Governor's Directive Striking Down Marriage Based on Out-of-State Court Rulings Demonstrates Need for AFM's Marriage Protection Amendment

Contact: Bob Adams, Alliance for Marriage Foundation, 202-669-0940

WASHINGTON, May 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Alliance for Marriage called upon Congress to pass AFM's Marriage Protection Amendment in response to New York Governor David Patterson's stunning directive ordering New York State to recognize "same-sex marriages" performed in California, Massachusetts, and Canada. 

"By executive fiat, New York has become the second state in two weeks to overturn both common sense and the Will of the People on the definition of marriage," said Matt Daniels, president and founder of the Alliance for Marriage.  "Today's directive from Governor Patterson illustrates the need for the Marriage Protection Amendment drafted by AFM."

"The anti-democratic fallout of the California Supreme Court decision striking down marriage is not unexpected, and will only continue to crash down upon other states nationwide," said Daniels. "AFM has led the charge in Congress for federal protection of marriage as the only way to prevent the decisions of judges in California and elsewhere being forced on residents of other states."

"Most Americans – and most New Yorkers – want our laws to send a positive message to kids about marriage, family and their future.  Today is a sad day for the people of New York who have lost the right to choose the course that is best for them, their families and their children," continued Daniels. 

"Americans believe that gays and lesbians are free to live as they choose, but they don't believe they have a right to redefine marriage for our entire society," said Daniels. "But the common-sense definition of marriage – and the values of most Americans – cannot be protected apart from AFM's Marriage Protection Amendment."

The Alliance for Marriage is a non-partisan, multicultural coalition whose Board of Advisors includes Rev. Walter Fauntroy --  the former DC Delegate who organized the March on Washington for Martin Luther King Jr. --  as well as other civil rights and religious leaders, and national legal experts.  www.afmusa.org