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  • Defense of Marriage Act

    Today at the Supreme Court: Same-Sex Marriage and the Defense of Marriage Act

    This morning, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in United States v. Windsor, a constitutional challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defined marriage as the union of a man and woman for purposes of federal benefits. In this case, the issue was an estate tax bill faced … More

    Marching for Marriage—and Children (SLIDESHOW)

    [uds-billboard name="March for Marriage"] Photos by Benjamin Myers Photography “Kids deserve a mom and a dad.” That was the overarching message as thousands gathered this morning on the National Mall to honor the institution of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. “We stand for millions of … More

    Today at the Supreme Court: Same-Sex Marriage and California’s Proposition 8

    This morning, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Hollingsworth v. Perry, a constitutional challenge to California’s definition of marriage as the union of a man and woman. During the oral argument, both Justices Anthony Kennedy and Samuel Alito noted that same-sex marriage was a very recent experiment—just over a … More

    Morning Bell: The Marriage Debate Through a Child’s Eyes

    Earlier this month, 11-year-old Grace Evans appeared before a panel of Minnesota lawmakers considering a redefinition of marriage in that state. She testified to the significance of her mother and father and the different contributions each makes to her life. Then she ended with a simple question: “Which parent do … More

    Marriage: Children, Freedom, and a Crucial Debate

    Those pressing the Supreme Court to overturn the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California’s Proposition 8 essentially argue that marriage as we’ve always known it is not constitutional. But redefining marriage would make marriage about the desires of adults rather than the well-being of children. That was the … More

    Marriage and Faux Federalism

    George Will opens his recent column criticizing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) on federalism grounds by quoting from a 1948 Supreme Court case: “[U]nder the Constitution, the regulation and control of marital and family relationships are reserved to the States.” What he doesn’t point out is that the citation … More

    Redefining Marriage Threatens Religious Liberty

    Religious liberty doesn’t stop at the church doors. The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, the nonpartisan public-interest law firm dedicated to protecting the free expression of all religions, filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court making the case that legal recognition of same-sex relationships as marriages creates hazards for … More

    Morning Bell: Make Your Voice Heard for Marriage

    Marriage is the fundamental building block of all human civilization. All Americans, especially conservatives, should respect this crucial institution of civil society. This is why 41 states and the federal government affirm that marriage is between a man and a woman. But these laws are on the line. Next week, … More

    Portman: Right on the Court, Wrong on Marriage

    Senator Rob Portman (R–OH) announced this morning that he now supports the redefinition of marriage to include same-sex couples. He was clear, however, that the Supreme Court should not impose this redefinition. Americans and their elected officials have constitutional authority to make marriage policy. When Americans hear the case for … More

    Making the Case for Marriage

    As the Supreme Court prepares to hear cases involving California’s Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in late March, a new report by Heritage’s Ryan T. Anderson helps focus on the central issues in the ongoing marriage debate. Anderson writes: Marriage exists to bring a man and … More