Court refuses to review same-sex ‘marriage’ ruling
- Nov 30, 2004 - comment
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined a request to review last year’s decision by Massachusetts’ top court that resulted in the legalization of same-sex “marriage” in that state.
The high court’s action means, for now, homosexuals may continue to “marry” in Massachusetts.
The justices rejected an appeal of the ruling without comment Nov. 29. A group that included some Massachusetts legislators had challenged the decision of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court that forced recognition of homosexual “marriage.” About 3,000 same-sex “marriages” have been performed in the state since their legalization took effect in May.
Pro-family advocates said the Supreme Court’s refusal to accept the case underscores the need for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
“America cannot afford a patchwork definition of marriage, with courts and local officials redefining it at will,” Focus on the Family Chairman James Dobson said in a written statement. “This nation must have a clear and unified standard of its foundational institution—the amendment process is the only foolproof method of protecting marriage for all Americans.”
Liberty Counsel President Mathew Staver said in a written release, “Marriage will be defined by someone. I would rather have it defined by the people of the United States instead of the judiciary. This battle is far from over.”
Earlier this year, both the Senate and House of Representatives failed to approve an amendment defining marriage as only between a man and a woman. The proposal also is designed to block courts from legalizing same-sex “marriage.” Advocates of such an amendment plan to push for its adoption in the next Congress.
A federal amendment requires a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and House, as well as ratification by three-fourths of the states.
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