WASHINGTON — Just one day after North Carolina voters overwhelmingly defended traditional marriage in their state, President Barack Obama announced his support for same-sex “marriage,” prompting swift responses from Catholic leaders and redrawing the political battle lines in an election year.
New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan called the president’s support for efforts to redefine marriage “deeply saddening” and said the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will not be silent in the face of words and actions that will undermine marriage, the cornerstone of society.
“The people of this country, especially our children, deserve better. Unfortunately, the president’s words today are not surprising, since they follow upon various actions already taken by his administration that erode or ignore the unique meaning of marriage,” Cardinal Dolan, the U.S. bishops conference president, said in a prepared statement.
The Archdiocese of Washington, now engaged in battle to secure a referendum on same-sex “marriage” in Maryland, also issued a statement opposing attempts to redefining marriage and vowed it would continue to “strongly advocate” for the federal government’s existing definition of marriage as that of between one man and one woman.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee who will challenge Obama in November, reaffirmed his defense of traditional marriage Wednesday while speaking with reporters after a campaign event in Oklahoma City.
“I have the same view on marriage that I had when I was a governor: I believe marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman,” Romney said.
Maggie Gallagher, co-founder of the National Organization for Marriage, said, “Politically, we welcome this. We think it’s a huge mistake.” She said the choice is now clear between Romney and Obama.
“Marriage is a winning issue for the GOP,” said Gallagher, who argued that the president was “choosing the money over the voters.” Indeed, after Vice President Joe Biden days earlier expressed his belief that homosexuals ought to be allowed to “marry,” The Washington Post reported, "About one in six of Obama’s top campaign ‘bundlers’ are gay, according to a Washington Post review of donor lists, making it difficult for the president to defer the matter. Activists are planning a campaign for the adoption of a pro-gay-marriage plank in this year’s Democratic Party platform.”
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Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus issued a statement suggesting that same-sex “marriage” will be an issue the GOP will focus on this coming Election Day.
The president’s sudden support for same-sex “marriage,” after years of saying he was “evolving” on the issue, followed similar statements in the past week from Biden, a self-described Catholic, and Education Secretary Arne Duncan.
The political pressure had been building on the president to come out in favor of same-sex “marriage,” especially from many within the homosexual-rights lobby and others sympathetic to the cause.
In a Wednesday televised interview on ABC, Obama, who had previously expressed support for civil unions, said his views had changed after being prodded by relatives and friends who are homosexual.
“At a certain point, I’ve just concluded that, for me personally, it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married,” said Obama.
The president’s announcement pleased liberal and homosexual-rights groups. The American Civil Liberties Union’s executive director, Anthony Romero, said the president did the right thing.
“The fight for fairness and equal treatment under the law for all Americans took a critical step forward today,” Romero said in a prepared statement.
And a series of referendums this year on same-sex marriage — including one in the swing state of North Carolina on Tuesday — are putting the issue at the forefront.
The singer-actress Cyndi Lauper, a longtime supporter of homosexual rights, also released a statement that she had never been prouder of the president.
“The president’s support of marriage equality gives hope and encouragement to the millions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people who feel ostracized and alone,” Lauper said.
Popular Vote
In coming out in favor of same-sex “marriage,” Obama may have determined that moderate voters in swing states, including large portions of his base in the black community, will not turn against him on Election Day. Various national public polls show slight but growing majorities in favor of same-sex “marriage,” while other issues, especially the still-stagnant economy, remain top-priority concerns for most Americans.
The Obama administration has also cultivated the homosexual lobby in recent years by repealing the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and refusing to defend the Defense of Marriage Act. The president had also spoken out against a proposed constitutional amendment in North Carolina to grant legal recognition only to marriages between one man and woman. Despite the president’s appeal, voters in the Tar Heel state overwhelmingly passed the measure Tuesday by a margin of 61% to 39%.
North Carolina became the 31st state, and the last Southern state, to pass an act defending marriage. In every state where the question has been put to a popular vote, traditional marriage has won every time. Seven states and Washington, D.C., have legalized same-sex “marriage” through the legislatures or judicial fiat.
In November, voters in Minnesota will decide on a constitutional amendment to defend traditional marriage. In Maine, voters will soon decide whether to rescind a 2009 law that defines marriage only as that of being between a man and a woman.
California voters also banned same-sex “marriage” in 2008 through the Proposition 8 constitutional ballot question, which was later struck down. The battle is still in the appeals stage and is expected to reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
In North Carolina, the Dioceses of Raleigh and Charlotte were instrumental in mobilizing support for the recent amendment. The state’s two dioceses each contributed $50,000 to the organizing efforts, and the bishops — via letters, print and online media, TV, radio ads, billboards, yard signs and postcards — urged Catholics to vote for the amendment.
“There was quite a bit of activity from the dioceses and the bishops for this amendment,” said David Hains, director of communications for the Diocese of Charlotte, who told the Register that Bishop Peter Jugis of Charlotte and Bishop Michael Burbidge of Raleigh each appealed to Catholics to defend the timeless understanding of marriage.
“We were talking about an institution that goes back thousands of years,” Hains said.
Bishop Jugis mentioned the amendment drive during his ad limina trip to Rome this week. Bishop Burbidge released a statement after Tuesday’s vote expressing his gratitude for the measure’s passage.
“Passage of the amendment to the constitution of our state has now ensured that the definition of marriage, as the faithful and exclusive union of one man and one woman, and one which is open to the gift of children, is in accord with God’s design and in keeping with the very nature of this sacred vocation,” said Bishop Burbidge, who asked people to join him in praying that the divisions that occurred during the referendum “may be healed by the grace of God.”
Meanwhile, Cardinal Dolan said in his prepared statement Wednesday that the nation’s bishops were prepared to affirm every positive measure taken by Obama to strengthen marriage and the family.
“I pray for the president every day and will continue to pray that he and his administration act justly to uphold and protect marriage as the union of one man and one woman,” the cardinal said. “May we all work to promote and protect marriage and by so doing, serve the true good of all persons.”
Register correspondent Brian Fraga writes from El Paso, Texas.
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I think we also need to use this moment to educate people on how Obama is misusing the Gospels and Jesus’ teachings as a basis for why he supports the redefinition of Marriage. In 2008 he made the exact same comment about Romans and the Sermon on the Mount, but further analysis then demonstrated that his interpretation of scripture were questionable. We should demand an explanation on how does he propose that Jesus was in favor of redefining marriage from one man/one woman to that of same-sex couples. By all accounts, Jesus is very clear that we are to put our faith in Him and all things according to God’s Will. I think Obama to be very confused.
Mormons denied blacks access to their priesthood until 1976 when Utah was threatened with losses to Federal funds. Then they evolved.
There is a big difference between sexual preference and race, don’t misunderstand my point. But, if the Catholic Church is threatened with its tax-exempt status for refusing gay marriage vows, will our Bishops cave?
We all know liberals move one step at a time so we can expect the next battle to be at our Altar.
Regardless, we need a much better presentation than arguing of citizens rights. We lose that argument. Hopefully, there are clever Catholic writers who can frame the issue in our behalf in 60 seconds or less.
I’m not sure that the President saying he personally favor same sex marriage is the same as saying that the governement will start to enforce it.
We are Christians or so that is what we call ourselves. Yet we show no love to anyone who disagrees with us.
I have only one question and that is, When did the Catholic Church become a mouthpiece for the Republican Party and when did we start endorsing any party?
Any self professed christian who votes for Obama in November might as well spit Christ in the face on their way to the polls
I don’t understand the difference between a legal same-sex marriage and a legal civil union. Can someone please explain it to me.
Al, Do you not see the fallacy in your logic ? Christian were taught to love even those who hates us, we do not “hates” gays or wants to kill them as with some religion, but being tolerant is not the same as accepting errors or lies or believing that gay marriage is good.
I don’t hate gays and working in SF means I do have lots of interaction with gays as some of my co-workers and friends are gays. I like some of my co-workers, but that does not mean I accept their lifestyles as being just as good or better than a marriage between a man and a woman. Even the ancient Greeks who many practiced homosexual acts do not think that marriage is between a man and a man or boy. Also, Obama the theologian fail when he claimed that Jesus would have approved of gay marriage. Jesus loves sinners, but that does not mean that he thinks their sins is good and everyone should sins.
The question we should ask President Obama is:
President Obama, how do same-sex sexual acts respect the inherent dignity of the human person?
What a dilemma for a practicing Catholic… a polytheist liar and fascist republican party candidate… or a liar and fascist evil is good democratic president.
I think the polls in North Carolina overestimate support for gay marriage.
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With all due respect to the bishops, the North Carolina’s Amendment was so poorly drafted, as a North Carolina lawyer I could not in good conscience support it due to the possible unintended consequences. Not to mention that North Carolina has never recognized same-sex relationships in any form. Better to wait an election cycle and get it right than do it wrong and create a mess. They also opened up North Carolina’s marriage law to a federal court challenge, which was not possible under the previous law. I respect Bishops Burbidge and Jugis, but their lawyers are terrible.
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As for the fears that the government will “force” churches to support gay marriage, that is complete garbage. The First Amendment is solid protection for religious freedom. (Those horror stories from Canada and Europe? Well, they don’t have a First Amendment!) It is very difficult for the government to force a Church to do anything they don’t want to do in the United States. (This is also why I think the HHS Mandate will get laughed out of court if it gets that far.) The Catholic Church would no more be forced to recognize gay marriages than they are forced to recognize the marriages of those who have divorced and remarried.
I would agree that there are no good choices for president this year - I can’t in good conscience vote for Obama OR Romney…this nation needs more political parties with bigger “umbrellas,” so voters don’t feel put on the spot to choose between bad and worse.
I agree with Jim.
“I respect the beliefs of others, and the right of religious institutions to act in accordance with their own doctrines. But I believe that in the eyes of the law, all Americans should be treated equally. And where states enact same-sex marriage, no federal act should invalidate them.”-Barack Obama
Meaning, the Catholic Church reserves the right to marry whoever it deems fit, just as it always has. Catholic priests do deny marriage to straight couples based upon not belonging to a congregation, or completing marriage classes, or just being an unfit couple. It seems like this is a federal sanction that does not effect the Church’s decisions to recognize marriages.
There is really nothing good about Obama. How a practicing Catholic can vote for this man is beyond me. These truths are non-negotiables: respect for human life, sanctity of marriage. Obama has ripped the two apart, therefore he does not deserve the Catholic vote,
I wonder how the election would’ve turned out four years ago if Obama had made this announcement BEFORE the election.
Al Stiefel, you and many other Catholics who don’t see a problem with same sex marriage are missing a very big piece of the puzzle because no one in the politically correct news media wants to recognize that things are not all honky dory in the world of homosexuality. Did you know that there are studies showing the average life expectancy of a homosexual to be only 38 yeras? Did you know that they suffer from high rates of substance abuse, domestic abuse, emotional problems, and suicide? Did you know that these occur even in communities where their lifestyle is openly embraced and celebrated? Did you know that homosexuals suffer from physical ailments raely, if ever, found in heterosexuals? Diaeases like anal cancer and specific types of urinary tract infections? It seems that the rampant promiscuity that virtually always accompanies a same sex attraction eventually takes its toll on the human psyche and body, resulting in all of these maladies. Do you realize that when the Bible was written, men having anal sex with eachother most likely did not have access to adequate bathing facilities? This could be a real problem , especially for uncircumcised men. What if one of those fellows then had relations with his unknowing wife? This is almost like begging for a life threatening infection - all in a world without antiobiotics. You’re not going to see this information broadcast on MSNBC. Those highly educated people with the open minds have actually shut their minds because of their own arrogance. Sure, the Bible speaks out against homosexual acts and with good reason - they’re bad for your emotional and physical health. So, well meaning Catholics who think they are being so nice to people with same sex attractions, are actually encouraging them into what will most likely be an early grave. So, who’s the bad guy here? The “intollerant” Christian, or the “non-judging, tollerant” Christian? Homosexuals need prayer, love, and support to get over their issues - just like any other sinner. Patting them on the back and telling them to go indulge in homosexual relations is not helpful to them. It is in fact evil and all this confusion surrounding this topic is the work of the devil.
kd, any State or Government that condones and affirms engaging in same-sex sexual acts or demeaning sexual acts of any nature, does so in violation of the inherent Right of all persons to be treated with Dignity and respect.
Well, if anyone was wondering why Obama decided to show his support for Same-Sex Marriage, just read the media reports about how much money he raked in from Hollywood. The one thing about knowing Jesus is the grace of clarity he provides so that we can determine right from wrong. Obama continues to demonstrate his greatest weakness, which is his lack of understanding the Truth according to God. This issue is by no means easy and yet it is simple, but it requires a willingness to allow God to lead us through it. Why is our battle cry for protecting the sanctity of marriage being silenced by a boisterous minority? How do we provide the balance of protecting one, without appearing to judge & reject the other? I find that many good, devout Catholics struggle with achieving this balance. Everyone is worried about offending our fellow brothers & sisters because they are gay, so some say nothing to protect the sanctity of marriage. We need to continue to press our beautiful Church to help us in achieving the balance necessary, so that as Jesus managed to do so often, we can demonstrate our Love for all people, while helping them come to Jesus Christ. And, if they choose to not accept Him fully, they at the least show HIM the same respect they are seeking.
to New Yorker - well said. Their are various studies, either sponsored or supported by our very own government that highlight the level of risk-based behavior based on a person’s gender preference. The behavior that puts them at such risks begins when they are teens. Just like anything that is bad for us, the ealier you start engaging in risk-based behavior the higher the risk of the negative affects on that person. Perhaps this is where we need to take the conversation in the mainstream media. Not to denigrate any individual, but offer them an equal opportunity to make a healthier choice, which can then include a healthier spiritual path. God Bless!
“Marriage equality” will soon become a plank in the Democratic Party along side abortion…
And hold these “truths to be self-evident”: marriage is not what God Says but what Obama says it is, children are incidental to marriage, mothers AND fathers are not necessary and it’s ok for a new mother to have her child killed in the womb….
New Yorker, I never said that I didn’t have a problem with same sex marriage. All I said was that Prseident Obama was speaking for himself and not the government. As far as I can see no one has yet anwered my other question, which was when did the Catholic Church become a mouth piece for the Republican Party?
Al Stiefel, I don’t think we’re a mouthpiece for the Republican Party. We should be voting for people who maintain values that are as close as possible to ours. From a practical stand point, in this day and age, that usually turns out to be a Republican. For decades, the Democratic Party has promulagted abortion. Now they have taken up the banner for same sex marriage. Most Democrats are OK with these things. So, do they have our values? I don’t think so. It’s rare to find a pro-life Democrat. Here in the Northeast, it’s rare to find Republican candidates who have our values as well. Most Republicans in this area are only fiscally conservative while being socially liberal. Some are quite wretched actually when it comes to issues like abortion. So, they don’t quite fit the bill either. I don’t think we should be any less harder on these socially liberal Republicans as we would be on a Democrat. I think this is the reason why Romney had a such a tough time in the primaries. People were not 100% sure if his heart was really into the socially conservative causes.
President Obama’s decision to come down in favor of same-sex marriage has more than just political and religious dimensions. It also has Constitutional dimenstions. According to the Constitution, the Executive Branch of the Federal Government is supposed to enforce the Laws on the Federal books enacted by the Legislative branch. One such law is the Defense of Marriage Act - DOMA. It is one thing to decline to enforce a law. It is quite another to publicly come out in opposition to a law one is Constitutionally obligated to enforce. By doing so (in the case of same-sex marriage) a case can be made that President Obama is in violation of his Oath of Office (Article 2, Section 1 of the Constitution) and in dereliction of duty and can therefore be liable to be impeached under Article 2, Section 4 of the Constitution.
Hi I am a democrat possibly a moderate. My wife and I do not believe a child should be lost to an abortion under any circumstance. I do believe that these thoughts of having an abortion should be dealt with between the father, mother and doctor if there are problems lurking ahead before the delivery. I would say that if the church wants to involve itself in this decision they should be up front with alternative solutions that would be good for the family and the baby. Let God be the judge of these decisions not the church. My gay friends do not go to mass with me because the church does not allow it. The church accepts my wife and I because we have children. Here I thought all of us were children of God.
The Catholic Church loves those who identify themselves as homosexual more than Obama, more than anyone who says let them do as they please. We know the homosexual act is a mortal sin, and we are NOT willing to allow them to do this to themselves, or to spread acceptance of the sin to our children. This is true love-to assist a person in getting to Heaven.
To Bill, first let me say that my prayers go out to you and your wife and family and your gay friends. As for abortion, most facilities that offer Abortion do not allow the Church to provide upfront Alternative Solutions so that any individual considering abortion has the info needed to choose an alternative. Recent attempts legislatively to offer further insight as to what a woman harbors inside their womb so that they don’t blindly choose abortion have been villified by Abortion supporters. The question is, when are abortionists going to allow people to have “real freedom of choice?” Obama supporting the largest abortion mill, “Planned Parenthood” doesn’t help. As for your gay friends not going to Church. No Church should keep one from going to Mass. What they do not allow is for someone committing a mortal sin, such as having a sinful sexual relationship like a gay sexual act, to accept communion. If one is gay, but understands God’s commandments, then they will understand that they have to give up sinful acts to be in God’s good graces. I too have gay friends, who go to Church, but they understand that as long as they are having sex, a sinful act, they cannot receive communion. Such conflicts between things of this world and God’s commandments are exactly what we have to continually battle to be in His good graces & receive communion (The reason for Mass is receiving Holy Communion, Receiving our Lord Jesus Christ). God is loving but he is fair & just, and makes it clear that despite his Love & Mercy, we have to come to terms with our responsibility to live a good, righteous life (perhaps the hardest thing for us to do). God Bless!
Bill, the Catholic church provides quite a bit of support for mothers who are pondering abortion. This support includes counseling from Catholic Charities, Catholic adoption agencies, and, in our area, a ministry which collects used baby clothes and items and gives them away to young mothers who have decided to keep their child. Help is available, and the place to start is with Catholic Charities. If your parish does not have a ministry to help these mothers, talk to your pastor about starting one. Hoenstly, I am tired of hearing, “The church doesn’t do enough, etc”. WE are the church and WE are called to do these things. It cannot all be put upon a clergy, which is dwindling in numbers.
Why can’t your friends with a same sex attraction attend Mass? Where did you hear that the Church will not allow this? I suggest you read the Catechsim of the Catholic Church paragraphs 2357 through 2359. Here’s a link:
http://www.kofc.org/un/catechism/index.action
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