Lansing Update: June 26, 2013: Special U.S. Supreme Court Marriage Edition

1. MCC Response to U.S. Supreme Court Decision on Proposition 8
2. US Bishops Call Marriage Rulings “Tragic Day for Marriage and Our Nation”
3. Reminder to Participate in Abortion Insurance Opt-Out Petition Drive

MCC Response to U.S. Supreme Court Decision on Proposition 8

This morning, the U.S. Supreme Court declared part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional and decided not to rule on California’s Proposition 8 case, both of which define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Michigan Catholic Conference issued a statement today concerning the Proposition 8 ruling:

“The Court’s decision to send California’s voter-approved Proposition 8 back to the lower courts does not have an impact on the amendment to the Michigan Constitution that defines marriage as between one man and one woman. This amendment was passed with overwhelming support of the voters and Michigan Catholic Conference will work vigorously to defend that constitutional provision should there be an effort to redefine marriage in this state. We will continue to promote the truth that marriage is and can only be the union of one man and one woman, and that children have the right to both a mother and father.”

MCC urges Catholics across the state to continue to pray and stand up for the true definition of marriage.

US Bishops Call Marriage Rulings “Tragic Day for Marriage and Our Nation:”

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, chair of the USCCB Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, also issued a statement about the decisions this morning:

“Today is a tragic day for marriage and our nation. The Supreme Court has dealt a profound injustice to the American people by striking down in part the federal Defense of Marriage Act. The Court got it wrong. The federal government ought to respect the truth that marriage is the union of one man and one woman, even where states fail to do so. The preservation of liberty and justice requires that all laws, federal and state, respect the truth, including the truth about marriage. It is also unfortunate that the Court did not take the opportunity to uphold California’s Proposition 8 but instead decided not to rule on the matter. The common good of all, especially our children, depends upon a society that strives to uphold the truth of marriage. Now is the time to redouble our efforts in witness to this truth. These decisions are part of a public debate of great consequence. The future of marriage and the well-being of our society hang in the balance.

Marriage is the only institution that brings together a man and a woman for life, providing any child who comes from their union with the secure foundation of a mother and a father. Our culture has taken for granted for far too long what human nature, experience, common sense, and God’s wise design all confirm: the difference between a man and a woman matters, and the difference between a mom and a dad matters. While the culture has failed in many ways to be marriage-strengthening, this is no reason to give up. Now is the time to strengthen marriage, not redefine it.

When Jesus taught about the meaning of marriage—the lifelong, exclusive union of husband and wife—he pointed back to “the beginning” of God’s creation of the human person as male and female (see Matthew 19). In the face of the customs and laws of his time, Jesus taught an unpopular truth that everyone could understand. The truth of marriage endures, and we will continue to boldly proclaim it with confidence and charity.

Now that the Supreme Court has issued its decisions, with renewed purpose we call upon all of our leaders and the people of this good nation to stand steadfastly together in promoting and defending the unique meaning of marriage: one man, one woman, for life. We also ask for prayers as the Court’s decisions are reviewed and their implications further clarified.”

Reminder to Participate in Abortion Insurance Opt-Out Petition Drive

On June 3, efforts began to gather signatures for a petition prohibiting abortion coverage from the forthcoming state health care exchange. Michigan taxpayers should not have to pay for another’s abortion, which destroys innocent human life and should not be considered health care. 258,088 signatures are needed by early September to place this important measure before Michigan lawmakers. Michigan Catholic Conference urges the participation of all parishes and parishioners. To learn more about the petition and how you can order materials, click here or visit www.Michigansvoice.com

If you haven't done so already, please join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive regular public policy updates—including Lansing Update—via email.