Subject:     From the Christian Coalition
Sent:        2/9/97 11:12 AM
Received:    2/9/97 10:04 AM
From:        Pat Langlois, RevPatL@aol.com
Reply-To:    New Mexico Queer Net, nmqn@laplaza.org
To:          New Mexico Queer Net, nmqn@laplaza.org

I have pondered whether or not to send this out. I don't want to
create/perpetuate an "us vs. them" mentality, however, it is important to
know what is being said by folks in our very state. The following is from
"Family Watch"-a non-profit, weekly publication committed to informing about
issues that affect the family.":

"Within the past year, a trial court in Hawaii overturned a state law
mandating that marriage be between one man and one woman. Subsequently, the
Hawaii Supreme court upheld the decision. It is now conceivable that those
desiring unconventional marriages (such as same-sex) will rush to Hawaii to
get married, then return to their home state and demand the marriage be
recognized, obtaining all of the benefits that go along with such a
recognition.

It is true that DOMA was passed by Congress, but that was for FEDERAL
PURPOSES ALONE. It does NOT protect the individual states, who are in GRAVE
DANGER of a runaway judiciary that would force citizens via the US
Constitution's Full Faith and Credit Clause to recognize an immoral and
unbiblical union from another state. Therefore, it is imperative that EACH
state clarify - by amendment or statute - what that state's public policy is
in regards to marriage. Currently, New Mexico DOES NOT HAVE A PUBLIC POLICY
DEFINING MARRIAGE.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Homosexual "rights" activists claim that setting standards for marriage is
unfair and based on the moral teachings of a specific belief system (the
Bible, and Judeo-Christian values). Leaving aside the fact that our founding
documents prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that the Word and Christ were
what this country was built on, throwing aside a set of standards for
recognized marriage is nothing short of anarchy. If homosexual marriage is
OK, why not polygamy? Why not an adult and a minor? Why not a brother and a
sister? A human with an animal? Don't laugh! IT'S BEEN RAISED AS AN ISSUE!

In fact, the state of New Mexico deems many of these hypotheticals as
unacceptable. It is simply a sad sign of the times that we must make our laws
more specific to a particular attack upon the sacred institution of marriage.

Should aberrant forms of marriage be recognized, it will affect a vast number
of other institutions. Mark Trobnic, Legal Council for the American Center
for law and justice listed a few:

wills, family laws like adoption, inheritance and divorce rights.

State health insurance plans concerning things like the cost of treating
AIDS, drugs, STD's and psychological problems (Including those of the
chirldren of such a marriage.)

There are great economic as well as social gains to be had for a deviant
constituency, should they win this battle.

WHAT CAN NEW MEXICANS DO?
The best defense against this new attack is, as always a good offense.
Currently, the best tactic is a state constitutional amendment (that which is
the safest from judicial activism) which properly defines recognizable
marriage. Constitutional amendments, however, are difficult to pass and
time-consuming as well. In the interim, a state statute may work as an
effective stop-ga[. However, the approach we are pursuing is the combination
of a bill AND a constitutional amendment.

To date, 16 other states have enacted marriage-defining legislation. Two have
signed executive orders.

WHAT MUST WE DO?
Defend marriage in word AND DEED! Every effort must begin with a humble
appeal to our loving Creator to intercede for us, without which, we will
never succeed. Each of us must call, write and (if possible) visit our
elected representatives and governor, and by having our friends and family
doing the same. Perhaps send your representative a Valentine's card extolling
the virtues of Biblical marriage. For information on additional efforts
contact the New Mexico Christian Coalition at 505-293-7871, e-mail at
ccnm@swcp.com, or visit the web site at http://www.ccnm.org/~ccnm/

Marriages are made in heaven (Gen 24)

And the newsletter ends with:
God has charged EACH OF US with the responsibility to speak up! Time is
running out!"


***
Write, call or fax or e-mail your representative today and tell them what you
feel about the Hate Crimes Bill, Anti-discrimination and anti same sex
marriage bills.

Blessings!

Pat
--
RevPatL@aol.com -- nmqn