Dozens of anti-gay activists have
pledged to resist any ruling on marriage from the Supreme Court which
favors gay and lesbian couples.
A veritable who's who of gay rights
foes have signed on to a “Marriage Solidarity Statement” that was
drafted by Liberty Counsel's Mat Staver and Deacon Keith Fournier.
Next week, the high court is expected
to rule on two cases related to gay marriage.
(Related: Supreme
Court Prop 8, DOMA decisions should come next week.)
“As Christian citizens united
together, we will not stand by while the destruction of the
institution of marriage unfolds in this nation we love,” the
statement reads. “The Sacred Scriptures and unbroken teaching
of the Church confirm that marriage is between one man and one
woman.”
“Experience and history have shown us
that if the government redefines marriage to grant a legal
equivalency to same-sex couples, that same government will then
enforce such an action with the police power of the State. This will
bring about an inevitable collision with religious freedom and
conscience rights. We cannot and will not allow this to occur on our
watch. Religious freedom is the first freedom in the American
experiment for good reason.”
“If the Supreme Court were to issue a
decision that redefined marriage or provided a precedent on which to
build an argument to redefine marriage, the Supreme Court will
thereby undermine its legitimacy. The Court will significantly
decrease its credibility and impair the role it has assumed for
itself as a moral authority. It will be acting beyond its proper
constitutional role and contrary to the Natural Moral Law which
transcends religions, culture, and time.”
“As Christians united together in
defense of marriage, we pray that this will not happen. But, make no
mistake about our resolve. While there are many things we can
endure, redefining marriage is so fundamental to the natural order
and the true common good that this is the line we must draw and one
we cannot and will not cross.”
Social conservatives signing on the
pledge include Tony Perkins, Matt Barber, Penny Nance, James Dobson,
Richard Land, Judith Reisman, Linda Harvey, Bill Donohue, Don
Wildmon, Andrea Lafferty, Janet Porter, Peter LaBarbera, Ralph Reed,
Gary Bauer, Bishop Harry Jackson and Oklahoma Rep. Sally Kern.