Gary Bauer: "The Battle to Redefine America Continues"

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Former presidential candidate Gary Bauer called today's Supreme Court rulings on the Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8 "an overreach of judicial authority" and warned that efforts to "rip America from its Judeo-Christian foundation" would only intensify.

The president of American Values made the following statement:

"The Supreme Court today struck down a portion of the Defense of Marriage Act that prohibits federal benefits from being awarded to same-sex couples only in states that permit same-sex marriage.  I agree with Justice Scalia and the dissent that this was an overreach of the court's authority, striking down an overwhelming vote of Congress and the signature of a Democratic president.  It hastens the day when same-sex marriage will be forced on the American people.

"Fortunately that day is not today.  It must be recognized that the forces demanding a radical redefinition of marriage were not able to find five votes on the court willing to assert another non-existent constitutional right.  The justices resisted that temptation, and effectively punted Proposition 8 on a technicality."

Bauer continued, "Unfortunately this procedural decision does not help the people of California, who have twice voted for marriage in their state to remain the union of one man and one woman. The will of the people of California was thwarted by an unelected federal judge and by state officials who were derelict in their duty to defend the people's judgment in Proposition 8. 

"Today's rulings are a compelling reminder that voters must not only take action to preserve normal marriage in their individual states, but also ensure that they elect governors and state legislators who will defend their values and appoint judges who honor the right of the people to do so as well. 

"Make no mistake about it:  The legal battle over the definition of marriage is in reality a battle over whether America will be completely ripped away from its Judeo-Christian foundation.  While the media continue to act as if this is only about marriage rights, it is ultimately a battle over religious liberty.  Today's rulings guarantee that it will continue to rage."

SOURCE American Values