Maryland Judge Rejects Traditional Marriage and Common Sense
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N E W S from Family Policy Network of Maryland
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 20, 2006
NEWS CONTACT: Tres Kerns – 410-793-4414, extension 2
BLACK-ROBED JUDGE CASTS A DARK SHADOW OVER MARRIAGE IN MARYLAND
Ruling ignores “biology, heritage, and common sense,” pro-family leader says.
[Annapolis 1/20/06] – Baltimore City Circuit Judge M. Brooke Murdock today overturned Maryland’s longstanding law of marriage between one man and one woman, prompting this response from a state pro-family organization:
“This judge has redefined words and changed the law on a whim,” said Family Policy Network of Maryland Director Tres Kerns. “She’s wrong on all counts and is ignoring the clear intent of the legislature when it passed this law. She’s also ignoring biology, heritage and common sense.”
Murdock’s opinion states: “After much study and serious reflection, this court holds that Maryland’s statutory prohibition against same-sex marriage cannot withstand this constitutional challenge.”
Kerns, who also serves as the executive director of Maryland’s VoteMarriage.org, questioned the legality of Murdock’s decision because of its tardiness. “This is coming from a judge who herself violated the Maryland Constitution by not rendering her decision by law within 60 days.”
The judge wrote that she was “unable to find that preventing same-sex marriage rationally relates to Maryland’s interest in promoting the best interests of children.” Kerns rejected that notion by saying, “Judge Murdock now believes that counterfeit marriage is good for children even though all credible studies show that children do best in families with their biological mom and dad.”
“I don’t know what studies or reflections Judge Murdock is reading or meditating on, but the research is clear that a homosexual household is an unhealthy environment in which to raise children,” said Kerns. He added, “For starters, you’re depriving children of a parent of one sex or the other, with no hope of ever letting the kids see what’s normal.”
Kerns took issue with the judge’s willingness to sidestep the law and restated his call for a constitutional amendment to protect marriage. He said, “Public officials take an oath of office to uphold the laws of this state. The judge has violated her oath, and it’s now up to the legislature to rectify it through a constitutional amendment, even if a higher court throws out this ludicrous verdict. Laws include descriptive terminology that reveals the intent of the legislature. In the case of Maryland, the 1973 law was specifically put on the books so that there was no misunderstanding about what marriage requires. This language is legally binding on everyone, including Judges. Only the legislature, or the people themselves, can erase it.”
Kerns added, “Let the people vote on the issue once and for all, instead of wayward judges making up the rules as they go along.”
A marriage amendment proposal has been introduced in both the House and Senate, one by Delegate Don Dwyer (R ““ Anne Arundel County) and one by Senator Janet Greenip (R ““ Anne Arundel County). Delegate Dwyer’s bill is slated for a hearing on February 2, 2006.
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RELATED INFORMATION:
Baltimore Sun: Md. court rules against same-sex marriage ban
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-marriage…
Listen to FPN of Maryland State Director Tres Kerns discuss the issue with Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council (Requires RealPlayer – Click here for a free download of RealPlayer)
State Rep. Don Dwyer is willing to “rock the boat” to protect marriage in Maryland:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/01/AR2006020102146.html
Maryland Gov. Ehrlich: “Marriage is of such vital importance to us all”:
http://www.wboc.com/Global/story.asp?S=4440995&nav=QEMt