Tuesday, May 26, 2009
ANN ARBOR, MI – The Thomas More Law Center applauded today's 6-1 ruling of the California Supreme Court upholding a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage. However, the Court decided that the estimated 18,000 homosexual couples who got married before the law took effect would stay married.
The main holding of the court stated, "In summary, we conclude that Proposition 8 constitutes a permissible constitutional amendment (rather than an impermissible constitutional revision), does not violate the separation of powers doctrine, and is not invalid under the 'inalienable rights' theory proffered by the Attorney General. We further conclude that Proposition 8 does not apply retroactively and therefore that the marriages of same-sex couples performed prior to the effective date of Proposition 8 remain valid. Having determined that none of the constitutional challenges to the adoption of Proposition 8 have merit, we observe that if there is to be a change to the state constitutional rule embodied in that measure, it must 'find its expression at the ballot box.'"
Click here to read the entire ruling.
Charles LiMandri, the Thomas More Law Center's West Coast Director, also acted as the General Counsel to the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), the organization spearheading the California ballot initiative to amend the California state constitution to define marriage between one man and one woman only.
LiMandri commented, "Today is a great day for the people of the State of California and the United States. By upholding the validity of Proposition 8, the California Supreme Court has not only vindicated the will of the voters, but it has helped preserve the bedrock institution of our civilization. In keeping marriage as the union of a man and a woman, the Court has done what is best for children and all of society. Although the struggle to protect traditional marriage goes on throughout the nation, this tremendous victory in our most populous state is of incalculable value. It serves to clearly prove that democracy still works if we only care enough to exercise and protect our precious liberties."
Homosexual activists have already indicated they will go back to the voters as early as next year to repeal Proposition 8. The Thomas More Law Center will vigorously oppose those efforts.
The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes America's Christian heritage and moral values, including the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life. It supports a strong national defense and an independent and sovereign United States of America. The Law Center accomplishes its mission 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.
