Traditional Marriage Needs You!
By Paul M. Weyrich
July 2, 2004

A "moral wasteland." Does that phrase describe our country? It may soon be more applicable than ever before.

It was New Zealand's Catholic Archbishop of Wellington, Cardinal Thomas Williams, who recently wrote those words in protest of his country's lost respect for moral absolutes, including its willingness to consider "civil unions" for homosexual couples.

"The traditional family unit as essential to the well being of society is increasingly ignored by legislators," wrote Cardinal Williams. "Traditional beliefs and values have been systematically subverted by the derision and outright hostility to the whole Judeo-Christian ethic upon which civilization has been based for the past two millenniums"

Soon I fear what Cardinal Williams has said will be absolutely applicable to our country -- unless you take action and urge your friends and fellow worshippers to do so too. The time is now because the Senate will vote on the Marriage Protection Amendment the week of July 12th.

What's at stake? A time-honored, essential institution of our society; marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman.

Many Christians have wisely taken it upon themselves to separate themselves from the worst of our society. But if the advocates of homosexual marriage have their way they will be emboldened to press their agenda on all aspects of our lives. They will be relentless in seeking victory upon victory. Even homeschoolers may one day find their ability to teach their children according to the standards of their religious heritage endangered if we fail to fight back against the relentless juggernaut of the homosexual rights movement. Do not be surprised if the homosexual rights movement one day attempts to censor what is taught to your child -- even in your own home -- and push its own agenda that places its own favored lifestyle as something that all society should enthusiastically support.

Already, Stanford University political science professor Rob Reich in his 2001 paper "Testing the Boundaries of Parental Authority Over Education: The Case of Homeschooling" has posited a suggestion that most likely would be enthusiastically endorsed by the homosexual rights community. Reich believes the state must regulate homeschooling "with vigilance." He wrote: "Children are owed as a matter of justice the capacity to choose to lead lives -- adopt values and beliefs, pursue an occupation, endorse new traditions -- that are different from those of their parents. Because the child cannot him or herself ensure the acquisition of such capacities and the parents may be opposed to such acquisition, the state must ensure it for them."

Legalization of homosexual marriage will only encourage the homosexual rights movement to push their agenda on everyone -- regardless of religious belief -- even homeschoolers. Do you really want to be compelled one day to have to teach your child that marriage can be for a man and a man or a woman and a woman?

We have to pull out all the stakes to fight for preserving marriage between a man and a woman and it has to be now!

This week the Senate is in recess for the July 4th holiday. If you have the opportunity to see your state's U.S. Senators when they are back home, then be sure to let them know what you think about the Marriage Preservation Amendment.

Dr. Jerry Falwell, a longtime friend and ally in the fight to preserve our nation's traditional values from the assault by cultural relativists, is calling on churches to declare Sunday, July 11th as "Protect Marriage Sunday".

If your church or synagogue is willing, ask the pastor or rabbi to devote sermons next week to the importance of protecting marriage as a covenant solely between a man and a woman and let your pastor or rabbi know what will be happening in the Senate that coming week.

Dr. Falwell is urging that every American to contact their Senators the next day, Monday, July the 12th.

What can best influence a Senator to do the right thing?

Your phone calls and faxes. They want to hear what constituents like yourself are thinking and they want to hear it in your own words. If you think it important to have this country continue to honor and respect the institution of marriage between a man and a woman, then you've got to let them hear or read your own words.

It's important that you make clear: 1) The Senate should first vote to allow cloture, which allows consideration of the Amendment; 2) The Senate should vote to uphold the tradition of marriage between a man and a woman.

The opposition -- in debt to the homosexual lobby -- will be doing everything to derail debate and prevent a vote on the Marriage Protection Amendment.

That is only the start. We may not win the Senate vote this year. At least we will know where the Senate stands. The House is also expected to vote on the Marriage Protection Amendment and we must be prepared to take action again.

Committed families need to start letting others in their community know why maintaining the institution of marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman is important. Committed married couples should even start speaking before civic and church groups on "Why It's Important To Preserve Traditional Marriage" and to make clear that the definition of marriage is a covenant solely between a man and a woman and that by defending the traditional view our society has held of marriage, it ensures the strength and resilience of our country and its families.

Many families are enjoying their summer vacation; politics is a distant thought. But this decision will very much determine what kind of country we will become. We will move forward by preserving the integrity of one of our country's most important institutions or plunge deeper into the abyss of cultural degradation.

The pro-life movement's success in passing the ban on partial birth abortion took years to occur. It is not the complete victory we wish for, but it is an important step in turning the tide. The reason we are succeeding and will ultimately prevail is because we will never surrender. This battle is being fought on much the same terms. Americans who believe in traditional values need to realize that this fight is one for the long-term. There can be no let-up. Fighting together, united in common cause -- the defense of preserving marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman -- we will win.

Now is the time for believing Jews and Christians to come to the defense of an institution that is absolutely essential to preserve our country's moral and spiritual strength in this new century. You must speak up!

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Paul M. Weyrich is CEO and Chairman of the Free Congress Foundation.

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Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA.