With the state divorce rate nearing 50 percent, The Family Foundation of Virginia (TFF) knew it was time to take action.

And so was born the Marriage Commission, a group of about 20 experts tasked with finding policy solutions to divorce.

"Everyone recognizes that a 50 percent divorce rate is a problem, but few people seem willing to seek real solutions," said Victoria Cobb, executive director of The Family Foundation of Virginia. "Obviously, this is a very complicated and emotional issue. The causes of divorce are not simply a matter of the law. Public policy solutions are just one part, but it is one that simply is not being addressed.

"We do not claim to have all the answers to the problem of divorce. We only know that everyone agrees there is a problem, and no one is attempting to solve it. As a simple matter of leadership, TFF steps out to be part of the solution."

The commission will meet several times this year and hopes to present proposals to the General Assembly, which convenes in January.

In November, 57 percent of Virginia voters passed an amendment that defines marriage as between one man and one woman and outlaws same-sex civil unions, domestic partnerships and other pseudo-marriages.

"We applaud the efforts of The Virginia Family Foundation and the commission members for working together toward the goal of creating policy that will be used to strengthen marriage and discourage divorce," said Jenny Tyree, associate marriage analyst for Focus on the Family Action. "The inclusion of clergy members, scholars, policymakers, attorneys and counselors indicates people from various professional fields recognize the importance of marriage for our children and society. 
 
"The next generation of Virginians would gain much from the successful efforts of the commission."

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit The Family Foundation of Virginia Web site.

CitizenLink Managing Editor Stuart Shepard interviews Executive Director Victoria Cobb.