Strengthening the American Family

Strengthening the American Family

Washington, Jun 6 - It remains mankind's oldest and most enduring covenant. Acknowledged by even the most primitive cultures, it represents the foundation of our society. It is called marriage, and recently it has come under attack from forces wishing to destroy it.

We have all watched the madness from Massachusetts to California. Recently, the Massachusetts Supreme Court struck down that state's law banning gay marriage. This-coupled with gay marriages in San Francisco-may well prove to be a critical turning point in our history. Activist groups have openly declared their intention to use these events to generate a wave of lawsuits against marriage laws across the country.

This is why I'm an original co-sponsor of the Federal Marriage Amendment, also known as H.J. Res. 56. Introduced by U.S. Representative Marilyn Musgrave (4th Dist. - Colo.), this bill would define marriage in the Constitution as a union between a man and a woman.

Until recently, it was difficult to imagine that traditional marriage would need constitutional protection. Tragically, this time-honored institution has come under fire from radical judges zealous to overstep their constitutional boundaries. This initiative would put the issue back where it belongs - with the American people.

This concept seems simple enough, but in government, things are not always as simple as they might seem. Several years ago, the Texas Legislature, like many other states, passed a law defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman. Now, however, courts in some states like Massachusetts are striking down such laws.

Proponents of gay marriage often ask how allowing same-sex marriage threatens anyone else's existing marriage. It doesn't "threaten" individual marriages. It does, however, threaten the institution of marriage, which revolves around procreation and parental responsibility of properly raising and caring of children. Marriage binds together families, and families remain the cornerstone of society. For this reason, it should be protected at all costs.

President Bush brought moral clarity to the debate over same-sex marriage by calling on Congress to pass a Constitutional Amendment to protect marriage. The President rightly called marriage "the most enduring human institution." Ordained by God and confirmed by law, marriage represents the glue of the American family and the safest harbor for our children.

Let's face it. Passing a constitutional amendment defining marriage ranks as one of the most important social issues facing America today. This is not about Republicans or Democrats. This is about the defense of marriage. This is about preventing same-sex couples who elope in Massachusetts then come home to Texas and demand the Lone Star State recognize their "marriage."

For all of these reasons, Congress should heed the President's moral leadership and pass the Federal Marriage Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.