June 2008
Dear Members & Friends of CCC:
CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGES
On Thursday, May 15, by a weak vote of 4-3 the State Supreme Court declared that Proposition 22 violates the state constitutional right of same-sex couples. That proposition simply stated that "ONLY MARRIAGE BETWEEN ONE MAN AND ONE WOMAN IS RECOGNIZED OR LEGAL IN CALIFORNIA. " Prop 22 was voted into law by over four million California citizens in 2000. In other words, four people overruled the will of four million people. That certainly does not sound like a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. It sounds more like a tyranny. Regardless of how a person feels about homosexual marriage, every citizen in California should be incensed about this over-stepping of power by these four justices.
In fact, the three dissenting opinions said exactly that. In reaching their decision Justice Baxter, and Justice Chin contended that the majority decision "VIOLATES THE SEPARATION OF POWERS, AND THEREBY COMMITS A PROFOUND ERROR. " They both believed that the future definition of marriage should be decided by the democratic process, not by the courts.
Justice Corrigan believes the court's ruling exceeds the bounds of judicial authority. She stated "THIS COURT CAN OVERRULE A VOTE OF THE PEOPLE ONLY IF THE CONSTITUTION COMPELS US TO DO SO. HERE, THE CONSTITUTION DOES NOT. "
CCC has been working with different organizations in Sacramento like: Traditional Values Coalition, Campaign for Children and Families, Capitol Resource Institute, California Family Council, and Senator Dennis Hollingsworth who is the President of the Proposition 22 legal defense & education fund over the last eight years on the same-sex issue.
In the year 2000, Proposition 22 qualified for the ballot and was passed by 61% of those who voted, and became the law of the land. There have been several challenges to prop 22 since then in the lower courts and in 2006 at the appellate court level the majority decision of that court was: "THE COURT IS NOT IN THE BUSINESS OF DEFINING MARRIAGE. THE LEGISLATURE HAS CONTROL OF THE SUBJECT OF MARRIAGE SUBJECT ONLY TO INITIATIVES PASSED BY THE VOTERS AND CONSTITUTIONAL RESTRICTIONS. "
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE???
We have known for some time now that the State Supreme Court would be hearing this case in the spring of 2008. Because we have known that the vote would be close, a petition drive has been going on to qualify a State Constitutional Amendment with the same wording as Prop 22.
I am excited to tell you that just a week or two before the Supreme Court's decision that amendment qualified to be on the November ballot by 1.1 million signatures. If that amendment is passed by the voters, it will make the Supreme Court's decision null and void.
WHAT DO WE HAVE TO DO TO BE READY IN NOVEMBER???
This law will go into effect on June 16, unless an injunction is filed with the state to stop any same-sex marriages until November. The "PROTECTMARRIAGE.COM" coalition has already filed that injunction.
IN CONCLUSION,
If all of us in the Christian community will become actively involved with this issue, I believe through God's help that we can defeat this Supreme Court ruling and preserve marriage in California as between one man & one woman as God intended.
Prop 22 was passed by 61% of the voters statewide in 2000. In San Joaquin County, it passed by 71%. I believe CCC had a major role in making that happen.
Because Prop 22 passed by a good percentage then, that proves that the majority of voters in California are opposed to same-sex marriages.
Finally, I'm convinced that this will be the biggest battle the church will face in our generation. It's a do or die issue for both sides.
Please pray for the efforts of many during this battle. At this time, we need all Christians to stand together! Thank you for your continual support and prayers!
In His Service,
Ken Owen, Director
