Marriage

The Case For Marriage
Attorney Anthony Biller provides a masterful civil and legal defense for the Marriage Protection Amendment before North Carolinians on May 8. more

Ten Reasons For Marriage
Alysse ElHage clearly and concisely lays out the top ten reasons North Carolinians should vote for the Marriage Protection Amendment on May 8. more

The Changing Definition of Parenthood
Parenthood seems to be a pretty straight forward concept—a man and a woman come together in marriage to form the stable family unit in which they will raise the children begat from their union. Not so anymore. Attorney Mary Summa looks at the dramatic changes in society, technology, and law that have turned the concept of parenthood topsy-turvy into an institution no longer predicated on the needs of children, but rather on the desires of adults, much to the detriment of children. more

Voices of Faith
Religious leaders from across North Carolina defend the Biblical Truth that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. (Winter 2012)

True Love Does Wait
In a succinct look at the correlation of marriage and sex, Paula Rinehart discusses the benefits of delaying sex until marriage. (Winter 2012)

In Society's Moral Crosshairs
Despite a tactical effort by homosexual activists to prevent it, North Carolinians will finally be given the opportunity to vote to protect marriage in the State’s Constitution in 2012, an opportunity Jacqueline Schaffer says should not be missed. (Winter 2012)

MPA Campaign
As North Carolinians prepare to defend marriage at the ballot in 2012, attorney Steven Long outlines the legalities associated with financially supporting the Marriage Protection Amendment. (Winter 2012)

The Gold Standard
The marriage between one man and one woman is the absolute ‘gold standard’ when it comes to human relationships. There is no alternative that provides as successful a foundation for children, adults, and society, and that is in direct congruence with God’s intentional design. For this reason, society recognizes the definite importance of not just protecting, but promoting this most basic and valuable institution. (Winter 2012)

Protecting Marriage
Despite novel claims by the homosexual lobby, same-sex “marriage” is not an economic development plan, as demonstrated by the comparisons of state economies in Maggie Gallagher’s article. (Fall 2011)

Marriage & Economic Well-Being
The benefits of marriage extend beyond merely the development and happiness of children and adults. Dr. Pat Fagan's research demonstrates why marriage is good for the economic well-being of families and society. (Summer 2011)

A Threat to Liberty
Mary Summa, offers clear historical and legal reasoning for why domestic partnerships and civil unions represent a real threat to the strength of marriage as an institution. (Summer 2011)

Countering the Deception
Responding to Allegations About the Marriage Protection Amendment
Alysse ElHage takes on the homosexual rights movement's boisterous and inflammatory accusations of hatred and bigotry aimed at pro-marriage advocates. She exposes the inaccuracies and hypocrisy of their arguments, and clarifies why a Marriage Protection Amendment is really nothing more than a defense and protection of the most basic societal institution—the family. (Summer 2011)

Love and Economics
Economist Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse emphasizes that fiscal issues cannot supercede the important role the preservation of the family has in facilitating a conservative government. (Spring 2011)

Let the People Vote!
The General Assembly cannot ignore these top 10 reasons why North Carolina can no longer postpone letting the people vote on a Marriage Protection Amendment. (Spring 2011)

Why Gender Matters To Parenting
Responding to a devaluation of the important differences mothers and fathers have in raising children, Alysse ElHage lays out the compelling case for why children need one of each. (Spring 2011

Dispensible Marriage
Divorce laws are in desperate need of reforms, as laid out by Alysse ElHage, to roll back the tide of negative social ills associated with the increasingly quick and easy unilateral dissolution of society's preeminent social institution. (Winter 2011)

Monogamy Versus Polyamory
Dr. Patrick Fagan compares the benefits brought to society by monogamous married relationships in an effort to stem the societal acceptance of serial unattached sexual encounters. (Winter 2011)

Broken Families, Splintered Lives
Alysse ElHage highlights the lifelong negative consequences of divorce on children, and shows why children have the greatest stake in the outcome of their parent’s marriage, and suffer the most harm when it ends. (Fall 2010)

The Issue That Will Not Go Away
Alysse ElHage provides an update on the national marriage scene and North Carolina’s dishonorable distinction as the lone southern state without a Marriage Protection Amendment. (Spring 2010)

The Mapping America Project
Alysse ElHage introduces this extensive research project, which measures the effects of family structure and religious attendance on children and adults. (Spring 2010)

The Effects of Pornography on Individuals, Marriage, Family, and Community
In a condensed version of a new study released jointly by the Family Research Council and the North Carolina Family Policy Council, Patrick Fagan, Ph.D., provides an in-depth look at the effects of pornography on marriages, children, communities, and individual happiness. Dr. Fagan shows that pornography wreaks havoc on society by distorting the nature of conjugal relations and, thereby, altering sexual attitudes and behavior. (Winter 2010)

Surrounded: Neighboring Southern States Light the Way
For some good legislative news, Will Kang has compiled a sample of positive pro-family legislation passed by states surrounding North Carolina during their recent legislative sessions. North Carolina could adopt such common-sense proposals as a Marriage Protection Amendment, informed consent for women seeking an abortion, and the elimination of our charter school cap. (Fall 2009)

U.N.dermining the Family:
How Certain U.N. Conventions Undermine Family and Sovreignty
While social science has conclusively demonstrated that the married, two-parent family that worships weekly is the healthiest by every measure, Patrick Fagan and others argue that certain U.N. committees urge society, in the name of human rights, to undertake policies that drive it in the opposite, harmful direction. (July 2009)

Moms, Dads, and God
Brittany Farrell analyzes research from the Mapping America Project, which shows that two-parent families that worship regularly contribute more to society and have fewer problems. (July 2009)

Marriage Laws in North Carolina
As same-sex “marriage” gains headway in several states across the nation, Paul Ribeiro refutes the claim that the same thing cannot happen in North Carolina because the state already has strong marriage laws. (May 2009)

Connecting the Dots of the Homosexual Agenda:
The Effort to Revolutionize Sexuality, Gender, and the Family
Alysee ElHage shows that seemingly unrelated issues relating to sexuality in society and government are actually interconnected and work together to further an expansive homosexual agenda. (May 2009)

Why Not Same-Sex "Marriage?":
Response to 10 Arguments for Same-Sex "Marriage"
As the debate continues about a North Carolina marriage amendment, Daniel Heimbach thoughtfully respons to ten of the most-used arguments for homosexual marriage. (March 2009)

The Benefits of Marriage
John Morris explores how marriage benefits society and how the legislature can act to strengthen and protect marriage. (November 2008)

The California Effect:
Why Same-Sex "Marriage" Might Be Coming to NC Sooner Than You Think
Paul Ribeiro analyzes the California Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage and shows how the California Supreme Court could help bring same-sex marriage to North Carolina. (September 2008)

Marriage at Risk
John Rustin and Burwell Stark show why North Carolina needs to add an amendment defining marriage to its state Constitution. (July 2008)

Marriage Education
Alysse ElHage shows how local marriage initiatives in North Carolina are working to strengthen marriages and positively impact local communities. (May 2008)

In the Name of Safety:
How Homosexual Activists are Using Anti-Bullying Policies to Gain Acceptance
Alysse ElHage explores ever increasing efforts to impose the homosexual agenda on North Carolina’s public schools and families. (March 2008)

Myths and Misconceptions: Behavioral Genetics and Homosexuality
Douglas A. Abbott, Ph.D., Professor of Child Youth and Family Studies at the University of Nebraska, writes about the misconceptions regarding the existence of a "gay gene." (September 2007)

Paving the Way for the Thought Police
Alan Sears, president of the Alliance Defense Fund, writes about the chilling effect that special rights legislation, also known as "hate crimes" will have on free speech and the ability of citizens to engage in truthful conversation about homosexuality and other issues. (July 2007)

Abstinence Until Marriage. or Comprehensive Sex Education
Abstinence Education has been criticized by some as not being "comprehensive" enough. Alysse ElHage writes about the difference between Abstinence Education and Comprehensive Sex Education and why Abstinence education is not only the best alternative, but is more "comprehensive" than Comprehensive Sex Education. (May 2007)

For All the Right Reasons
Erik Root writes about marriage from the standpoint of reason. (January 2007)

Gay Straight Alliance Clubs: How Homosexual Student Organizations Harm our Schools
While claiming to be harmless clubs that offer support to struggling youth and fight harassment, Gay Straight Alliance Clubs promote a message of sex and homosexuality that puts public school students at risk while undermining parental moral and religious teachings. This paper explains why North Carolinians need to be aware of the dangers of GSAs and prepared to develop policies and laws that prevent GSAs from endangering children. (November 2006)

Saying "I Don't" to Marriage: Is North Carolina Turning Its Back on Marriage?
Marriage amendment legislation has languished in the General Assembly for three years in a row, making North Carolina the only state in the South where legislative efforts to put a marriage amendment on the ballot have consistently failed. To understand why, it is important to explore the history of the amendment in North Carolina, the main arguments against it, and why amending the state constitution is a necessary first step to preserving marriage for future generations. (September 2006)

Why Families Matter: The Need for Husbands and Wives—Fathers and Mothers
Given the current attacks on traditional family values, it is now more important than ever to understand why the family works and how it benefits the culture. This paper surveys social science research to demonstrate that marriage is an intrinsic good and the essential basis for the family, which is the fundamental building block of society. (November 2005)

Strengthening Marriage: How Public Policy Can Reinforce the Foundation of Society
This paper will explore why marriage is important to society, describe the condition of marriage nationally and in North Carolina, and explain several proposals for strengthening marriage through public policy. (September 2005)

Living Together: How Cohabitation Undermines Marriage and the Family
A dangerous social trend is growing in prevalence and popularity in North Carolina and across the country. It’s called cohabitation, and in spite of the fact that it significantly lowers the chances for a successful marriage and raises the odds that children will spend at least part of their lives in poverty and be more vulnerable to abuse, more Americans are choosing to cohabit than ever before. This paper reviews how cohabitation negatively affects marriage and the family and explains why North Carolina’s law prohibiting cohabitation should remain the standard in this state. (June 2005)

Homosexual Indoctrination: How Safety Is Used to Promote Homosexuality in Schools
Homosexual advocacy groups are training teachers and students, and homosexual student clubs are forming in schools across North Carolina, where controversial topics, such as transgenderism, are being favorably presented. The majority of these efforts are taking place outside of the sex education classroom under the guise of creating “safer,” more “inclusive” schools. This paper shows how homosexual activists are using safe schools initiatives and diversity education to get into the classroom to promote dangerous messages about sex and gender, and how these efforts threaten parental authority, religious freedom and free speech. (December 2004)

Protecting Marriage: North Carolina Law and the Preservation of Marriage
The ongoing controversy over a Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) highlights the fact that the issue of same-sex marriage has moved front and center in the American political landscape. Opponents of the FMA in Congress have said that the issue should be left up to the states. Meanwhile, proponents say that it is necessary to protect the states. At the same time, opponents of a constitutional amendment at the state level have said that North Carolina's laws are sufficient to protect marriage, while supporters say that North Carolina's marriage laws are vulnerable to redefinition by the courts. This paper examines the status of North Carolina law, discusses why marriage is vulnerable to redefinition by an activist court and explains why an amendment to the North Carolina Constitution is necessary to protect marriage. (November 2004)

Domestic Partner Benefits: Chipping Away at Marriage and the Traditional Family
To put it simply, the homosexual agenda stretches far beyond its current rallying cry for same-sex marriage and tolerance in the public square. It all comes down to the definition of family. This paper discusses the tool of "domestic partnerships" in the push by homosexuals to win acceptance, legitimization and celebration of their behavior. (October 2004)

Sexual Degradation: How Pornography Destroys the Family
Pornography is not “harmless adult entertainment” as the porn industry claims. Inside the world of pornography, sex is public, no relationship is sacred, and no one's body—not even a child's—is innocent. True, not everyone who views porn will become a sexual addict or a sexual predator. The most pernicious effects of pornography are more subtle, and result from the powerful influence it exerts over the hearts, minds and souls of individuals, and in the damage it does to intimate relationships. (July 2004)

Defining Marriage: What's Wrong With Letting Same-Sex Couples Marry?
This paper addresses numerous fallacies in the arguments for same-sex “marriage,” and exposes many reasons why homosexual sex is harmful, unhealthy, and extremely high-risk behavior. It also reveals why same-sex relationships are inherently unstable and not suitable for marriage. Accordingly, those who genuinely seek the best for their fellow citizens and the stability of our society will be compelled to promote healthy and stable marriages and to reject the affirmation of same-sex relationships. (May 2004)

The Essence of Marriage: Why It Is Only the Union of a Man and a Woman
This paper discusses the meaning and purpose of marriage, and why the union of a man and a woman is central to this purpose and best for society. It also looks at how changing the definition of marriage to include homosexual couples would weaken the institution of marriage, and what can be done to protect marriage. (November 2003)

Intolerant Tolerance: The Weapon of Moral Relativism
In today's culture the traditional understanding of tolerance has been redefined such that the advocates of a new morality are shutting out those who support traditional family values. The "new tolerance" is not simply a philosophical abstract that is being postulated in the halls of academic institutions, it is the worldview being pushed on society. This paper examines the "new tolerance" and how it is affecting families, schools and public policy. (December 2002)

Protecting Marriage: 10 Good Reasons to Preserve Meaningful Tort Laws
There have been a number of bills introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly over the past several years to eliminate the torts of alienation of affections and criminal conversation. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the civil actions of alienation of affections and criminal conversation and points out why the preservation of these laws in an important component of preserving and protecting marriage in North Carolina. (June 2002)

Promoting Irresponsibility: Efforts that could change the heart of North Carolina
Efforts are under way at the General Assembly that could change our state to a place where the law promotes irresponsibility. Bills have been introduced in the 2001 session that would legalize or endorse behaviors in North Carolina that are not only irresponsible but dangerous—such as adultery, homosexuality and gambling. This paper looks at some of these proposals and how they would impact the families and culture of the state. (April 2001)

Covenant Marriage: Divorce Reform Louisiana-Style
Since its passage, the Covenant Marriage Act has raised considerable debate over its effectiveness and its constitutionality. This paper will take a closer look at Louisiana's new marriage law, its goals, its strengths and its weaknesses to determine what role it might have on much-needed divorce reform in our country today. (August 1998)

Marriage Savers: Is there hope for today's families
There is little doubt that the breakup of the nuclear family is one of the most pressing domestic problems of our time. With the collapse of marriage leading the way in the disintegration of the family, many policy makers are asking what can be done? (February 1998)