CONGRESS IN SESSION

MARRIAGE PROTECTION

Social conservative leaders met again this Wednesday on Capitol Hill. The purpose of the meeting, which included many notables in the pro-family movement, was to agree on tough language for the Federal Marriage Amendment. It is my prayer that agreed upon language can be presented to the House Subcommittee on the Constitution chaired by Congressman Chabot (R-OH) before the year is out. Once agreed to during a "mark-up," final language would then be presented to the full House Judiciary Committee chaired by Congressman Sennsenbrenner (R-WI),

Congressman Hostettler (R-IN), who is a member of the House Subcommittee on the Constitution, has proposed the Marriage Protection Act of 2003. His bill would strengthen the already existing Defense of Marriage Act passed in 1996 by restricting the jurisdiction of federal courts. In Hill lingo this is referred to as the "super-DOMA" because it uses Article III, Section I & II of the Constitution to restrict the jurisdiction of federal courts, including the Supreme Court. This is not an unusual act and the Congress passes several bills a year with language attached that forbids Federal courts from interfering with congressional acts. Most Americans believe there are three "equal" branches of government. This is false. All power rests with the Congress. The Congress can fire judges, or the President, for that matter. The Congress has the power to shut down any Cabinet office or to restrict the courts in virtually any manner. Because the Congress is often politically divided, the power is rarely used.

I fully support Congressman Hostettler in his efforts to pass the Marriage Protection Act. The Religious Freedom Coalition will work on two tracks to protect marriage. We will support an Amendment to the Constitution and we will support strong legislation such as the Marriage Protection Act. If nothing else, we can have Congressman Hostettler's legislation in place while the lengthy process of a constitutional amendment plays itself out.

REMEMBER: Marriage Protection Week as proclaimed by President George W. Bush continues through Saturday the 18th. There is time for you to take action. Sign the online petition to your congressman and Senators today.

Send your congressman and Senators an actual letter through the mail. This is a powerful way to make your point. We have letters prepared for you to sign. We will send you these letters already addressed to your congressman and your Senators for your signature. Sign them and send them directly to your legislators. Click here for more information.

Learn more about the issues surrounding the attack on marriage. Dr. Bill Bennett has written an excellent book entitled The Broken Hearth which details the attack on the family today. The Religious Freedom Coalition has obtained copies of The Broken Hearth at a special price. For more information click here.

William J. Murray, Chairman - Religious Freedom Coalition

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