On March 26, 2013 the Supreme Court in the United States will hold a hearing considering whether to overturn or possibly declare Proposition 8 unconstitutional. Religious organisations, like the National Organisation for Marriage, are determined to keep Proposition 8. Brian Brown, the president of the National Organisation for Marriage is a driving force in keeping Proposition 8. Brown is scheduled to speak at the Supreme Court hearing on Tuesday.
In 2008, Proposition 8 was passed in California. Proposition 8 defines marriage as between only a man and a woman. If Proposition 8 is overturned or considered unconstitutional it would be a great victory for gay rights advocates. The Obama administration declared their support for marriage equality, and urged the Supreme Court to overturn Proposition 8.
After Proposition 8 passed, those who disagreed with the Proposition filed suit. Their cases were taken to the lower courts and the Ninth Circuit Courts and traditional marriage advocates lost in both courts. Then traditional marriage supporters took the case to the Supreme Court. Considering the outcomes of the two lower courts gay rights advocates hope Proposition 8 will be overturned and deemed unconstitutional.
Brown has raised millions of dollars from religious conservatives and has become the leading opponent of same-sex marriage. The National Organisation for Marriage played a large role in the passing of Proposition 8 and in working in numerous other states to ensure marriage continues to be defined as between a man and a woman.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court justices will hear oral arguments by Brown, even though the majority of polls show Americans disagree with his beliefs. Brown claims the passing of same-sex marriage will hurt children. Brown believes if the Republican Party supports same-sex marriage and abandons traditional values then there is no Republic Party.
Brown is convinced the Republic Party will win the hearing by the Supreme Court. Brown believes gay rights advocates are making a huge mistake by challenging Proposition 8. Conservative Christian groups support Brown’s ideas and actions. Brown believes civilisation is dependent on marriage. Gay rights advocates view Brown as one of their biggest enemies because of his large influence.
The Supreme Court hearing of Proposition 8 raises the question: is there a constitutional right to define marriage? The outcome of the Supreme Court decision will have lasting effects on the issue of same-sex marriage.
Hi Emily.
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