Pennsylvania Family Institute Dismayed with Gov. Corbett's Decision not to Appeal Court Decision Redefining Marriage
Failure to Keep Fighting Further Silences the People's Voice
The Pennsylvania Family Institute expressed disappointment and dismay today at the decision of Gov. Tom Corbett not to appeal yesterday's decision by United States District Judge John E. Jones III overturning the historic and long-standing definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
"One judge should not have the right to decide once and for all what marriage will be in Pennsylvania, said Michael Geer, PFI President. "Mounting an appeal presented a great opportunity for Gov. Corbett to vigorously advocate for the people of Pennsylvania and his own stated belief that marriage is between man and woman. Instead, to our dismay, he chose to stand down and let Judge Jones dictate the terms of marriage going forward."
"The governor's decision today leaves very few options for the millions of Pennsylvanians who stand for natural marriage," said Randall Wenger, PFI Chief Counsel. "Those who want to see as many children as possible raised by their mom and their dad know that marriage between a man and a woman is the best route to that worthy goal. Redefining marriage only damages that cause."
Marriage between one man and one woman has no parallels. Social science and human experience tells us there is nothing so beneficial to the well being of children as a mom and a dad committed to each other in marriage. This standard should be encouraged - not redefined and dismissed in favor of a new social experiment that could negatively impact children and families.
Despite the setback, the Pennsylvania Family Institute will continue to fight for public policy that's best for children and families. "Our work is only more urgent in the wake of today's decision," said Geer.
The following is a sample of what you can use to fax/call/e-mail Governor Corbett's office.
(see picture above for best numbers to use)
I am greatly disappointed in the Federal Court ruling overturning Pennsylvania's Defense of Marriage Act and redefining marriage. I am also disappointed that you have chosen to give up the fight and not to appeal this ruling. The Defense of Marriage law, declaring that marriage in Pennsylvania is the union of one man and one woman, was enacted by an overwhelming vote of the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Tom Ridge. It was wrong of Attorney General Kane not to defend it against the ACLU challenge, and I am asking you to not do the same thing.
Children have a right to a mother and a father and that is a right that government is bound to respect and encourage. This ruling short-circuits the public debate and casts aside the will of the people of Pennsylvania and our elected representatives.
I strongly urge you to reconsider your decision not to appeal the ruling and to ask the court to prevent issuance of licenses to same-sex couples while the case is on appeal. I look forward to your reply.
Pennsylvania Family Institute:
Our Mission and Vision
The Mission of the Pennsylvania Family Institute is to strengthen families by restoring to public life the traditional, foundational principles and values essential for the well-being of society. We are a research and education organization devoted to restoring these values to our state and nation. We produce policy reports, promote responsible citizenship and work to promote unity among pro-family groups.
