World Family Policy Center Newsletter

President Bush yesterday said the sudden spate of homosexual "marriages" in San Francisco, which two judges Tuesday refused to halt, is influencing his decision on whether to endorse a constitutional amendment banning such ceremonies.

One senior official said the rapid pace of developments in recent days has moved the president to act "sooner rather than later," perhaps making an announcement within days.

Within the past week, more than 2,600 homosexual couples from around the world have flocked to San Francisco to take advantage of the city's act of civil disobedience in registering and performing homosexual "marriages," contrary to state law.

To read entire article:

http://www.washtimes.com/national/20040218-110717-5492r.htm

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2. California Will Reject Altered Marriage Forms

By Cheryl Wetzstein

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

February 19, 2004

The California state agency that records marriages said yesterday that forms that have been altered, which San Francisco has done on its homosexual "marriage" licenses, will not be registered.

California has a standard application form for marriage licenses, "and if it has been altered in any way, then it will not be registered and recorded. It will be sent back to the county of origin," said Nicole Evans, spokeswoman for Kim Belshe, the California Health and Human Services secretary.

The more than 2,600 homosexual couples who have been "married" since last week with the help of San Francisco city and county officials have been crossing out "groom" and "bride" as printed on the standard application and writing in phrases such as "Applicant #1" and "Applicant #2" or "spouses for life."

None of these forms will be accepted, Ms. Evans said yesterday.

To read entire article:

http://www.washtimes.com/national/20040219-123003-6956r.htm

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3. Romney Faces Tough Battle Against Gay Marriage

By Steve LeBlanc / Associated Press

Wednesday, February 18, 2004

BOSTON -- As Massachusetts lawmakers spilled tears and shared anguished personal stories over the question of whether to ban same-sex marriage, Gov. Mitt Romney sat in his State House office watching the drama unfold on live television, a bystander to history.

. . . with no official role in the debate over amending the state constitution to ban same-sex marriages, Romney has waged his battle on two fronts: on the national stage in editorials and in phone calls between his office and the Bush administration, and on the local level in private meetings with lawmakers. He's also been researching every legal avenue available to him to try to block same-sex weddings from take place beginning in mid-May, as ordered by the state's highest court.

To read entire article:

http://www3.metrowestdailynews.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=60671

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4. Florida Seeks to Strengthen Parental Rights

By Steve Jordahl, correspondent Focus on the Family

February 18, 2004

Lawmakers consider a constitutional amendment that would help parents keep tabs on their kids.

The Florida Legislature has introduced an amendment to the state constitution that would guarantee parents the right to "raise, educate, and care for their children." If passed, it would bolster laws requiring parental notification for abortion, as well as protect the rights of parents who want to search a child's room or monitor his or her phone calls.

"The question is, 'Do parents have a fundamental right to raise their children?' " said House Speaker Johnnie Byrd, R-Plant City. "And if they do, which I believe they do, who will protect that right?"

An amendment is needed, he added, because it is becoming increasingly difficult to pass family-friendly legislation that tyrannical judges won't strike down.

To read entire article:

http://www.family.org/cforum/fnif/news/a0030751.cfm

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5. The American Child After Same-Sex Marriage

By Linda Harvey

CNSNews.com Commentary

February 18, 2004

Lesbian bride dolls. Fourth grade "gay" clubs. A king and king at the high school prom. Dating tips for same-sex teens. Bathroom ogling -- and sometimes quick encounters -- in the middle school boys' restroom.

These are just the first snapshots of the bizarre new world in store for American children if homosexual marriage is legalized.

Most of the major players who mold our youth have already endorsed homosexuality and even cross-dressing. The National Education Association, the nation's largest teachers' union, favors support for "gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender" students and teachers, which translates into uncritical acceptance throughout the curriculum at your local school.

To read entire article: http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCommentary.asp?Page=%5CCommentary%5Carchive%5C200402%5CCOM20040218c.html

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COMING EVENTS

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February 28, 2004

Interfaith Conference on Defending Marriage & the Family

Sponsored by Family Action Council International

Washington, DC

Conference includes the following speakers:

Keynote: Rabbi Daniel Lapin, President, Toward Tradition

"The Origins and Destiny of Marriage and Family"

Vocal Solo Erika Harold Miss America 2003

"How Beautiful"

Panelist (1st): Monte Nyman, President, Southern Virginia University

"Marriage is Ordained of God"

Panelist (1st): Gerald McDermott, Professor of Theology, Roanoke College

"The Bible and Gay Marriage"

Panelist (2^nd): Allan Carlson, Howard Center, and Family Research Council

"Marriage and the American Experience"

Panelist (2^nd): Patrick Fagan, Heritage Foundation

"The Contribution to Society of the Intact Family

That Worships God Weekly"

Address: Sheri Dew, CEO Deseret Book Publishing Company

Address: Erika Harold, Miss America 2003

"Abstinence Education: Affirming Faith, Life and Marriage"

Performance: Michael McLean Family, Composer, Producer, Musician

"A Michael McLean Family Home Evening"

For more information: http://www.marriageconference.org

Please note: There is no charge for this conference; however, space is

limited. Those who are seated for the afternoon session (1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

will be assured seating for the evening session (7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.); others will

be admitted only on a space-available basis.

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March 29-31, 2004

World Congress of Families III

Allan Carlson, Chair of the General Secretariat, announced that

the World Congress of Families III will be held at the spacious

Centro Banamex convention center in Mexico City, March 29-31, 2004.

For more information:

http://www.worldcongress.org/WCF3/wcf3_home.htm

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Note: The preceding excerpts are highlights of current events and do not

necessarily represent the views of the World Family Policy Center

or Brigham Young University.

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Newsletter created and distributed by:

World Family Policy Center

J. Reuben Clark Law School

Brigham Young University

Managing Director: Richard Wilkins

Executive Director: A. Scott Loveless

Newsletter Editors: Gary B. Lundberg and Joy S. Lundberg

If you have any articles, editorials, or papers you would like

circulated through the WFPC News network, you may submit them to

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