This week, the official title and summary language for several marriage-protection initiatives has been approved by the California attorney general. Two strategies are in play, and two groups may battle for the same conservative population.
"An amendment to the California Constitution, which requires a vote of the people, is the only way to stop the politicians, and especially the courts, from redefining marriage against the will of the majority of Californians," said Ron Prentice, executive director of the California Family Council, which is associated with Focus on the Family.
Prentice is working with ProtectMarriage.com, a coalition of local, state and national groups, to join the 27 states that have constitutional protection for marriage. ProtectMarriage.com is putting forth a simple, one-sentence statement that defines marriage as between one man and one woman.
Another organization, VoteYesMarriage.com, is also pushing a marriage amendment — one that would repeal all of the legal rights and benefits currently given to domestic partners.
“We are confident that Californians continue to want to protect traditional marriage as it has always been," Prentice said. "However, they are also reluctant to take away existing rights. For this reason, I strongly believe that placing the simple language of Proposition 22 into the state Constitution is the best, and only winnable, choice.”
Prop. 22, a legal statute protecting marriage as between one man and one woman, was passed by the people of California in 2000, with more than 61 percent of the vote. Since then, traditional marriage has been attacked by both the Legislature and the courts. A bill to legalize same-sex marriage is expected to pass the Legislature this year, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has vowed to veto this bill. The constitutionality of Prop. 22 is pending before the California Supreme Court; a decision is expected by mid-2008.
"This incessant attack on marriage is precisely why Californians need to support the ProtectMarriage.com initiative to get traditional marriage enshrined in the state Constitution," said Mona Passignano, state issues analyst for Focus on the Family Action.
Prentice said he's ready to move forward.
“Many churches and organizations are ready to get started, and we are thankful for the volunteer network committed to the signature-gathering process," Prentice said. "However, the release of official petitions for circulation depends on first obtaining significant financial backing. This is in process.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit the Protect Marriage Web site.
