France. Puerto Rico. Scotland. What do these nations have in common?
All of them have committed active marriage supporters who are working hard to preserve the traditional one-man, one-woman definition of marriage.
There are times when activists who favor the redefinition of marriage seem to suggest that America is simply behind the times when compared to the rest of the world.
But the facts suggest otherwise.
This past January more than 300,000 people took to Paris to protest the French president’s plan to legalize same-sex marriage. A Scottish group has been campaigning against its government’s proposed legislation by delivering leaflets and collecting signatures for a petition. Nearly 200,000 Puerto Ricans – a notable percentage of the island’s population of 3.5 million – rallied at the Capitol earlier this month in favor of marriage and traditional family values.
These international movements in favor of marriage encourage me greatly. As Christians, we engage the political process on this issue because marriage matters. It’s best for men and women. It’s best for kids, who do best in almost every measure when raised by a married mom and dad. We also know that marriage is essential to a thriving society.
Next week the United States Supreme Court will begin hearing oral arguments about the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act and California’s Proposition 8 legislation.
What can you do at this point?
We should never underestimate the power and importance of prayer. It has profound power. Focus on the Family and Citizenlink are also proud to be co-sponsoring a "March for Marriage" rally on the Mall in Washington, D.C., on March 26th.
As we continue to make our voices heard, we know the road ahead will be full of challenges. Many of us will have sensitive conversations with neighbors, friends and family members, and might even have some harsh words thrown in our direction by those advocating to redefine marriage. Through it all, though, we’ll continue to engage the process, love others and model marriage well in our own lives. And as we do so, we can take heart that around the world there are many men and women who agree with us that marriage is worth defending.
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