Hello there -- Theo here again to introduce you to the information that follows. The recent ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court in which the Texas law prohibiting the practice of sodomy was overturned has resulted in a deluge of responses. Examples of both ends of the spectrum appear below.
First is the reaction of those who hold to a clear Bible revealed standard of sexual morality and definition of family.
Second is the reaction of those who hold that the practices of sodomy and lesbianism are legitimate, that sodomites and lesbians should be permitted to marry, and that this group should be permitted to adopt and raise children with the end result being that this "family" should be accepted and regarded as being "normal" in every sense as would be a heterosexual married couple bearing and raising children!
No Silver Lining in Lawrence v. Texas Decision FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 27, 2003
Scott Lively (916) 965-8925
Richard Ackerman (909) 258-5456
The Pro-Family Law Center
Fax (916) 965-8931
lively@abidingtruth.com
www.defendthefamily.com
The "gay" movement is exulting over the ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Lawrence v. Texas (which protects sodomy under the right to privacy), and well it might. That decision has not only overturned the 1986 case of Bowers v. Hardwick, which had upheld the right of states to criminalize homosexual sodomy, it has robbed the states of virtually all authority to regulate sexual conduct between consenting adults.
The amicus brief which the Pro-family Law Center submitted on the Lawrence case highlighted the severe public health consequences associated with the practice of sodomy. Nevertheless, without mentioning public health at all, the court ruled that "[t]he Texas statute furthers no legitimate state interest which can justify its intrusion into the personal and private life of the individual" (emphasis mine).
Neither, wrote the majority, is "the fact that a governing majority in a state has traditionally viewed a particular practice as immoral … a sufficient reason for upholding a law prohibiting the practice." Justice Scalia, in his dissent, observed that "[t]his effectively decrees the end of all morals legislation."
"This decision is raw judicial activism at its worst," said Pro-Family Law Center Director Scott Lively. "The court has essentially rejected six thousand years of human wisdom and experience and put its stamp of approval on the philosophy of 'anything goes' sexuality. This ruling will have a devastating effect on our society. The only positive result I can see coming from this decision is the possibility of a cultural backlash when the public begins to experience the inevitable negative consequences of it."
The Pro-Family Law Center is the nation's first and only legal organization devoted exclusively to opposing the "gay" agenda. It maintains offices in Sacramento and Southern California, and a user-friendly pro-family website at www.defendthefamily.com.
SUPREME COURT OVERTURNS TEXAS SODOMY LAW Soulforce Expresses Jubilation and Hope for the Future
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Soulforce Press Release: June 26, 2003
For Immediate Release
Contact: Laura Montgomery Rutt
Cell: 717-278-0592
******************************************(Lynchburg, VA) - Leaders of Soulforce today express jubilation at the decision by the United States Supreme Court in Lawrence v Texas overturning Texas' sodomy law. Until today, it had been illegal in 13 states for same-sex couples to engage in certain types of sexual behavior in their own homes.
The Texas case began when police responded to a false report of a weapons disturbance and busted into John Lawrence's home. Although the police found no weapons, they did find Mr. Lawrence with Tyrone Garner engaged in sex and arrested them both. Texas courts found both men guilty and today's decision overturns those convictions.
"This is a fantastic day for all people because the Supreme Court has recognized that our government has no place in our bedrooms, nor a right to selectively single out people of minority sexual orientation for criminal punishment," said Rev. Mel White, founder and director of Soulforce, Inc. "Maybe some churches that alienate and degrade us will see the light after today as well."
Soulforce, a national interfaith organization dedicated to ending spiritual violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, signed on to an amicus curiae brief filed by Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund urging the Court to strike down the Texas law as it did today.
Today decision overturned both the Texas court decision in Lawrence v. Texas and the1986 Supreme Court decision in the Bowers v Hardwick case that upheld Georgia sodomy laws. According to CNN, the late Justice Lewis Powell, the deciding vote in the Bowers decision, later said he probably made a mistake with his decision on that case. Today's decision corrected that mistake.
"I'm free, I'm free, I am no longer a criminal for who I love, I am free to be who God created me to be," said Karen Weldin, Soulforce Director of Operations. "I hope this gives people hiding in the closet the sense of freedom and courage to come out and be proud of who they are and who they love."
Soulforce, a national interfaith movement committed to ending spiritual violence perpetuated by religious policies and teachings against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT). We teach and employ the principles of nonviolence as taught by Gandhi and King to the liberation of sexual minorities. www.soulforce.org
