The National Organization for Marriage
(NOM) on Friday released an online ad opposing the legalization of
gay marriage in Hawaii.
A special legislative session called
for by Democratic Governor Neil Abercrombie to consider a proposed
marriage bill convenes Monday.
But while Abercrombie has pledged to
sign the marriage bill and Democrats control both legislative
chambers, the state's two-decade long back-and-forth on the issue
hangs heavy over the heads of supporters.
NOM's 30-second spot attacks the
proposed legislation by suggesting dire consequences for those who do
not agree with marriage equality.
“The heritage of Hawaii's people is
rooted in family,” a male announcer says over images of
opposite-sex couples and their children building sand castles on a
beach. “Mothers and father united in marriage, caring for each
other and their keiki (children).”
“When marriage is redefined, people
and families are punished for not agreeing,” the narrator adds over
images of newspaper clippings of discrimination cases that have made
headlines.
Of the four cases represented, two are
from states where gay couples are not allowed to legally marry. A
third headline from the Catholic News Agency is misleading; it
states that D.C. Catholic Charities' adoption program was “forced”
to close due to same-sex “'marriage.'” In fact, the agency
decided to shutter rather than service gay couples. Most
importantly, all the cases had more to do with state
anti-discrimination laws than marriage laws.
The ad ends with NOM calling on viewers
to contact their legislators. (The video is embedded on this page.
Visit
our video library for more videos.)
State Rep. Chris Lee, a Democrat from
Kailua, told the AP that both sides are bombarding legislators with
calls and emails.
If lawmakers approve the marriage law
next week, Hawaii would become the 15th state to allow gay
couples to marry.