

"Advocates of same-sex marriage in the Golden State are hoping to go directly to voters to make changes in the state constitution, deleting all references to gender in marriage law and nixing provisions of Prop 22, which declared marriage in California was strictly between one man and one woman.

The Organization for Fairness and Equality has turned paperwork into Attorney General Bill Lockyer to initiate the signature-gathering process for the proposal. The group is confident state voters will think differently about same-sex marriage than does Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who vetoed a bill last year that would have legalized the practice. The effort has a formidable task: collecting 600,000 signatures from registered California voters before "The Fairness in Marriage Act" could be placed on the ballot. "- WorldNetDaily.com, Feb. 28, 2006

New York Appeals Court Rules Against Gay “Marriage”

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06021701.html

"New York’s marriage law is constitutional, a five-judge panel decided at a mid-level appeals court yesterday.

The ruling addressed three separate cases involving gay couples that were refused marriage licenses. The couples argue the state’s definition of marriage as being only between a man and a woman violates the state Constitution’s equality, privacy and legal access provisions."- Gundun Schultz, LifeSiteNews.com Feb. 17, 2006

Study Suggests Gay “Marriages” Healthy, Ignores Opposing Research

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06021404.html

"A new report suggesting civil partnerships may hold potential health benefits for gay couples ignores significant research showing serious health problems associated with the gay lifestyle.

The report, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health (JECH) by London researchers Professor Michael King and Annie Bartlett, suggests that gay couples will experience the same health improvements that have been linked to those in heterosexual marriages. Stress reduction through stable relationships and emotional security has been linked to reduced incidences of cardiovascular and other diseases in married couples."- Gudrun Schultz, LifeSiteNews.com, Feb. 14, 2006

Blood Relatives Play Second Fiddle to 'Domestic Partners' Under New NY Law

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/2/afa/142006d.asp

"Family advocates are saying a new law in the State of New York has damaged the role of the traditional family. At the same time, one pro-homosexual lobby considers it a victory for their specific definition of families.

Earlier this month, New York Governor George Pataki signed into law a measure that gives authority over burial rights to same-sex partners of the deceased -- above the wishes of family and blood relatives. The executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda believes the Republican governor did the right thing."- Jim Brown, Bill Fancher, Agape Press, Feb. 14, 2006

Same Sex Marriage Ban

http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD/MGArticle/RTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1128769354034

"A Senate committee today is scheduled to debate a proposed constitutional amendment that would outlaw same-sex marriage, a measure that sailed through the House with no discussion.

The House voted 76-20 yesterday on the legislation that would allow the question to be put to voters on Nov. 7. After emotional debate on Friday, the House agreed on the proposal that would define marriage as between one man and one woman."- Pamela Stallsmith, Times-Dispatch Staff Writer, Jan. 17, 2006

Knights of Columbus Forced to Pay Damages to Lesbians for Refusing to Rent Hall for “Wedding” Reception

The British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal has demanded that a Roman Catholic men’s fraternity, the Knights of Columbus, award a lesbian couple damages for refusing to rent them a hall for their same-sex “wedding.” - Terry Vanderheyden, LifeSite.net

Media Biased on Same-Sex Commission

Since the same-sex marriage commision's final report was released on Dec. 1, many in the media and the minority continue to spread half-truths, fail to disclose their own affiliations and fail to address the actual findings and recommendations. - Concord Monitor

Same sex marriage ruling slammed in survey

Gay Marriage Ruling Not Welcomed in South Africa The South African Constitutional Court has made a terrible blunder by ruling that same sex marriages should be allowed. That was the view of most people and religious organisations interviewed during a survey conducted by the Daily News in Durban on Thursday. - Mthembu and Bhavna Sookha

In Canadian political tussle, 'gay marriage' could be reversed

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22176

"Canada's Liberal government fell from power Nov. 28, sparking a nationwide election that social conservatives hope will result in the overturning of a recently passed "gay marriage" law.

Canadians will go to the polls Jan. 23, and pro-family groups in the U.S. are rooting for the Conservative Party, whose leader, Stephen Harper, has promised a vote on the definition of marriage if Conservatives were to win the House of Commons. Harper would become prime minister if Conservatives come to power."- Michael Foust, Baptist Press, Nov. 30, 2005

Same sex marriage debate, round two

http://www.wrn.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objectid=76E287BA-4796-49F6-9B36C5291C5A930C&dbtranslator=local.cfm

"The Wisconsin Coalition for Traditional Marriage wants lawmakers to enshrine the definition of marriage in the constitution.

A public hearing Tuesday will begin the process of attempting to pass the constitutional amendment through the legislature for a second time. Julienne Appling is executive director of the Coalition for Traditional Marriage. "I expect a a reiteration and a reinforcement of why we need this ammendment, from our side, and I expect the same arguments to come as to why people don't like it," said Appling."- Bob Hague, WRN.com, Nov. 28, 2005

Massachusetts Turns in Two Times the Necessary Signatures to Repeal Gay “Marriage” on 2008 Ballot

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/nov/05112808.html

"A family advocacy coalition has submitted double the required number of signatures necessary to ensure voters have an opportunity to overturn a 2003 activist court decision by voting on a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex “marriage” during the 2008 general election.

VoteOnMarriage.org collected over 120,000 signatures in time for the Wednesday deadline. “I credit this phenomenal effort to thousands of citizen volunteers and over 1,200 communities of faith – including Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim – who have worked tirelessly to give every citizen in the Commonwealth a voice in how marriage is defined in Massachusetts,” said Kris Mineau, president, Massachusetts Family Institute and spokesman, VoteOnMarriage.org."- Terry Vanderheyden, LifeSiteNews.com, Nov. 28, 2005

Same-sex marriage not a right

http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/11242005/news/74704.htm

"The state’s gay marriage panel will recommend that New Hampshire’s same sex couples be denied legal status, and be allowed only a minimum of the benefits available to married heterosexual couples, according to a draft report obtained by The Associated Press.

Representing the commission’s conservative majority, the draft concludes that same sex marriage is not a right, because homosexuality is a choice, not a genetic predisposition. The report’s authors also said the absence of any mention of gay marriage in New Hampshire’s history weakened proponents’ arguments for it.

"Same sex marriage has never been considered either a fundamental right or an essential element of society’s fabric so as to constitute an essential liberty in New Hampshire history," the draft reads. "- Beverly Wang, Associated Press, Nov. 28, 2005

Gay marriage hurts society, Gallagher says

http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/archives/2005/11/17/news/13845.shtml

"   Maggie Gallagher, president of the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy and a coauthor of "The Case for Marriage," argued in a lecture Wednesday that legalizing same-sex marriages would result in the overall degeneration of society.

    "Gay marriage is not some sideline issue," Gallagher said. "Losing [the gay marriage debate] means losing the idea that children need mothers and fathers. It means losing the marriage debate. It means losing limited government. It means losing American civilization. It means losing, period."- Euphemia Mu, Princetonian Staff Writer, Nov. 17, 2005

Traditional marriage under fire: Who's really to blame?

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/editorial/outlook/3450882

"Texas has become the 19th state to pass a constitutional amendment to preserve marriage as between one man and one woman. For traditional marriage activists, this vote represents another victory on the path to what they hope will be a federal marriage protection amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

But, if and when a federal marriage amendment is ratified, marriage advocates may be surprised to discover that passing marriage protection laws may not be enough to save an institution in free-fall."- Daniel Allott, Houston Chronicle, Nov. 9, 2005

Senate subcommittee rekindles Marriage Protection Amendment, process continues

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22041

"A Senate subcommittee approved a constitutional amendment to protect marriage Nov. 9 in Congress’ first action on the measure this year.

The Constitution, Civil Rights and Property Rights Subcommittee forwarded the Marriage Protection Amendment to the Senate Judiciary Committee in a 5-4 vote. The vote by the nine-member panel was along party lines, with Republicans in the majority."-Baptist Press, Nov. 10, 2005

Same-sex marriage amendment moving forward

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_4221636,00.html

"Sen. Wayne Allard's proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage is expected to clear a procedural hurdle on Wednesday as it moves toward a fight in Congress next year.

Allard's Marriage Protection Amendment will be reviewed by a U.S. Senate Judiciary subcommittee Wednesday afternoon -- one of the necessary steps before the bill can be considered by the full Senate.

The proposed amendment failed to win a majority vote in the Senate last year, but it still became a motivating issue for conservative activists in the presidential and congressional election." - M.E. Sprengelmeyer, Rocky Mountain News, Nov 8, 2005

Court rules in favor of gay marriage ban in US state of Oregon

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20051105/ts_alt_afp/uspoliticsgaymarriage_051105002157

"Gay marriage supporters lost a battle to overturn a same-sex union ban endorsed by voters in the US state of Oregon last year.

Marion County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Guimond rejected arguments that the ban violated the state's constitution and interfered with the authority of local governments.

Measure 36, the proposition backed by voters, was a "properly characterized" amendment to the state constitution, Guimond wrote in his ruling."-AFP news, Nov. 4, 2005

Churches mobilize for marriage vote

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/religion/stories/110405dnmetchurch.21381e2.html

"Proposition 2 is coming up on Nov. 8 – an amendment to the state constitution that says that just one man and one woman can be married," begins Mr. Banks, a former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver, the scattered applause in the sanctuary growing to a rally-size roar.

"The House has passed it. The Senate has passed it. The governor has signed it. And the people have to ratify it! Father, in the name of Jesus, we will not be silent. We will be heard, and let your voice be heard through your people as we go to the polls!" -Emily Ramshaw, Dallas Morning News, Nov. 3, 2005

UTSA survey finds opposition to same-sex marriage

http://utsa.edu/today/2005/11/sspoll.cfm

"Most area residents oppose same-sex marriage, a recent University of Texas at San Antonio survey finds.

When asked, "How strongly do you agree or disagree that homosexual couples should have the right to marry one another?," 57 percent of Bexar County residents surveyed last month said they "strongly disagreed" (33.8 percent) or "disagreed" (22.8 percent) with the idea. Three faculty research associates at the UTSA Culture and Policy Institute conducted the survey of nearly 600 respondents"- Alison Beshur, Public Affairs Specialist, UTSA Today, Nov. 7, 2005

Mich. Appeals Court Halts Same-Sex Ruling

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051031/ap_on_re_us/same_sex_benefits_3

"The Michigan Court of Appeals temporarily halted a ruling Monday that allowed governments and public universities to provide health insurance to the partners of gay employees.

The dispute goes back to Michigan voters' approval almost a year ago of a constitutional amendment that made the union between a man and a woman the only agreement recognized as a marriage "or similar union for any purpose."-David Eggert, Associated press writer, Oct. 31, 2005

Granite State Stands Firm for Marriage

http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0038369.cfm

"

A commission in New Hampshire has bucked the trend toward legalizing gay marriage in New England by strongly recommending the protection of traditional marriage to lawmakers.

In a contentious meeting Monday that at times degenerated into a shouting match, the panel set up to study and make recommendations on same-sex marriage roundly defeated proposals that would allow gays to marry, recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages or set up domestic-partner registration."- CitizenLink, Oct. 26, 2005

Texas About to Decide on State Marriage Amendment

http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0038348.cfm

"Texans will get a chance to vote Nov. 8 on Proposition 2, a measure which would define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Early voting is already underway.

The big question: Will they turn out?

The Rev. Dwight McKissick of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, is out to make sure they do. McKissick is one of many Texas pastors who support the initiative and are speaking out on its behalf. He's out to motivate everyone he can to show up at the polls."- CitizenLink, Oct. 24, 2005

Commission On Same-Sex Marriage Renews Debate

http://www.thewmurchannel.com/news/5160195/detail.html?rss=man&psp=news

"A New Hampshire panel studying same-sex marriage goes back to work this afternoon.

At its last meeting, the group voted to recommend a constitutional amendment stating marriage is between one man and one woman."- The WMURChannel.com

Poll hints wide support for ban on same-sex marriage

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/1021marriagepoll21.html

' new statewide poll done by The Arizona Republic indicates most voters would support a state constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, but the survey didn't touch on the most controversial part of the ballot measure: denying benefits to unmarried couples.

The Republic poll of 600 Arizonans found that 57 percent are likely to back an initiative defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman if it makes the November 2006 ballot. Only 37 percent said they would vote against it; 6 percent were undecided"- Chip Scutari, The Arizona Republic, Oct. 24, 2005

22 Austin leaders denounce gay marriage ban

http://www.statesman.com/metrostate/content/metro/stories/10/18gaymarriage.html

"Twenty-two elected local leaders, including Austin Mayor Will Wynn and Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe, announced their opposition today to a proposal before voters banning same-sex marriage in Texas...Wynn...said: "A fundamental cultural characteristic of Texas is that we mind our own business." He said Texans should avoid turning personal opinions into laws...Rep. Elliott Naishtat, D-Austin, said the proposal sprung from the Republican-majority Legislature this year out of "arrogance (and) mean-spiritedness....This is all about discrimination and hatred... It doesn't matter how you vote. It doesn't matter (legally) whether this constitutional amendment passes or not."- Austin-American Statesman, W. Gardner Selby, Oct. 17, 2005

Can social conservatives continue the marriage amendment momentum?

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=21853

"The nationwide movement to ban "gay marriage" moves to Texas in November, when voters there decide whether to amend their constitution to protect the natural definition of marriage.

But Texas' vote could be only the beginning in what figures to be a busy 12 months for the nationwide pro-family movement. In 2006 alone, at least nine states could be voting on marriage amendments. And conservatives in some states -- such as Massachusetts, where "gay marriage" is legal -- already are looking ahead to 2008.

Although 18 states have adopted marriage amendments, that number easily could approach 30 by the end of next year. A marriage amendment has never failed at the ballot."- Michael Foust, Baptist Press, Oct. 14, 2005

Debate on gay marriage draws crowd

http://www.greeleytrib.com/article/20051013/NEWS/110130084/-1/rss01

"Robert H. Knight and Jason West, both concerned about homosexuals, Knight for their souls, West for their acceptance, debated the issue of same-sex marriage Wednesday night in a packed ballroom at the University of Northern Colorado.

Knight told the audience about two friends he believed to be gay. He said he worries about the men's safety from disease and their eternal salvation."-
Doyle Murphy, October 13, 2005

Same-sex marriage ban divides voters

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA100905.1B.gay_marriage.393788f.html

"

Riding a nationwide wave of controversy over the legality of same-sex marriage, Texas is entering the fray with an upcoming constitutional amendment that would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

The proposal on the Nov. 8 ballot would buttress a state law that already prohibits gays and lesbians from legally marrying in Texas, and inoculate the legislation against legal challenges. " - Rebeca Chapa, San Antonio Express News, Oct. 9, 2005

Same-sex marriage ban divides voters

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA100905.1B.gay_marriage.393788f.html

"

Riding a nationwide wave of controversy over the legality of same-sex marriage, Texas is entering the fray with an upcoming constitutional amendment that would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

The proposal on the Nov. 8 ballot would buttress a state law that already prohibits gays and lesbians from legally marrying in Texas, and inoculate the legislation against legal challenges. " - Rebeca Chapa, San Antonion Express News, Oct. 9, 2005

Commission Recommends Constitutional Amendment Defining Marriage

http://www.thewmurchannel.com/news/5065201/detail.html?rss=man&psp=news

"A panel studying same-sex unions in New Hampshire has voted to recommend a constitutional amendment stating that marriage is between one man and one woman.

Sen. Jack Barnes, a Republican, proposed the amendment, which passed by a vote of 7-4 on Wednesday. Barnes said he wanted to bring the issue to a head and anticipates it will become as big a campaign topic as abortion next election year."- The WMURchannel.com, Oct. 6, 2005

Massachusetts Churches Collect 25,000 Signatures in One Weekend for Ballot on Homosexual "Marriage"

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/oct/05100505.html

"Church goers in Massachusetts participated in a massive blitz this past weekend to obtain signatures on a petition calling for a public vote on same sex marriage.

The effort, organized by Vote On Marriage, gathered 25,000 of the 65,825 signatures needed by the Nov. 23 American Thanksgiving. If successful, the question will be added to the 2008 statewide ballot."- LifeSiteNews.com, October 5, 2005

Civil Union's Critics Argue From Opposite Directions

http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-civilside1002.artoct02,0,3089655.story?coll=hc-headlines-politics-state

"No one at either of two noon rallies at the state Capitol on Saturday was pleased with the state's new law allowing civil unions between gay and lesbian partners, but the agreement pretty much ended there.

"Today is a sad day for the state of Connecticut," said Brian Brown, executive director of the Family Institute of Connecticut, speaking to about 50 people from the shade of the Capitol steps. Brown urged his audience to become politically active in the fight to overturn civil unions and prevent the state from legalizing marriage between homosexual partners."-David Funkhouser, Alaine Griffin, Courant staff writers, Courant.com, Oct. 2, 2005

Few CT civil unions in first days

http://www.yaledailynews.com/article.asp?AID=30129

"Although landmark legislation instituting civil unions for same-sex couples in Connecticut went into effect Saturday, few couples showed up to City Hall yesterday to take part in the process.

The new law marks the first time in the country that civil unions have been enacted by a legislature rather than a court order. But when the Office of Vital Statistics specially opened its doors at 9 a.m. on Saturday in honor of the law, three couples were present. Over the course of the day, only a handful of couples appeared, all unaccompanied by friends, supporters or protestors."- Michael Alexander, Staff Reporter, Yaledailynews.com, Oct. 4, 2005

Schwarzenegger Vetoes Same-Sex Marriage In Calif.

http://www.wpbfnews.com/news/5038598/detail.html

""If the ban of same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, this bill is not necessary. If the ban is constitutional, this bill is ineffective," - Arnold Schwarzenegger, WPBF News, Sept. 29, 2005

Churches asked to back signature drive against same-sex marriage

http://www.wpri.com/Global/story.asp?S=3872039&nav=F2DO

"It's being called "Protect Marriage Sunday."Church-goers of several denominations will be asked on October second to sign petitions for a ballot initiative seeking to ban same-sex marriage.

The Boston Globe reports that the four Catholic bishops in Massachusetts plan to send letters urging parishioners to back the signature drive."-WPRI, Providence, Eye Witness News,

Gay Marriage Debate In Texas

http://www.statesman.com/metrostate/content/metro/stories/09/19gaymarriage.html

"Kelly Shackelford, president of the conservative Plano-based Free Market Foundation ..and state Rep. Warren Chisum, R-Pampa, who wrote the proposal last spring, each said they have heard talk that anti-amendment forces intend to bus in voters... Amendment supporters say sealing the ban in the constitution, in addition to a 2003 law forbidding same-sex marriage, will prevent judges from imitating others in Massachusetts and California who have recognized same-sex marriage. Opponents say the ban would unnecessarily reinforce the 2003 law and possibly restrict practices including common-law marriage — a claim proponents dispute."- W. Gardner Selby, American Stateman Staff, Sept. 19, 2005

Massachusetts Lawmakers Expected to Turn Away Pro-Marriage Amendment

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/9/142005a.asp

"A Massachusetts pro-family activist says it's a foregone conclusion that state lawmakers will vote down a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex "marriage" but allow homosexual civil unions.

Lawmakers in the Bay State will decide today (Wednesday) whether the compromise amendment will be placed on the 2006 ballot. The amendment was put together in response to a decision by the state's Judicial Supreme Court in May 2004 to legalize homosexual marriage. According to conservative activist Brian Camenker with the group Article 8 Alliance, the amendment was never popular in the first place. It was panned, he says, by both conservatives and pro-homosexual activists." -Jim Brown, Agape Press, Sept. 14, 2005

Experts heard on same-sex unions

http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050913/REPOSITORY/509130333/1037/NEWS04

"

N

ew Hampshire's gay marriage study commission hosted a parade of experts yesterday who testified on marriage, constitutional law, parenting and other subjects commissioners are studying before they recommend how the state should handle same-sex couples... commissioners began to binge on testimony from more than a dozen doctors, lawyers, ministers, marriage historians and professors. The list of possible speakers also included at least one lobbyist, a biologist and a man listed as an "ex-gay."... New Hampshire's law defining marriage as a union between a man and woman is being reviewed, but commissioners are also looking at child custody rules, inheritance statutes and other situations that married couples encounter." Meg Heckman, Concord Monitor online, Sept. 14, 2005,

Homosexual Marriage Terminated In California

http://www.americandaily.com/article/9214

"In 2005, California voters passed Proposition 22 with a 61% majority. The measure banned homosexual 'marriage.' The homosexual lobby has been working for five years to negate voters' wishes.

California Assemblyman Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) introduced a bill to allow so-called 'gay marriage.' It passed 41-35. Apparently, the California state legislature has chosen to protect the rights of the deviant fringe, over those of the voting public. So much for democracy!"- Dave Gibson, The American Daily, Sept. 12, 2005

Californians Split on Gay Marriage

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050910/ap_on_re_us/gay_marriage_2

"Despite their state's history of promoting gay rights, Californians have been split on the subject of same-sex marriage — a contrast that's expected to become even more pronounced because of two overlapping voter initiatives.

Fearing that courts eventually will support the rights of gay couples to marry, opponents want voters to amend the state Constitution to allow only heterosexual unions."- Lisa Leff, Associated Press, Sept, 10, 2005

Gay Marriage Bill Spared from Immediate Veto

http://www.kron4.com/Global/story.asp?S=3831239

"Just days after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger promised to veto California's same-sex marriage bill, supporters of same-sex marriage say it's still not over and reveal their plan to keep the governor from terminating the bill.

A.B. 849, the bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in California, is now in a sort of legal limbo. It passed both houses of the state legislature and was on its way to the governor's office, where he said he would veto it. But, in a last minute legal maneuver, lawmakers are keeping the bill off of Gov. Schwarzenegger's desk, believing he can't veto it until he actually has it."-KRON 4 News Sept. 9, 2005

Gay “Marriage” a Bust in Spain

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/sep/05090806.html

"Only 22 same-sex “marriages” have been registered in Spain since the law was introduced July compared to the 35,000 heterosexual marriages that took place in the same period.

The lack of interest in “marriage” by same-sex couples has one writer commenting that the move was a bust. “The so-called need for legalizing homosexual marriages in Spain has one big problem. Hardly anybody wanted it – that is except the politicians,” writes Spero News writer Robert Duncan."- LifeSiteNews, Sept. 8, 2005

Arnold Will Veto Gay Marriage Bill

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/09/07/national/main824322.shtml?cmp=EM8705

"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that he will veto a bill that would allow gay marriages in California.

Schwarzenegger on Wednesday said the legislation, given final approval Tuesday by lawmakers, would conflict with the intent of voters when they approved a ballot initiative five years ago. Proposition 22 prevents California from recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states or countries." - CBS News Sept. 7, 2005

Same-sex marriage bill goes to Schwarzenegger

http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/09/07/gay.marriage.ap/index.html?section=cnn_latest

"

SACRAMENTO, California (AP) -- Gay rights supporters cheered loudly from the gallery as California lawmakers became the first in the country to approve a bill allowing same-sex marriages. But their celebration may be short-lived.

The legislation could be vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has expressed an acceptance of gay marriages but said it's an issue that should be decided by voters or the courts.

"He will uphold whatever the court decides," spokeswoman Margita Thompson said Tuesday after the state Assembly approved the same-sex marriage measure, 41-35. "- CNN.com

Bruning wants same-sex ban restored

http://www.starherald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15142928&BRD=484&PAG=461&dept_id=553252&rfi=6

"Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning argued Thursday that Nebraska's ban on same-sex marriage should be restored.
In a 110-page brief filed with the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Bruning said that U.S. District Judge Joseph Bataillon was wrong to strike down Nebraska's 5-year-old ban."- Starherald.com, Sept. 02, 2005

California Senate Overturns People's Vote on Marriage

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200509/CUL20050902a.html

"A conservative group is reacting with "horror" to Thursday's passage of a same-sex marriage bill by the California Senate.

AB 849, which replaces "a man and a woman" in California marriage laws with "two persons," passed 21-15 on Thursday, with all the "yes" votes coming from Democrats."- Susan Jones, CNSnews.com senior editor, Sept. 02, 2005 

Same-sex marriage showdown in California

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=46081

"California state senators could vote today on a bill that makes same-sex marriage legal in the Golden State.

If approved, it would be the first time a state legislative body in the U.S. has voted to OK homosexual matrimony." - World New Daily, Sept. 1, 2005

Civil Unions Do Not Belong in Constitution” Emphasizes US Pro-Family Group

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/aug/05082503.html

"

BOSTON, August 25, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Massachusetts legislature has set September 14 as the date for a debate on a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex “marriage,” which proposes that “marriage” be replaced with a nearly identical institution – civil unions. A pro-family coalition opposed to the compromise measure is calling on concerned individuals to contact their Senators and Representatives to oppose the proposed amendment."- Lifesite News. Aug. 25, 2005

Woman Reared In Same-Sex Household Speaks Out Against Gay Marriage

http://www.narth.com/docs/reared.html

"August 19, 2005 - Dawn C. Stefanowicz is a young Canadian woman who has been speaking out against the legalization of gay marriage in her country. In April, 2005, Ms. Stefanowicz read a statement at a Marriage Rally on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada.

In her statement, Ms. Stefanowicz described what her life was like growing up in a home with a gay father. According to Stefanowicz, "I was at high risk of exposure to contagious STDs due to sexual molestation, my father's high-risk sexual behaviors, and multiple partners. Even when my father was in what looked like monogamous relationships, he continued cruising for anonymous sex."- NARTH, Aug. 19, 2005

THE BATTLE OVER SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/08/19/SAMESEX.TMP

"Gay-rights advocates scored a legal victory Thursday when a judge left largely intact Attorney General Bill Lockyer's summary of a ballot measure that would outlaw same-sex marriage and repeal newly established rights for domestic partners. Sponsors of the proposed state constitutional amendment argued that Lockyer -- a Democrat who supports gay rights -- stacked the deck against the measure with an official description that exaggerated and distorted its effect on domestic partners and underplayed its effect on marriage. "- Bob Egelko, Chronicle Staff Writer

Lutherans reject gay marriage

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/living/religion/12374104.htm?source=rss&channel=miamiherald_religion

"

In a move that disappointed both traditionalists and gay rights advocates, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America passed a measure Friday that would give pastors greater freedom to bless same-sex couples, but stopped short of sanctioning gay marriage. At the group's national meeting in Orlando, the church's 1,018-person voting body also rejected a proposal that would have allowed gays and lesbians in committed relationships into the clergy. Delegates voted against the measure 503-490. Even if it had won a simple majority of votes, that wouldn't have been enough; the proposal needed a two-thirds majority to pass."- Miami Herald.

Calif. High Court Refuses AG's Request to Rush Same-Sex 'Marriage' Resolution

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/8/162005b.asp

"In a unanimous ruling, California's Supreme Court has rejected the state Attorney General's request to expedite an appeal involving same-sex marriage proponents' challenges to California's marriage law. And, as one pro-family lawyer notes, the court's 5-0 decision not to hear these consolidated challenges for the time being means traditional marriage defenders now have more time to work on amending the state's constitution to protect traditional marriage."- Agape Press

Tennessee judge grants ADF, state lawmakers intervention in latest ACLU attack on marriage

http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/news/story.aspx?cid=3498

TN lawmakers vote 2-to-1, enlist ADF to fight for voters
Wednesday, August 10, 2005, 12:15 PM (MST)
ADF Media Relations | 480-444-0020

"This is a victory for the voters, ultimately," said ADF Senior Legal Counsel Byron Babione.  "ADF will do all we can to litigate on behalf of the people of Tennessee." NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Alliance Defense Fund was granted intervention today on behalf of the Tennessee State Legislature in the case ACLU of Tennessee v. Darnell.  The ACLU lawsuit aims to prevent Tennesseans from voting on a constitutional amendment proposed by state lawmakers that defines marriage as "the relationship of one man and one woman."

"ADF is pleased that the judge granted our motion to intervene," said ADF Senior Legal Counsel Byron Babione, who argued successfully before the court Wednesday on behalf of 90 state legislators, both Republicans and Democrats.  "The judge correctly ruled that the Tennessee legislators should be permitted to litigate and present the marriage amendment to the voters for ratification."

Babione noted that the decision by two-thirds of both Democrat-controlled houses of the General Assembly to retain ADF in defense of Tennessee's voters highlights the lawmakers' bi-partisan commitment to the democratic process in debating fundamental public policy issues such as marriage.

"This case demonstrates the problems associated with attempts to enact policy through litigation," Babione explained.  "Left-wing groups like the ACLU file a lawsuit and then try to silence their opponents by denying or limiting their opportunity to be heard in the case.  Frequently left-wing groups succeed and litigation is very one-sided.  Fortunately, the court has ruled that both sides will be heard in this case."

"This is a victory for the voters, ultimately," Babione added.  "ADF will do all we can to litigate on behalf of the people of Tennessee."

For more information on the battle to protect marriage, visit www.domawatch.org.

ADF is America's largest legal alliance defending religious liberty through strategy, training, funding, and litigation.

www.telladf.org              www.domawatch.org

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Egocentric Culture Losing the Purpose of Marriage

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/8/32005gst.asp

"The supremacy of autonomy in our society pervades every avenue of the culture -- including the institution of marriage. Same-sex marriage debates heat up the political and cultural front lines as homosexual activists argue for their rights to express their sexual feelings and normalize them through redefining marriage. While same-sex marriage claims center stage in the marriage debate, the homosexual's view of marriage as a self-serving institution is manifesting itself in heterosexual marriage trends as well."-  Kathryn Hooks, Agape Press, August 3, 2005

Mainers may repeal 'gay rights' law in Nov.; Conn. civil unions may lead to 'gay marriage'

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=21314

Maine voters learned July 28 that they would be voting on whether to repeal a recently passed "gay rights" law. The bill, which became law in March with the signature of Gov. John Baldacci, adds "sexual orientation" to the list of groups protected against discrimination in employment, housing, education and public accommodations, "People understand that this is the precursor to same-sex marriage. That's what it means to most citizens," Paul Madore, head of the Grassroots Coalition.

Any hope that same-sex civil unions would appease homosexual activists in Connecticut ended July 28, when an attorney representing eight homosexual couples filed legal briefs arguing that civil unions create an unconstitutional "separate but equal" formula. "Connecticut's civil union law -– which grants gay couples every tangible, legal right and benefit of civil marriage -– makes a mockery of the argument that the state has any legitimate reason to deny these couples marriage. Civil unions establish separation for the sake of separation, exclusion for the sake of exclusion. That's plainly wrong."-Bennett Klein, GLAD senior attorney

Marriage, same-sex unions: some statistics

http://www.kpcnews.com/main.asp?SectionID=93&SubSectionID=212&ArticleID=92525

There are some very real differences between marriage of a man and women and a union of same-sex partners.

In the 2002 U.S. Census Bureau study, 70.7 percent of heterosexual marriages lasted 10 years, and 57.7 percent lasted 20 years or more.

In comparison, a study of homosexual men in the Netherlands published in the journal AIDS found that the “duration of steady partnerships” for homosexuals was 1 1/2 years.

“Few homosexual relationships last longer than two years, with many men reporting hundreds of lifetime partners.”- Practice and Precept in Past and Present Times, a study of male homosexuality in Western Sexuality

Gay Marriage a Supreme Issue

http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/7/5/93046.shtml?j=1385091&e=brown0219@aol.com&l=422279_HTML&u=25122620

Although his voting record says he opposes gay marriage, leading Senate Judiciary Democrat Charles Schumer said recently that he intends to make gay marriage the "litmus test" for candidates proposed for the Supreme Court. Despite voting for the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996 and coming out against gay marriage in his home state, he made this statement concerning any candidates which President Bush might propose for the vacant seat. "All questions are legitimate. What is your view on Roe vs. Wade? What is your view on gay marriage? They are going to try to get away with the idea that we're not going to know their views but that's not going to work."

Marriage Now Just a Sexual Relationship

http://www.christianity.ca/news/social-issues/2005/06.004.html

"civil marriage in Canada is simply the conferring of legal recognition and benefits upon a conjugal relationship, with no reference in principle to permanence, progeny or public benefit. We have achieved, with the redefinition of marriage to include homosexual partners, the reduction of marriage to a mere sexual relationship....When civil marriage is thus stripped of its permanence and its commitment, what is left to distinguish a married relationship from any friendship? Sex. Hetero or homo, it doesn't matter." - Father Raymond J. de Souza

Spain Legalizes Same Sex Marriage

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/06/30/world/main705315.shtml?cmp=EM8705

The Spanish Parliament, in a 187-147 vote passed a bill making gay marriage, gay adoption and inheritance of property the law on Thursday. The Senate, where conservatives hold the largest number of seats, rejected the bill last week. But it is an advisory body and final say on legislation rests with the Congress of Deputies.

Canada's Liberal Government Passes Same-Sex 'Marriage' Bill C-38

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/jun/05062811.html

Canada's Liberal government passed it's same-sex 'marriage' bill C-38 by a vote of 158 for to 133 against. The bill must still be passed by the Senate and then receive Royal Assent before being promulgated into Canadian law.

Dirty Tricks in Parliament Pave Way for Gay 'Marriage' Bill Passage Next Week

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/jun/05062406.html

"The last hurdle standing in the way of passage of the gay 'marriage' bill was swept away last night by political manipulations that make the Canadian Parliament an embarrassment to traditions of democratic process.  The vote on the budget Bill C-48 was the final opportunity to bring down the Liberal government and thus defeat the gay 'marriage' legislation." - Lifesite News. 

What's the Battle Over Gay Marriage Really About?

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/weblogs/mohler/?adate=06/24/2005#1337027

Dr. Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary gives an excellent review and overview of an article by Russell Shorto. The article was the cover story for June 19, 2005 in The New York Times Magazine. The article was entitled: "What's the Movement to Outlaw Gay Marriage Really About?" Dr. Mohler makes this statement: "Russell Shorto was certainly right about one thing--the battle over gay marriage is not just about marriage. We are witnessing the clash of two diametrically opposed worldviews--two absolutely different ways of understanding the world. Mr. Shorto's article will inform his readers by helping them to understand how conservative Christians think. To an equal and unintentional extent, his article also tells us a great deal about how he and his colleagues think. Hint--it's not just about marriage."

Activist Lambastes Leader Pushing Same-Sex 'Marriage' on Canadians

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/6/232005f.asp

Canadian Prime Minister, Paul Martin has vowed to keep parliament in session until a proposed same-sex marriage law is passed. Brian Rushfeldt of the Canada Family Action Coalition says that only a small portion of Canada's homosexual population would take advantage of such a bill. "It's less than 0.05 [percent]. Of course, they don't want those figures to come out publicly because it is so minute that people are going to [ask] 'Why did we go through all of this for that few Canadians?' There's something wrong with the system that allows that." Mr. Rushfeldt further stated that the Prime Minister's actions prove that Canadians no longer live in a democracy, "Even the suggestion that we extend Parliament to try and ram through a piece of legislation, such as the Marriage Amendment Act, is nothing short of socialist, dictatorship-style leadership -- in fact, it's not leadership at all; it is dictatorship."

Romney backs new effort to prohibit gay marriages

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2005/06/17/romney_backs_new_effort_to_prohibit_gay_marriages/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+City%2FRegion+News

Recently Govenor Mitt Romney, MA endorsed a grassroots effort to pass a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. In explaining his endorsement he said, ''I'm concerned that the amendment currently under consideration by the Legislature is somewhat confused or muddied by the combination of two things: One is the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman, which I support, and the other is the requirement that there be civil unions in the Commonwealth, which is a provision I do not support."

"THERE IS NO FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO SAME-SEX MARRIAGE"

http://www.montanasnews.com/articles.php?mode=view&id=1949

Federal Judge Gary Taylor (Orange County, CA) upheld the federal Defense of Marriage Act’s (“DOMA”) definition of marriage as “one man and one woman.” The Ruling contained three parts. 1. The court abstained from deciding whether California’s marriage laws violate the federal constitution. 2. The court ruled that the same-sex couple, who are not married, have no standing to challenge Section 2 of the federal DOMA. 3. The court upheld Section 3 of the federal DOMA, which defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

500,000 march against same-sex marriage

http://www.cathnews.com/news/506/102.php

Half a million Spaniards marched in protest of the Spanish government's promotion and legalization of gay marriage and adoption on Sunday. Despite accusations by some government officials of discriminating against gays by denying them the same rights as the marchers had, the marchers chanted in favor of family and children's rights.

NJ Court Decision Upholds Traditional Marriage

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/6/152005a.asp

two of the three appellate judges in NJ have denied the 14 plaintiffs the right to claim violation of their fundamental right to marry when they were denied marriage licenses. The judges went on to say:

"The personal views of the members of the court concerning 'the wisdom or policy of a statute' should play no part in determining its constitutionality….A constitution is not simply an empty receptacle into which judges may pour their own conceptions of evolving social mores….Consequently, our personal views of the legislative decision to limit the institution of marriage to members of the opposite sex are irrelevant."

"Marriage between members of the same sex is clearly not a 'fundamental right. . . deeply rooted in our legal tradition."

"Plaintiffs' claim that a right to marriage between members of the same sex may be found in article I, paragraph 1, of the New Jersey Constitution has no foundation in its text, this nation's history and traditions or contemporary standards of liberty and justice."

"Indeed, there are reasons for limiting unfettered access to marriage. Otherwise, by allowing the multiplicity of human choices that bear no resemblance to marriage to qualify [as marriages], the institution would become non-recognizable and unable to perform its vital function. Thus, New Jersey statues ban bigamous marriages, common law marriages, incestuous marriages, and marriages to persons adjudged to be mentally incompetent or with a venereal disease in a communicable stage. The governmental interest in these restrictions has been repeatedly and widely recognized."

Navajos override veto of same-sex union ban

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/nation/11818073.htm

The Tribal Council of the 180,000 member Navajo Nation which resides in parts of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah, has voted to override a veto by tribal president, Joe Shirley Jr., who last month negated their previous vote banning same sex marriage on the reservation. One delegate voiced the reason for overriding the Tribal Council President this way, “In the traditional Navajo ways, gay marriage is a big no-no. It all boils down to the circle of life. We were put on the earth to produce offspring.”-Kenneth Maryboy, Montezuma Creek, Utah.

Pro-Family Leaders Unite Against AFL-CIO's Pro-Same-Sex-Marriage Resolution

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/6/32005a.asp

It was revealed recently that the AFL-CIO executive committee signed off on a resolution in March to protest the FMA and guarantee workplace equal rights to gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered persons without advising or requesting input or approval from the millions of rank and file Americans who fund the union. "On behalf of those millions of workers who pay dues to the AFL-CIO but who also feel traditional marriage deserves and demands constitutional protection, the coalition members urge the union's Executive Committee to "respect and honor the views of [its] own rank-and-file membership." They ask that the committee members do this by voting to rescind the March 3 resolution supporting homosexual marriage when they come together to vote during the AFL-CIO's upcoming July 25-28 annual convention in Chicago" - Letter to the president of the AFL-CIO signed by 45 national Christian Leaders

No gay marriage, says Assembly

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/Stories/0,1413,206~24533~2903271,00.html

"No one here ever expected a gay-marriage bill to cruise through the Capitol. But gay-rights advocates calculated that if any state government was going to willingly sanction same-sex unions, it would be in California" -Lisa Leff , Associated Press

Calif. Bill on Same-Sex Marriage Fails Twice

http://www.christianpost.com/article/society/1619/section/california.bill.to.legalize.same-sex.marriage.fails.twice.in.assembly/1.htm

" bill AB 19 would remove the words “a man and a woman” from state marriage laws, replacing them with “two persons.” In both votes that took place Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, the bill was six votes short of approval." - Susan Wang, Christian Post Article, June 3, 2005

NPR Story Proves That Same-Sex Marriage and Civil Unions are Unconstitutional

http://www.mensnewsdaily.com/archive/u-v/usher/2005/usher052605.htm

"Lee Badgett admitted that the purpose of same sex marriage is to turn marriage into a feminist institution centered around the biology of “who can physically bear children and who can not”. This admits that sex is being used as the vehicle to enforce social and economic discrimination against men in family, society, via the vehicle of same-sex marriage. It revolves around a transmogrification of marriage from a civil equal-rights institution as between men and women to an uncivil institution -- creating separate and unequal classes of individuals -- in which the sex of the “married” individuals is the basis for predicable and substantial forms of social and economic discrimination." - David R. Usher author of Why Gay Marriage is Unconstitutional and Why Civil Unions are Unconstitutional Too

Why Homosexual "Marriage" Hurts Us

http://www.tfp.org/TFPForum/catholic_perspective/why_homosexual_marriage_hurts_us.htm

"If same-sex “marriage” becomes law, we will see the further breaking apart of the widely-accepted moral consensus that has bound American society together since its founding. We will see the courts creating new “rights” detached from and opposed to natural law and American legal precedents leading to the yet greater polarization of our nation."- John Horvat II

Gay Marriage Ban to Go Before Texas Voters

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050521/ap_on_re_us/gay_marriage_1

The Texas Senate approved a proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage with a 21-8 vote Saturday, sending the issue to voters on November 5, 2005.

Same-Sex Slugfest In California

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/05/20/politics/main696712.shtml?cmp=EM8707

"The bad guys here are the judges and the politicians. The people are frustrated," Randy Thomasson, organizer of a group called VoteYesMarriage.com, said outside the state Capitol. "The people are ready to protect marriage once and for all."

Canadian Gay Marriage Effort in Trouble

http://www.family.org/cforum/fnif/news/a0036558.cfm

May 16, 2005

by Steve Jordahl, correspondent

Due to a potential change in leadership, gay marriage in Canada may be delayed. Because of co-ordinated efforts between pro gay groups in Canada and the United States a Canadian gay marriage law would put US marriage laws are at risk.

Mass. Pro-Family Groups Resist Homosexual Activism's 'Reign of Madness'

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/5/162005a.asp

May 16, 2005

Bill Fancher describes how homosexuality has overrun the state since the legalization of same sex marriage. He states: "Society is going through this enforced homosexualization in Massachusetts. It's truly frightening."  Siting changes in the state drivers license process and the arrests of parents who object to homosexual curriculum in elementary schools among others. 

Poll: Half of Americans disapprove of same-sex marriages

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-05-15-gay-marriages_x.htm?csp=34

A new survey by the Boston Globe revealed that half of American's do not want their states to approve of same sex marriages.