On November 4, 2008, Arizonans have the opportunity to protect and reaffirm marriage.   You, the voter, have the opportunity to maintain the most important element of society so it can be passed on to our children.

A “YES” vote prevents judges and politicians from redefining marriage and leaves marriage’s essential meaning in the hands of the people of Arizona.

Marriage is about the next generation.  Marriage builds up communities family by family and provides for the next generation.  It is the bedrock foundation of our society.

Judges should not distort the meaning of marriage.  But that is just what is happening in California.  On May 15, 2008, the California Supreme Court (by a narrow vote of 4 justices to 3) voted to redefine marriage.  This radical and lawless decision struck down a marriage law passed by the people of California in 2000.  The California Judges claimed that marriage is “discrimination.” They are just plain wrong!  The California decision shows why the Arizona Constitution needs to reaffirm marriage:

• The same thing can happen here.  Nothing stops an Arizona court from striking down Arizona’s marriage laws and redefining marriage, just as the courts did in California.
• The California decision means more legal attacks on marriage in Arizona.  It’s only a matter of time before redefined marriages from California are used as legal weapons to change the law here in Arizona. 
  Marriage should have constitutional protection in Arizona. 
• Amending our constitution ensures that the essential meaning of marriage will be preserved, and that no Arizona judge will be able to force us to adopt California’s radical redefinition of marriage. 

Moms and dads matter.  Reaffirming marriage is the best way to ensure the best possible environment for as many children as possible.  There is overwhelming evidence that children raised by a married mom and dad are more likely to do better in school, to be healthier emotionally and physically, and are less likely to commit crimes, use drugs, and have children out of wedlock.  No one is saying there aren’t exceptions. But abandoning the meaning of marriage as a society puts more kids at risk.