One Man + One Woman = Marriage

Same-sex relationships are not marriages. Persons of the same sex do not form a unique community based on sexual difference. Calling such relationships “marriage” requires us to declare that the cultural and biological differences between men and women are inconsequential to society and to children. The homosexual view of marriage as a loving, committed relationship is a redefinition of marriage, not an extension of it. If the state of New Jersey accepts the argument that people in homosexual relationships are entitled to marriage benefits based on the argument of “equal treatment under the law,” what is to stop them from giving those same benefits to self-described long-term committed polygamists, incestuous couples or even adult/child couples who “pay taxes and participate in the community”?

Marriage law was purposely written to recognize only a relationship between one man and one woman. Under current law every citizen receives equal treatment. Everyone has the same right to enter into a marriage relationship as described in the law and reap the benefits. All adults who do not marry are free to enter into other non-marital relationships, not publicly endorsed but privately tolerated. Private mechanisms are currently available to all unmarried people to manage their affairs.

Marriage Briefings:

- Marriage Briefings: #7: The Right of Self-Governance

- Marriage Briefings #6: Why Children Need Natural Marriage

- Marriage Briefings #5: Marriage, Church, & State: Healthy & Unhealthy Tensions

- Marriage Briefings #4: Marriage: The Complementarity Principle

- Marriage Briefings #3: Culture and the Meaning of Marriage

- Marriage Briefings #2: Same-Sex “Marriage” A Civil Right?

- Marriage Briefings, #1: Are Civil Unions Working?

Articles

- A Statement by the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey

- Professor Robert George on Marriage and Civil Rights

- Help to Protect Marriage Now – Contact your Legislator!