Breaking News/Action Needed - California Supreme Court Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage!
This morning, the California Supreme Court by a 4-3 decision ruled that the California state statute defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman is unconstitutional. The ruling means that California now becomes the second state to redefine marriage to include same-sex relationships. While our attorneys continue to read and analyze the 172-page opinion, here's one key excerpt: "We cannot find that retention of the traditional definition of marriage constitutes a compelling state interest. Accordingly, we conclude that to the extent the current California statutory provisions limit marriage to opposite-sex couples, these statutes are unconstitutional."
The California decision shows exactly what we want to avoid here in Arizona ---judges overturning a state statute defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. It's up to the people to decide the definition of marriage, not judges and not politicians. A state constitutional amendment is the only way to protect marriage in Arizona.
SCR 1042, the proposed marriage amendment, would add the following language to the Arizona Constitution: "Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state."
Opponents of the marriage amendment prefer that judges make the decision about marriage like they've done in California and Massachusetts, not you the voter. Throughout the last three months, opponents have tried a series of political maneuvers and made a number of false claims in a desperate attempt to block Arizona voters from deciding the definition of marriage. The pressure will only increase in the Senate.
ACTION ITEMS:
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Please contact your Senator TODAY and politely ask him or her to vote "YES" on SCR 1042.
Thank you for all your efforts to help protect marriage in Arizona!
Yours for Arizona Families,
Cathi Herrod, Esq.
President
The Center for Arizona Policy
May 15 , 2008