Thomas More Law Center Condemns California Supreme Court's Mandate of Homosexual Marriages
West Coast Director Selected to Act as General Counsel of Effort to Overturn Decision
Thursday, May 15, 2008
ANN ARBOR, MI – The Thomas More Law Center harshly condemned today's 4-3 ruling of the California Supreme Court, holding that the California Constitution requires recognition of same-sex marriages, in an unprecedented overturning of a citizen initiative statute protecting traditional marriage. The three dissenters on the panel argued that the issue should have been left to the political process.
Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center commented, "This outrageous ruling shows how our most cherished institutions are being destroyed by the tyrannical actions of an out-of-control judiciary. The California Supreme Court took judicial activism to a whole new level. When four judges can overturn the vote of the people protecting marriage, the Constitution's guarantee of a Republican form of government becomes meaningless. This battle is not over."
Charles LiMandri, the Thomas More Law Center's West Coast Director, has been named the General Counsel to the "National Organization for Marriage." This is the organization spearheading the California ballot initiative to amend the California state constitution to define marriage between one man and one woman only. This ballot initiative recently submitted well over the required number of signatures to be placed on the November ballot.
Charles LiMandri stated, "Thanks to the tireless efforts of the 'National Organization for Marriage, ' and the many groups that have supported it, like the Thomas More Law Center, the courts will not have the final say on marriage in California — the people will in November."
The Thomas More Law Center is in discussion with Charles LiMandri to determine what options are available in the meantime. Richard Thompson commented, "There is the possibility that we may ask for a stay in the court's ruling considering that between now and November it would be legal in California for same-sex couples to marry, and come November – if the amendment passes – it would be unconstitutional again."
The Thomas More Law Center drafted Michigan's constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman, which was recently upheld by the Michigan Supreme Court.
The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through litigation, education, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.
