Federal Court Striking Polygamy Law One of Many Consequences of Marriage Redefinition

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to Friday's ruling by U.S. District Judge Clark Waddoups striking down Utah's law against polygamy:

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"Within the last week, the American people have witnessed two serious consequences of redefining marriage: a Colorado baker is risking jail if he refuses to obey a court order to bake a cake for same-sex 'weddings' and now a federal judge cites same-sex marriage in his decision striking down Utah's law against polygamy. As the American people are given time to continue experiencing the consequences of redefining marriage, we will see the public debate on these issues intensify. The reality is that it is not too late to change course from the path of redefining marriage, and instead to strengthening natural marriage and the benefits it provides to children and society. 

"Same-sex marriage advocates have told us that people ought to be able to 'marry who they love' but have also always downplayed the idea that this would lead to legalized polygamy, a practice that very often victimizes women and children.  But if love and mutual consent become the definition of what the boundaries of marriage are, can we as a society any longer even define marriage coherently?

"Throughout history, marriage has been future-oriented, focused on the next generation and the best interests of children.  The reality is that society needs children, and children need a mom and a dad. However, redefining marriage to fulfill the desires of same-sex couples or polygamists only moves society away from this vital public interest and creates social chaos. 

"Instead, we must work to restore and promote a healthy marriage culture, which will maximize the chances of a child being raised by a married mother and father," concluded Perkins.

To read an analysis of Friday's decision by Judge Waddoups, click here: http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/12/14/Federal-Judge-Rules-Laws-Against-Polygamy-Unconstitutional

SOURCE Family Research Council