Marriage Expansion Recognition Challenges Family Restoration

Rhode Island's Governor signed an Executive Order affording recognition to same-sex marriages last May. Read the text of that order here. This unilateral decision comes despite the refusal of the state's legislators to change law to expand marriage within that state. Both family law and constitutional isues are implicated by this decision. Read the Washington Post article on the matter here at http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/ri-governor-signs-order-to-recognize-same-sex-marriages-performed-out-of-state/2012/05/14/gIQAL89FPU_story.html.

Colorado law makers recently declined to move forward a bill expanding marriage to same sex relationships by establishing civil unions. Though a committee voted the bill down 5-4 along party lines Monday, it could re-emerge in a different form as long as the Legislature remains in a special session, which Gov. John Hickenlooper called after the civil-unions bill failed to reach the House floor for a vote in May.

The Obama administration clearly stands in favor of same sex marriage expansion, and essentially against marriage and the Defense of Marriage Act. More than a quarter of voters say they are now less likely to vote for President Obama in November because of his support for same-sex marriage, according to a Gallup poll taken after the president's recent announcement.

Some political leaders say seven states that supported Obama in 2008 are now back in play due to eroding support for the president's policies and the clear distinction between him and Mitt Romney, the Republican challenger, on the marriage issue.

Marriage expansion does not foster family strength, but rather works to dilute marriage as a strong foundation for a family. Moreover, events like those in Rhode Island and Colorado over the course of 2012 will have a bearing in a presidential election year.