Legislation aimed at redefining marriage to include same-sex partners was heard in committees in both the House and Senate yesterday in Olympia, Washington.
Not expecting the general public to be concerned, committee chairs scheduled only 30 minutes for discussion and debate regarding HB 1727 and SB 5688 designed at redefining marriage to include same-sex domestic partners.
Packing out two committee rooms and spilling over into the hallways, over 250 individuals gathered to voice concern and opposition to this legislation.
Not expecting the general public to be concerned, committee chairs scheduled only 30 minutes for discussion and debate regarding HB 1727 and SB 5688 designed at redefining marriage to include same-sex domestic partners.
Packing out two committee rooms and spilling over into the hallways, over 250 individuals gathered to voice concern and opposition to this legislation.
Citing religious freedom concerns, right of conscience issues and public education concerns, many people testified to the negative "unintended consequences" of such legislation.
Joining concerned citizens from other family organizations, including Washington Values Alliance, Christian Coalition, Alliance Defense Fund, Faith and Freedom Network and Washington Eagle Forum, the FPIW helped mobilize the masses to voice opposition to the redefinition of marriage.
FPIW's Executive Director, Joseph Backholm, testifying at the senate hearing, addressed the issue of marital "discrimination" saying; "We believe the current distinction is the most reasonable and most applicable because of the unique relationship, unique value that heterosexual marriages provides. They're the only institution in which children are created. They're also the optimal environment in which children can be raised."
In addition HJR 4204 introduced by Rep. Matt Shea of Spokane, WA, calls for the WA State legislature to send a constitutional amendment to the people asking them to ratify or reject added language that would solidify one-man, one-woman marriage as the only lawful and recognized marital relationship in WA State.
Joining concerned citizens from other family organizations, including Washington Values Alliance, Christian Coalition, Alliance Defense Fund, Faith and Freedom Network and Washington Eagle Forum, the FPIW helped mobilize the masses to voice opposition to the redefinition of marriage.
FPIW's Executive Director, Joseph Backholm, testifying at the senate hearing, addressed the issue of marital "discrimination" saying; "We believe the current distinction is the most reasonable and most applicable because of the unique relationship, unique value that heterosexual marriages provides. They're the only institution in which children are created. They're also the optimal environment in which children can be raised."
In addition HJR 4204 introduced by Rep. Matt Shea of Spokane, WA, calls for the WA State legislature to send a constitutional amendment to the people asking them to ratify or reject added language that would solidify one-man, one-woman marriage as the only lawful and recognized marital relationship in WA State.
No comments:
Post a Comment