2006 Marriage Amendment Protects South Dakota From Calif. Same-Sex ‘Marriage’ Ruling
SOUTH DAKOTA FAMILY POLICY COUNCIL PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 5, 2008
CONTACT: CHRIS HUPKE 605-335-8100
“Homosexual-rights activists have in their cross-hairs the redefinition of marriage in America,” said Chris Hupke, President of the South Dakota Family Policy Council.
The recent decision from the California State Supreme Court creating same-sex “marriage” was reacted to by pro-family groups with a request the court put a stay on their decision until after the people of California vote this November on a State Marriage Amendment. The proposed amendment would define into the State Constitution; Marriage is between one man and one woman. Just yesterday that same state Supreme Court refused to stay their decision and declared their decision will be final at 5:00 pm on June 16.
Since 2000, twenty-seven states have passed state constitutional amendments defining marriage is between one man one woman.
States that do not have a state marriage amendment will see legal challenges to their current laws that define marriage as between one man and one woman.
“Several years back, South Dakota passed into law Defense of Marriage Act in the State Legislature. In 2006, the people of South Dakota amended the State Constitution to define Marriage as between one man and one woman. This effectively takes marriage out of the hands of judicial review.
Hupke said opponents argued in 2006, that South Dakota did not need a Constitutional Amendment since it had a Defense of Marriage Act. Hupke stated, “Today, South Dakotans that care about marriage are breathing a sigh of relief.”
Studies state children grow healthier and happier when both mother and father, living in the same home are involved raising the child. “By defining marriage as between one man and one woman in our Constitution as we have, South Dakotans are saying we recognize the critical importance of the institution of marriage to children and holding family together,” Hupke said.
According to Hupke, states without the Constitutional Amendment, but with state marriage laws are the target. Homosexuals will travel to California, get married and return to their home state filing lawsuits demanding their same-sex “marriage” be recognized by their respective state.
“The strange situation may come later when same-sex “marriages” dissolve and one of the partners moves to a state like South Dakota. South Dakota courts will get involved in divorce decrees, adoption issues, support orders, and many family related legal issues,” said Bruce Hausknecht, Judicial Analyst, Focus on the Family.
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