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Source: Family Policy Institute of Washington (fipw.org)
Late this afternoon, legislation was introduced that would legalize same-sex marriage (SB 5674, 1745). In addition, similar bills that would grant all the rights of marriage to domestic partnerships were also introduced (SB 5688, 1727). This would grant same-sex couples all the benefits of marriage without the term "marriage". Those who promote traditional marriage won major battles in this last year. The passage of Proposition 8 in California, Proposition 102 in Arizona and Amendment 2 in Florida has sent a clear message to our nation that marriage should be valued and honored, not redefined. Here at the FPIW, we believe that the marriage battle is the defining issue of our time. If the family unit is redefined, we stand to lose the religious freedoms and right of conscience that define our way of life. The purpose of marriage is not to make people feel good about themselves. We must work together to encourage our legislators not to redefine traditional marriage.
The Family Policy Institute of Washington (FPIW) is urging those who oppose these efforts to contact their legislators and ask them not to support these bills. When you do, please make the following points.
1. We Can't Afford It: We are facing a budget crisis in the state. The budget deficit is at least $6 billion and could be much higher. Expanding marriage rights and benefits to same-sex couples will have a significant fiscal impact that the state cannot afford. Expanding benefits to same-sex couples should not be a priority at a time when funding cuts are being made to essential state services.
2. Redefining Marriage Creates Bad Precedent: Currently, Washington State law restricts individuals from marrying someone who is 1) a close relative, 2) already married, 3) a minor and 4) of the same gender. The is no rational reason to grant marriage benefits to same-sex couples but deny those benefits to relationships involving close relatives and people who are already married.
3. Same-Sex Marriage Legislation Threatens Freedom of Conscience: If the state chooses to recognize same-sex marriages as equivalent to traditional marriages, organizations and/or individuals whose convictions forbid them from treating homosexual relationships similarly will be forced to abandon their conscience, face lawsuits, or stop living life in accordance with their convictions. This has already happened in Massachusetts as religiously based adoption agencies have been forced to stop serving orphans rather than violate their conscience. It would be preferable for the government to remain neutral so that same-sex couples can live in peace without preventing those who disagree from living life as they choose.
4. The Legislation Creates Equivalency, not Equality: This legislation would not end discrimination in marriage; it would simply elevate same-sex marriage to the level of traditional marriages. The intellectually honest position would be to eliminate all restrictions on who a person can marry to ensure that no relationship involving consenting adults is discriminated against.
The FPIW believes traditional marriages have a uniquely special value to society. As such, we believe it is appropriate for government to recognize their unique value. With respect to the myriad of other lifestyle choices Washingtonians have the freedom to choose, the state should remain completely neutral.
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