CHICAGO, Jan. 29, 2013 -- Male-female marriage received a vigorous defense Monday in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. The Manhattan Declaration, Inc., the voice of more than 500,000 Orthodox, Catholic, and Evangelical Christians, filed a "friend of the court" (amicus) brief. The foundational document of this organization, which has gained over half-a-million signatures, addresses religious liberty, sanctity of life, and traditional marriage. "Natural law, the nature of the human person, and common sense provide ample reason to preserve marriage as it has always been understood," said John Mauck, a Chicago attorney with the firm Mauck & Baker, who submitted the brief on behalf of the Manhattan Declaration. The argument develops further by explaining God's plan for the family and the social pathologies that emerge when the primacy of family and children is subverted. The brief sets out the natural law of the family unit, constitutional authority to establish what is best for the nation, and identifies social reasons to preserve male-female marriage. It thus shows that the historic institution of male-female families allows American children, families, and society to benefit from a firm foundation in the home, thus preserving strong future growth. The brief identifies societal circumstances around the world that have accepted homosexual marriage, resulting in a decline in societal function and a harsh increase in religious oppression. The Manhattan Declaration reminds the Court of the critical role that believers in Jesus have had in America's positive social achievement. It recounts advances because of Christianity throughout history saying that, "History confirms that Christians have, precisely because of their faith: defended innocent life; tended to the sick and dying during plagues...; extirpated slavery; tended to the poor and imprisoned...; toiled in the women's suffrage movement; led the civil rights movement; fought to end human trafficking and sexual slavery; and brought compassionate care to the AIDS sufferers in Africa." The brief also refutes the public relations and litigation strategy of advocates of same-sex marriage that seeks to portray Christians and other defenders of marriage as motivated by rank bigotry or irrational animus. These accusations, as explained by Mauck, are not sustainable as a matter of human experience or a fact in society. The brief is available here. For additional supporting documents or to schedule an interview, please contact Tom Ciesielka at tc@tcpr.net. About Mauck & Baker, LLC
Mauck & Baker, established in Chicago in 2001, is nationally known for representing churches, religious institutions, businesses, and individuals. The firm concentrates its practice to the area of religious liberty litigation around the country. It works with individuals and businesses as well as on personal and corporate matters.
Thomas Ciesielka
TC Public Relations
One N. LaSalle Street
Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60602
(o) 312-422-1333
(c) 312-403-1333
