A new survey by the Pew Research Center (PRC) shows that the number of people who accept same-sex "marriage" remains a minority within the United States.
He was a rising star in the "gay rights" movement, but Michael Glatze now declares not only has he given up activism - he's no longer a homosexual. Glatze, who had become a frequent media source as founding editor of Young Gay America magazine, tells the story of his transformation.
Two Democratic and two Republican lawmakers in Massachusetts - whose election platforms included preserving traditional marriage - voted against a proposed constitutional amendment to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The amendment, which needed 50 votes to pass, was defeated 45-151.
The California Assembly recently voted to pass a bill that would legalize homosexual marriage in the state. Assembly Bill 43 would strike the words "male" and "female" from the marriage code, substituting the phrase "two persons" in the definition of marriage.
New Hampshire is officially the fourth state to establish civil unions for same-sex couples. The state's governor, John Lynch, signed the new legislation into law in an attempt to support anti-discrimination.
New York's Department of Civil Service broadened the term "spouse" earlier this month to allow gay state employees who were "married" in Massachusetts or in another country to receive health- and life-insurance benefits.
Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) filed a lawsuit against the New York Department of Civil Service, alleging the agency exceeded its authority when it redefined the term "spouse" in its benefits policy to include homosexual couples.
New Hampshire Governor John Lynch recently said he decided to sign legislation establishing civil unions to prevent and end discrimination against gays in New Hampshire. This is a serious concern for pro-family organization who are standing for traditional marriage...the union of one man and one woman.
After the state's Supreme Court ruled in October to give same-sex couples the same rights of marriage, homosexual couples in New Jersey are now lining up to file for civil unions. To help you respond to those living in the homosexual lifestyle, please read our booklet Thinking Critically, Acting Compassionately.
Although Wisconsin citizens voted to ban same-sex marriage, some city council members in Madison will sign a statement protesting the ban when taking the oath of office, claiming it's against the state's constitution. They are ultimately hoping to overturn the same-sex marriage ban.
The state of New Jersey has recently given same-sex couples the right to civil unions, which provide the same legal benefits as married couples. Unfortunately, advocates for traditional marriage were not given equal opportunity to testify in favor of marriage as the union between one man and one woman. It is likely homosexual advocates in New Jersey will shortly push for full marriage benefits.
Same-sex couples in Maryland are asking the state to recognize homosexual marriage, challenging the current law that defines marriage as the exclusive relationship between one man and one woman. The final Court of Appeals ruling is expected in a few weeks.
Seven additional states have passed a measure to define marriage as the exclusive relationship between one man and one woman. These states include Colorado, Idaho, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin. A total of 27 states have now voted to protect marriage.
A Massachusetts judge has allowed same-sex couples from other states that prohibit homosexual marriage to obtain a marriage license. Judge Thomas Connolly ruled in favor of issuing a marriage license to a same-sex Rhode Island couple. Rhode Island's Attorney General says this does not mean they will recognize the marriage performed in Massachusetts.
The Washington Supreme Court has voted in favor of traditional marriage! Although the state's 1998 Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as the exclusive relationship between one man and woman, was challenged in 2004 by homosexual couples, the measure will remain in effect to ban same-sex marriage. This is a great win for children and families
The New Jersey Supreme Court will hear a case next month on legalizing same-sex marriage. From past rulings, the Garden State's courts are known to be more liberal, giving Lambda Legal, the homosexual group filing the lawsuit, a better chance of coming out on top. Conservative residents in New Jersey, however, continue to rally for a constitutional marriage amendment.
VoteOnMarriage.org, a family advocacy coalition, has accumulated twice the number of signatures to allow Massachusetts citizens to vote on a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. If passed in 2008, Massachusetts will add its name to the list of 19 states that already passed a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the exclusive relationship between one man and one woman.
A recent poll by the University of Arkansas found that 65% of Arkansans surveyed believe same-sex relationships are wrong. The poll also found that 54% were against same-sex marriage and civil unions, while only 15% were completely in favor of homosexual relationships and unions. Arkansas was one of 11 states in 2004 to vote in favor of a constitutional amendment legally defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
Oregon may become the third state to establish same-sex civil unions if bill SB 1000 passes in both the state Senate and House of Representatives. The bill would outlaw homosexual discrimination and give same-sex couples privileges similar to marriage; however, many say the bill violates the state's constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.
MTV has launched its gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender network named Logo one year after MTV first announced its plans. Read the National Coalition's comments on this gay entertainment network that is broadcasted on basic cable television packages.
NBC's "Today" show has agreed to allow same-sex couples to enter their annual wedding contest. Although NBC previously specified each couple needed to consist of one woman and one man, this gender restriction have been removed. NBC's decision comes after the television network received heavy pressure from gay advocacy groups to accept gay and lesbian couples.
U.S. District Judge Joseph Bataillon recently struck down Nebraska's Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a constitutional provision which limits marriage to one man and one woman. This underscores the need for a Federal Marriage Amendment that would restrict federal courts and judges from defining marriage. For more information on upholding the sanctity of marriage, read the National Coalition's booklet Why Is Marriage Important? The Reasonable Defense of Marriage.
A judge in California ruled the other day that California’s ban on same sex marriage violates the state’s constitution – a decision that if upheld will open the doors to the most populous state in the union to legally recognize same sex unions. Currently only one state Massachusetts legally recognizes same sex marriage. The decision in California is being heralded and compared to the historic 1948 state Supreme Court decision that made California the first state to legalize interracial marriage. In the opinion, Judge Richard Kramer said that there appears to be “no rational purpose” for denying marriage to homosexual couples.
Find out where your state stands on the issue of marriage.
Robert Knight of Concerned Women for America writes a thoughtful column about same-sex parenting.
The need for clarity on the issue of marriage is tremendous – different states can not have different definitions of marriage on the central issues such as the definition of man or woman. While only one state currently has legalized same-sex marriage unions, the importance of the sanctity of the institution of marriage demands our utmost attention and action. There are two things that you can do to support tradition marriage and bring unity on this issue to our nation: 1) Call your congressman and ask them to be an original cosponsor of the Marriage Protection Act soon to be introduced in the House by Rep. Musgrave; and 2) Order your copy of Why Is Marriage Important?: The Reasonable Defense of Marriage from the National Coalition.
Where does your US Senator stand on protecting marriage? Keep up with the ever-growing list of senators who are co-sponsors of the Marriage Protection Act (SJR 1) by following this link – and if your senator’s name is not on the list, make sure you contact their office immediately!
The Arlington Group has sent a letter to Bush’s chief advisor Karl Rove expressing discontent with the priority level presently given to the Marriage Protection Act. The National Coalition for the Protection of Children & Families signed the letter sent to Mr. Rove.
Indiana Appeals Court upholds state law prohibiting same-sex marriage – January 2005.
