Last week the United States Senate debated, and ultimately defeated the Federal Marriage Amendment initiative in their chambers. For many of us who support and recognize the historical importance of traditional marriage to America's social fabric, this bill looms large. Why? Because numerous initiatives by state courts, some cities, and even some state legislatures across the land would forever change the legal definition of marriage as between one man and one woman.
Many legal scholars recognize a constitutional amendment as the only way to clearly define marriage in its traditional context throughout the nation. As Senator Rick Santorum recently said, ultimately “the states are powerless with this issue.” The courts have shown us that they are all over the map regarding traditional marriage.
What is disturbing to me is the absolute spinelessness of our leaders regarding this issue. Where are the religious leaders, politicians, and community leaders who recognize the importance of traditional marriage? Why aren't they using their influence to encourage people to tell our senators to support traditional marriage? Instead, they quiver in fear of the homosexual lobby.
Polls show that the large majority of Americans support traditional marriage. This fact is in direct contrast to the lack of support from many of our religious and community leaders and our elected politicians.
When the Supreme Court decision came down in June regarding the Child On-Line Protection Act, I was truly surprised at the reaction more accurately, the lack thereof of many of our leaders. Eight years ago, that measure passed with a large majority in the House of Representative and the Senate and then was signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Immediately, pornographers across the country attacked the legislation for “taking away their rights of free speech.”
In fact, the bill only required individuals to identify themselves for age purposes so children would not be permitted entry into numerous hard-core porn sites that often induce viewers by offering free pictures and occasional videos. But now that law has been struck down. We should expect this by now from a court that has been marginalized by liberal appointments over the last 15 years.
Instead of protecting children and families from the crudest forms of porn imaginable, the courts were eager to move quickly to protect the rights of millionaire smut merchants. The high court was deeply concerned about the rights of porn peddlers but refused to protect the innocence of children.
Not only should Associate Justice Clarence Thomas be ashamed of himself for voting with the majority on COPA, but numerous newspaper editors, television news hosts, church leaders, congressmen, congresswomen, senators, librarians, columnists, and community leaders were just as guilty for their lack of protest. Certainly it has become clear that these people are not concerned for our families or the future of this country.
Today, more than ever, we need to stand up for what is morally right. We can no longer ignore what this will mean to our children and our children's children.
If you think you can't make a difference, you can. Join the thousands of Americans who are faxing, calling, and e-mailing their two U.S. senators regarding their vote on the Federal Marriage Amendment. Also, make sure you vote this year and persuade your friends to do so as well.
(This article courtesy of Agape Press).