Respect for Life

MARRIAGE

Marriage is a social, legal and spiritual union between a man and a woman. Rights ascribed to marriage are given solely because of the special place in society marriage has, for the common good served by marriage. Marriage fosters the wellbeing of future societies, as child bearing and rearing is a major service to societies of the present and future. In 1996, Congress affirmed that the United States government recognizes marriage only as a union between a man and a woman, but would allow states to determine if they will recognize same-sex marriages and unions. Thirty-five states have enacted laws defining marriage solely as a union between a man and a woman. Also, benefits given to married persons can be, and already are being, protected for non-married persons, without providing special benefits to homosexuals. For example, advanced directives provide for health care decision making; and the inheritance tax is being phased out. Threats to the special place marriage has in society have been rendered by domestic partnership laws in some states, and now the initiative to legally recognize same-sex unions in Connecticut. Such threats to the sanctity of family life must be prevented.