From: "Carlton E. Griffing" <chrysg-AT-arn.net>
Subject: HAWAII
Date: Wed, 4 Dec 1996 11:52:26 -0600


I just got this and wanted to pass it along.
		Chrys

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AFA ACTION ALERT

American Family Association
P.O. Drawer 2440
Tupelo, Mississippi 38803
Telephone 601/844-5036
Fax 601/844-9176
Email bud-AT-afa.net

HAWAII'S JUDGE CHANG RULES AGAINST STATE IN SO-CALLED "SAME-SEX
MARRIAGE" TRIAL

American Family Association thought you might want to know the
perspective of yesterday's trial decision from two of our close allies
in the state of Hawaii. 

+++++++++++++++++++++

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR:    News Directors
CONTACT: Mike Gabbard, ATM-PAC 808-523-8451/ 523-7739/fax 523-2859   
DATE: December 3, 1996

Mike Gabbard, Chairman of the Alliance for Traditional Marriage-PAC
expressed mixed feelings about Judge Chang's decision today ruling
against the state in the now infamous Baehr vs. Mike same-sex "marriage"
case. Gabbard commented, "I'm disappointed the courts have once again
ruled against protecting the sacred institution of marriage. Still, the
net result of Chang's decision may be a blessing in disguise. Obviously,
Chang's ruling has today brought us one step closer to legalizing
so-called "gay marriage"--something the vast majority (approx. 75%) of
Hawaii residents clearly do not want.  Today's events will foment even
more anger, frustration, and bitterness in the community toward the
courts and elected officials and further their resolve to get closure on
this issue ."

Gabbard further stated, "As I've said repeatedly, Baehr vs. Mike is
simply a preliminary distraction.  The main event is the upcoming 1997
legislative session, where a constitutional amendment defining marriage
as the legal union between a man and a woman will be introduced and
hopefully passed with the required 2/3rds majority in both the House and
the Senate."

"The homosexual 'marriage' issue", Gabbard said, "should be decided by
the voters of Hawaii.  Whether the legislature passes the constitutional
amendment or whether it happens during our Constitutional Convention,
I'm convinced that ultimately the people of Hawaii, not the courts, not
the legislature, will have the final say." 

                                   -30-

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


STATEMENT OF THE HAWAII CATHOLIC CONFERENCE ON THE DECISION IN THE
"SAME-SEX MARRIAGE" TRIAL 

Judge Chang has made a terrible mistake.  He has disregarded the
traditions, beliefs, and legal heritage that have guided Hawaii since
the days of the Kingdom.  He has exalted a concept of individual rights
and used it as a weapon against the common good.

Marriage takes two sexes.  The laws of Hawaii and the entire world
recognize this fact. This is what the people of Hawaii believe and their
belief is fully consistent with the Equal Protection Clause of their own
State Constitution. Marriage is crucial to Hawaii's future social health
and well-being.  No decision by Judge Chang can change this truth.

We urge Judge Chang to stay the effect of his decision until the case is
resolved.  Otherwise, the door will swing open and the mainland rush for
"same-sex marriages" will begin.

We will participate actively in the appeal before the Hawaii Supreme
Court, and urge the justices to overturn this flawed decision.  But
since marriage is an issue which rightfully belongs to the people and
their elected officials, we call upon the legislature to solve this
problem once and for all by passing a constitutional amendment which
defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

Website: http://www.pono.net

The Hawaii Catholic Conference is the public policy arm of the Roman
Catholic Church in the State of Hawaii, which has over 230,000 members.

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