Our friends at Alliance Defending Freedom released the video below recently. It’s so well done, it’s scary. Literally.

It exposes the homosexual lobby — in its own words — for its intent to lie and mislead in order to destroy the institution of marriage. But the video also documents frightening events that are becoming more and more mainstream as state and local governments and courts recognize them as normal. Just to name a few: ”gender bender days” at schools; parents winning permission to administer hormone blockers to their boy until a certain age so he could decide what sex he wanted t be; polygamy; and multiple homosexual “couples” gaining recognition as parents. Read about another outrageous example, here

According to ADF:

Marriage is the lifelong union of a husband and wife. It is timeless, universal, and unique, and benefits society – especially children – in ways no other relationship can. That’s why marriage policy is rooted in the reality that children need a mother and a father. While not every husband and wife will have children, every child still has, needs, and deserves a mom and a dad. So in essence, the government has an interest in the institution of marriage because marriage is a personal promise with a public purpose.

Put yet another way, if marriage isn’t for procreation then the sex act simply is for pleasure which means anyone can engage in it in any manner he or she chooses, which renders marriage meaningless. ADF continues:

Redefining marriage to include same-sex couples is not the only threat weakening the institution. It is, however, the most prominent and pressing danger to fundamentally altering marriage, as it undermines the good that marriage provides society. Moreover, redefining marriage is at odds with religious freedom, as we see more and more that those who believe in marriage are politically, culturally, and legally persecuted for those beliefs. Countless people — from small business owners to Catholic hospitals, school counselors, professors, and students, to chaplains and churches – who will not promote or condone the redefinition of marriage are already under serious legal assault for their faith.

Nothing exposes the hypocrisy of the Secular Left more than this. In its shrill claims of the “right” of homosexual marriage it has no care about obliterating the First Amendment even though no such “right” to marriage is in the constitution. In fact, marriage isn’t a “right” at all. It’s a privilege, perfectly acceptable for government to regulate as the video explains.

Help educate the public. Share this video so more can understand what the

homosexual movement’s ultimate aims are.

The State of Alaska, through its Department of Health and Social Services (HSS) , is taking a positive step toward eliminating potential, and likely, Medicaid fraud regarding payment for "medically necessary" abortions.  

Alaska Family Action applauds this effort and is encouraging all like-minded Alaskans to contact HSS and thank them for introducing this sensible and much needed regulation. 

Alaskans can provide public comment until 4 p.m. on Sept. 27th. The measure is available on the state's online public notice page. You can comment by writing to HSS Commissioner William Streur, 3601 C Street, Suite 902, Anchorage, AK 99524-0249 or emailing him directly at [email protected].

As we've detailed in other Alaska Family Action alerts (see here and here) , there is simply no doubt that taxpayer funds are being used to pay for elective abortions in our state.  SB49 and its companion bill on the House side, HB173, were introduced last legislative session to address this issue but both bills were caught up and mired down in partisan, molasses-like gridlock and bickering. Click here for a great piece written back in February by AFC Board member Joann Pantages addressing the topic.

The regulation being proposed by the Department simply defines in more detail what the term "medically necessary" means. For far too long, abortionists in Alaska have categorized every possible reason a patient gives as "medically necessary" when basic common sense says that it is not.  According to a study from the Guttmacher Institute, a pro-abortion research arm formally associated with Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the United States, here are the top five reasons women give for having an abortion - 

1. Having a baby would dramatically change my life.
2. Can't afford a baby now.
3. Don't want to be a single mother or having relationship problems.
4. Have completed my child rearing. 
5. Not ready for another child.

Although in a pro-abortion person's point of view, these may be legitimate reasons to end the life of a pre-born child, not ONE of the reasons listed are "medically necessary." In other words, they areelective procedures. 

The Alaska Supreme Court has made it very clear that the State must fund procedures that are "medically necessary" but that definition for far too long has been big enough to drive a semi-truck through. In testimony opposing SB49, Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest Chief Legal Counsel, Laura Einstein actually admitted in a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting that although she had heard of the "concept" of an elective abortion, she wasn't sure what it even was.  In other words, all abortions are "medically necessary" if the mother simply wants to have one. This is twisted logic and it needs to be called out.

This regulation would not deny one single Alaskan from having an abortion.  It simply tells abortionists that they can't siphon Medicaid funds for an elective procedure that is NOT in fact medically necessary. 

Again, please take a few short minutes to let your voice be heard regarding this new regulation being proposed by Commissioner William Streur.  He will no doubt be getting intense pushback from those who are adamant that all abortions should be paid for by public funds. Tell him you think otherwise.

Click HERE to pass along your comments now. 

This article asks a compelling question - Should Christians with natural views on sexuality and marriage have the ability to serve in the military ?

AIR FORCE VETERAN RELIEVED OF DUTIES FOR DISAGREEING WITH HOMOSEXUALITY  -  By Todd Starnes - Townhall.com

A 19-year veteran of the Air Force said he was relieved of his duties after he disagreed with his openly gay commander when she wanted to severely punish an instructor who had expressed religious objections to homosexuality.

“I was relieved of my position because I don’t agree with my commander’s position on gay marriage,” Senior Master Sgt. Phillip Monk told Fox News. “We’ve been told that if you publicly say that homosexuality is wrong, you are in violation of Air Force policy.”

The Liberty Institute is representing the Christian airman in case the Pentagon decides to retaliate.

“Are we going to have a ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy for Christians so we don’t get harassed for our beliefs?” attorney Hiram Sasser asked Fox News. “Here’s a guy who wants to have his religious liberty and serve in the military. He shouldn’t have to believe in gay marriage in order to serve.”

A spokesperson for Lackland Air Force Base public affairs told Fox News Monk was not punished and that he was simply at the end of his assignment.

"They did have a disagreement, but supposedly, they agreed to disagree," the spokesperson told Fox News. "But the wing commander said there was no punishment.

Monk has served as a first sergeant at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio since 2011. He recently returned from a deployment and discovered he had a new commander – an open lesbian.

“In one of our first meetings, she was talking about her promotion and she mentioned something about a benediction,” Monk told Fox News. “She said she wanted a chaplain but objected to one particular chaplain that she called a bigot because he preached that homosexuality is a sin.”

“She then said, ‘I don’t know what kind of people actually believe that kind of crap,’” Monk said, recalling the meeting. “I knew I was going to have a rough time in this unit and I would have to be very careful what I said.”

Click HERE to read the rest of the article

The reverberations of the Boy Scout's of America (BSA) membership policy change have reached Alaska.  Last week, Anchorage Baptist Temple has exercised it’s right of free association and informed Boy Scout Troop 1316 and Cub Scout Pack 316 that due to the BSA policy on sexual orientation, they can no longer support the Scouts meeting in their facility.  

Several churches in Alaska have indicated that they will continue to charter BSA Troops ; many churches and secular chartering organizations are waiting for BSA to clarify it’s recent decision to allow youth of any sexual orientation or attraction to participate in Scouting.  Critical policy guidance and training is yet to be provided, to answer such questions as:  

How will overnight tenting be arranged?  What are the liabilities of adult leaders, and what training will be provided to mitigate those liabilities?  Will the moral and character-development teaching of faithful Christians in any way be restricted by forthcoming BSA policy?  

Here is the actual resolution adopted by the BSA:

Youth membership in the Boy Scouts of America is open to all youth who meet the specific membership requirements to join the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Sea Scout, and Venturing programs. Membership in any program of the Boy Scouts of America requires the youth member to (a) subscribe to and abide by the values expressed in the Scout Oath and Scout Law, (b) subscribe to and abide by the precepts of the Declaration of Religious Principle (duty to God), and (c) demonstrate behavior that exemplifies the highest level of good conduct and respect for others and is consistent at all times with the values expressed in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. No youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone.

Interpretations of what this implies vary.  Chip Turner, chairman of the BSA Religious Relationships Task Force and past president of the Association of Baptists for Scouting, penned this letter to fellow Baptists:

On the other hand, any church that charters a BSA Troop many now face significant legal risks as outlined here. 

Alaska Family Action has previously provided an in-depth policy analysis and we await BSA's policy and training materials before taking a formal position and offering recommendations to Alaskan families.  

However, for parents who are looking for a wholesome environment for their sons to grow and flourish in, there are a variety of Christ-centered programs for boys already in existence including AWANA,Calvinist Cadet Corp, Christian Service Brigade, Columbian Squires, Pathfinders, Royal Ambassadorsand Royal Rangers.

In addition, a new organization focusing on Christ-centered character development for boys is forming called OnMyHonor.net.  Those interested in learning about this group in Alaska may contact Dan Brooks at [email protected]

Alaska Family Action encourages all families to make fully informed decisions about the organizations they entrust with their children’s character and social development.

MONDAY ON THE GLEN BEIGEL SHOW

I'll have a chance to chew on this and other issues on the airwaves this coming Monday, August 12th from 6:00am to 9:00am on 700AM KBYR in Anchorage as I'm hosting the Morning News and Comment Show for my friend Glen Biegel. Tune in if you can.

This ten year old article written by John Piper of DesiringGod.org is exceptional in terms of the describing the kind of influence we hope to achieve as a ministry.  We have to be bold and articulate and truthful but it must be done in a manner that reflects the heart of the Savior of the World.  A Savior everyone of us needs.

TAKING THE SWAGGER OUT OF CHRISTIAN CULTURAL INFLUENCE

By John Piper. ©2013 Desiring God Foundation. Website: desiringGod.org

The fact that Christians are exiles on the earth (1 Peter 2:11), does not mean that they don’t care what becomes of culture. But it does mean that they exert their influence as very happy, brokenhearted outsiders. We are exiles. “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). “Here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14).

But we are very happy sojourners, because we have been commanded by our bloody Champion to rejoice in exile miseries. “Blessed are you when others . . . persecute you . . . on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (Matthew 5:11-12). We are happy because the apostle Paul showed us that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18). We are happy because there are merciful foretastes everywhere in this fallen world, and God is glad for us to enjoy them (1 Timothy 4:3; 6:17). And we are happy because we know that the exiles will one day inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). Christ died for sinners so that “all things” might one day belong to his people (Romans 8:32).

But our joy is a brokenhearted joy, because Christ is worthy of so much better obedience than we Christians render. Our joy is a brokenhearted joy because so many people around the world have not heard the good news that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). And our joy is a brokenhearted joy because human culture –- in every society –- dishonors Christ, glories in its shame, and is bent on self-destruction.

This includes America. American culture does not belong to Christians, neither in reality nor in Biblical theology. It never has. The present tailspin toward Sodom is not a fall from Christian ownership. “The whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). It has since the fall, and it will till Christ comes in open triumph. God’s rightful ownership will be manifest in due time. The Lordship of Christ over all creation is being manifest in stages, first the age of groaning, then the age of glory. “We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:23). The exiles are groaning with the whole creation. We are waiting.

But Christian exiles are not passive. We do not smirk at the misery or the merrymaking of immoral culture. We weep. Or we should. This is my main point: being exiles does not mean being cynical. It does not mean being indifferent or uninvolved. The salt of the earth does not mock rotting meat. Where it can, it saves and seasons. And where it can’t, it weeps. And the light of the world does not withdraw, saying “good riddance” to godless darkness. It labors to illuminate. But not dominate.

Being Christian exiles in American culture does not end our influence; it takes the swagger out of it. We don’t get cranky that our country has been taken away. We don’t whine about the triumphs of evil. We are not hardened with anger. We understand. This is not new. This was the way it was in the beginning –- Antioch, Corinth, Athens, Rome. The Empire was not just degenerate, it was deadly. For three explosive centuries Christians paid for their Christ-exalting joy with blood. Many still do. More will.

It never occurred to those early exiles that they should rant about the ubiquity of secular humanism. The Imperial words were still ringing in their ears: “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Mark 13:13). This was a time for indomitable joy and unwavering ministries of mercy.

Yes, it was a time for influence–-as it is now. But not with huffing and puffing as if to reclaim our lost laws. Rather with tears and persuasion and perseverance, knowing that the folly of racism, and the exploitation of the poor, and the de-Godding of education, and the horror of abortion, and the collapse of heterosexual marriage, are the tragic death-tremors of joy, not the victory of the left or the right.

The greatness of Christian exiles is not success but service. Whether we win or lose, we witness to the way of truth and beauty and joy. We don’t own culture, and we don’t rule it. We serve it with brokenhearted joy and long suffering mercy, for the good of man and the glory of Jesus Christ.

This article by Joann Pantages, an Alaska Family Council Board Member, was first published in the Anchorage Daily News.

MARRIAGE IS DEVOLVING

I'm told that marriage is "evolving" to include same-sex unions. I'll grant you marriage is changing, but it isn't evolving. Evolution is a natural process. This is a deliberate, systematic alteration from a moral and legal state, instigated for the best possible rearing of children, to one meant for adult pleasure. It is devolving, not evolving.

Nothing new. Baby Boomers have been systematically destroying many things in their unrelenting march to narcissistic nirvana, while training the next generation to follow suit. If a rule, a social norm, a freedom, or an ideal causes anyone to feel bad (e.g. don't cheat, utilize self-reliance, allow free association, keep sex inside marriage), it must be ignored, attacked, ridiculed, demonized or marginalized. Any impact to the social fabric is sacrificed to feeling good about oneself.

This is only the latest undermining of traditional marriage. "No-fault" divorce laws were first. Sounds nice, kind, quick and painless, then on with your life.

Of course a husband can't demand an explanation. A wife can't dispute his decision. Instead of years of marital strife, which could end in mutually agreed to divorce, or in deeper understanding, or in a truce, we go straight to annihilation. We leave the arguments for the post-marital phase, when the kids can be used as pawns and when there is so little chance for resolution.

Simultaneously the institution itself was assaulted. Marriage was "just a piece of paper," so why bother? Truthfully, once it became a contract voidable by either party, without the consent of the other, who could argue.

Still, most women want the security, fidelity and structure of a marriage. Probably that damnable instinct to protect children and raise them in an environment likely to provide for them. (Some feminist organization needs to fund research into turning off these "primitive" urges, i.e. find and alter the "mom gene" and fully "liberate" women.)

But, what does marriage offer men? Sex used to be the enticement that led some to learn marriage also afforded them companionship, care and a means to build a successful life. But, honestly, do you want to enjoy that, only to have it snatched away whenever she likes? Today men are warned to watch out! -- she'll end up with the kids, the house and his support payments. Why marry, especially when sex is so readily available without marriage?

Unplanned pregnancy? Her concern! Women's rights advocates have told us that, demonstrating their devotion to this ideal by fighting for her "right" to terminate "the pregnancy," up to and beyond viability, despite the child dying in unmitigated agony. (Shhh, don't tell anyone. Someone might feel bad.)

If she "chooses" to have "it"? Well, those same stalwarts have arranged a maternity to grave governmental goody system she can join with her offspring. Men are redundant once their sperm has been collected.

Writers used to create scary sci-fi novels about this sort of society. Now we live in it.

So, why not allow marriage with whomever one chooses - male, female, or as NPR recently profiled, someone with a kinetic self-awareness which refuses to be tied down to one label or the other? We want people to feel good, don't we?

Alas, this attitude gives short shrift to what does good - for oneself, - for one's society. Doing good usually requires self-sacrifice and that is anathema to liberal Baby Boomers and their progeny.

We've distorted and undermined a societal institution that predates today's governments; that was the social bedrock that enabled the formation of these governments. We've told parents it's optional; short-term flings it's romantic; politicians it's a compassion opportunity. We've reduced it to a series of reality shows - find the dress; pick the chick.

We refuse to ask fundamental questions: Is marriage merely about adult satisfaction? What does it provide civilization? What happens when it is gone?

We won't pay the price for being trivial and evading tough questions. Succeeding generations will. They will look back and think how aptly named we Baby Boomers were - immature and destructive.

They say all politics is local but our efforts over the years have been significantly bolstered by strong partnerships with the three following national groups.  As a supporter of Alaska Family Action, our political arm, and Alaska Family Council, our education arm, you might be interested in an inside glimpse at these profoundly influential and effective ministries that help us give your values a voice in the public square. 

CitizenLink is the public policy arm of Focus on the Family, a global Christian ministry founded by Dr. James Dobson to help families thrive. Click HERE and you'll see a brief video by CitizenLink Executive Director Tom Minnery on why they exist.  Tom and I are in fact second cousins with our roots going back to the Buckeye State of Ohio. He got the taller, wiser genes while I got the stubbier, gritty genes more apt for hunting caribou and dipping red salmon from the Kenai River :-) Click HERE to see a list of other state family policy council officially associated with CitizenLink. These ministries are doing phenomenal work across the country. I'm fortunate to meet with each of these leaders at an annual policy conference and tap into their minds and strategies throughout the year.  We are blessed beyond measure to be connected with CitizenLink. 

Alliance Defending Freedom, formerly known as the Alliance Defense Fund, is the premier Christian legal defense ministry in the nation specializing in issues related to religious liberty, the sanctity of life and traditional marriage. They have an astounding 38 victories at the U.S. Supreme Court level and have won 8 out of every 10 cases litigated to conclusion. Alaska Family Action had the privilege of hosting one of their Blackstone Legal Fellows regarding the parental notification for a minor abortion law we successfully passed in 2010. We've worked with their Senior attorneys on a number of occasions including an Anchorage Pastor Briefing for Prop 5 with over 100 pastors in attendance. What an honor to have this exemplary legal powerhouse behind us as we go into cultural battles to lift up the Truth.

Family Research Council has been the pre-eminent public policy institution in our nation focused on family, faith and freedom since 1983.  Their President, Tony Perkins, a former family policy council leader in Louisiana, has been to Alaska as a speaker for our ministry and his Executive Vice President, Lt. General Jerry Boykin, was our keynote speaker last year at our inaugural Gala.  FRC can be reliably counted on to provide fascinating, relevant and sound policy resources and is a leading advocate for pro-family legislative issues in Washington, D.C.  FRC hosts the annual Values Voter Summit in our nation's Capitol - recognized as the top conference of its kind. 

Ultimately, we need local Alaskan citizens to support us prayerfully and financially in order to have the maximum impact in our state.  We're fortunate that the number of Alaskans linking arms with us is growing every year.  At the same time, our ministry is immeasurably better with these three outstanding groups standing side by side with us.  

Are you aware of the "sexual rights" agenda and how it is being used by the Obama Administration to bully and coerce countries into abiding by a set of standards regarding sexuality or face harsh economic consequences ? It's called Cultural Imperialism and it's time that it was exposed.  

Click HERE to view a compelling trailer from a documentary showing why the Obama Administration has made the promotion of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender rights a top foreign policy priority.  The sexual revolution is in full gear across the globe with your taxpayer money covering the bill. 

Although discouraging and disturbing, this short movie is also a wonderful reminder that citizens across the world are willing to stand up and speak boldly for timeless values while facing extraordinary pressure.  Share this with everyone you know and pray for those who are being intimidated.

Okay maybe it took me awhile to realize it but I'm finally understanding that Twitter is in fact just one more way to get the message out regarding Alaska Family Council and Alaska Family Action. I can only push back so long.  I am now officially in the world of tweeting and look forward to seeing how it helps us advance the pro-family agenda across the state.  You can click on the bird to follow me @MinneryJim

Alaska Family Action addresses issues of public policy but we do so from a foundation based on what is called the Great Commission - a call from Christ to spread His message across our sphere of influence.

Part of that message, in no uncertain terms, has to do with marriage and in a way many people may not be thinking about in light of the recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings regarding this foundation of our society. 

According to a recent article in Christianity Today, "Marriage isn't incidental to gospel preaching. There's a reason why persons don't split apart like amoebas. We were all conceived in the union between a man and a woman. Beyond the natural reality, the gospel tells us there's a cosmic mystery (Eph. 5:31-32).

God designed the one-flesh union of marriage as an embedded icon of the union between Christ and his church. Marriage and sexuality, among the most powerful pulls in human existence, are designed to train humanity to recognize, in the fullness of time, what it means for Jesus to be one with his church, as a head with a body.

Same-sex marriage is on the march, even apart from these decisions, and is headed to your community, regardless of whether you are sitting where I am right now, on Capitol Hill, or in a rural hamlet in southwest Georgia or eastern Idaho. This is an opportunity for gospel witness.

For a long time in American culture, we've acted as though we could assume marriage. Even people from what were once called "broken homes" could watch stable marriages on television or movies. Boys and girls mostly assumed they had a wedding in their futures. As marriage is redefined, these assumptions will change. Let's not wring our hands about that.

This gives Christian churches the opportunity to do what Jesus called us to do with our marriages in the first place: to serve as a light in a dark place. Permanent, stable marriages with families with both a mother and a father may well make us seem freakish in 21st-century culture. But is there anything more "freakish" than a crucified cosmic ruler? Is there anything more "freakish" than a gospel that can forgive rebels like us and make us sons and daughters? Let's embrace the freakishness, and crucify our illusions of a moral majority.

That means that we must repent of our pathetic marriage cultures within the church. For too long, we've refused to discipline a divorce culture that has ravaged our cultures. For too long, we've quieted our voices on the biblical witness of the distinctive missions of fathers and mothers in favor of generic messages on "parenting."

For too long, we've acted as though the officers of Christ's church were Justices of the Peace, marrying people who have no accountability to the church, and in many cases were forbidden by Scripture to marry. Just because we don't have two brides or two grooms in front of us, that doesn't mean we've been holding to biblical marriage.

The dangerous winds of religious liberty suppression means that our nominal Bible Belt marrying parson ways are over. Good riddance. This means we have the opportunity, by God's grace, to take marriage as seriously as the gospel does, in a way that prompts the culture around us to ask why.

The increased attention to the question of marriage also gives us the opportunity to love our gay and lesbian neighbors as Jesus does. Some will capitulate on a Christian sexual ethic. There are always those professional "dissidents" who make a living espousing mainline Protestant shibboleths to an evangelical market. But the church will stand, and that means the gospel Jesus has handed down through the millennia. As we stand with conviction, we don't look at our gay and lesbian neighbors as our enemies. They are not.

The gay and lesbian people in your community aren't part of some global "Gay Agenda" conspiracy. They aren't super-villains in some cartoon. They are, like all of us, seeking a way that seems right to them. If we believe marriage is as resilient as Jesus says it is (Mk. 10:6-9), it cannot be eradicated by a vote of justices or a vote of a state legislature. Some will be disappointed by what they thought would answer their quest for meaning. Will our churches be ready to answer?"  CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE

Although Wednesday's ruling does not directly threaten Alaska's State Constitutional definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman NOW, there is no doubt we are in the crosshairs of many LGBT activist organizations across the country who are now emboldened to bring gay marriage to all 50 states. 

The ACLU just recently launched a $10 million Out for Freedom Campaign to dismantle each and every marriage amendment across the country. They have said the goal is to “transform our country's landscape [to redefine marriage] in every state.” 

What this means is that our efforts at Alaska Family Action are more important than ever.  We need to bring Truth to the public square, build alliances, develop strategies and protect marriage in our Great State. 

The absolute best way for you to stand with us right now in this important time in history is to join us as a monthly investor.  Your commitment in this manner provides critical stability so that we can focus more on issues and less on fundraising and administration. 

Your gift will equip Alaska Family Action to stand strong for the values you and I share and bring Truth effectively into the marketplace of ideas.  Please join us now as a monthly investor and PROTECT MARRIAGE IN ALASKA !

Today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and Prop 8, California's successful citizen initiative that defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman, highlights how important it is that Alaska was the first state in the nation in 1998 to define natural marriage in our own State Constitution.

Thank God we as citizens of Alaska ignored the advice of those who said we should wait for the Court to determine what this essential institution means.

Although you will hear from most media sources that DOMA was dismantled today, Justice Kennedy, acknowledges in his majority opinion the inherent right of individual states to define and regulate marriage as they see fit.

For most Americans, the big picture is more of what the Court did not do:

• It did not create a constitutional right to same-sex marriage as it did for abortion in 1973. 
• It also did not declare same-sex marriage a civil right on the order of ethnicity or nationality. 

The critical role of natural marriage is not diminished by these rulings today.  The essential need for children to have both a married mother and father is not lessened by the opinions of five unelected black robes on the U.S. Supreme Court.  

The work of Alaska Family Action to strengthen marriage and families continues, as well.

 Now more than ever, Alaskans must not stay silent on cherishing and promoting the truth of natural marriage.  Whatever journalists, intellectuals and other elites may tell us, the only way to guarantee future political losses is to sit idly by. 

We must step up and frame our message, strengthen our coalitions, devise strategies and bear witness to a culture looking for answers.

Though Alaska Family Action disagrees with aspects of the Court's decision, we are grateful that the Court did not undermine the will of Alaska voters who defined marriage in our State Constitution.

In DOMA, we believe that the court erred in claiming that a state that has redefined marriage can force that definition on the federal government for purposes of federal marriage laws.

In Prop 8, the court has ensured that the state-by-state debate about marriage is allowed to continue. Truly the debate over marriage has just begun.



Marriage is more than just a personal promise, it serves a public purpose. It is society's best guarantee of a limited government that stays out of family life and social science data has proven this time and time again.

Alaska Family Action is committed to continuing to stand for marriage and to defeat any efforts to redefine this essential union.



Stay tuned and stay engaged.