November 18, 2022

Friends,

Marriage: the legal union of a man and a woman. For all of human history — this was the operating definition of marriage, even if occasional distortions emerged. Not anymore.

Previously, 47 House Republicans joined every single Democrat in voting for the misnamed Respect for Marriage Act. Wednesday, 12 Republican senators joined every Democrat in moving for a full vote. The act repeals the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, and "provides statutory authority for same-sex marriages," codifying the SCOTUS 2015 Obergefell decision.

"Make no mistake," Alliance Defending Freedom President Kristen Waggoner warned, "this bill will be used by officials and activists to punish and ruin those who do not share the government's view on marriage." Senator Mike Lee agreed and called the bill's provisions to protect religious liberty "woefully insufficient," adding that "Religious Americans will be subject to ruinous litigation, while tax-exempt status of charitable organizations, educational institutions, and non-profits will be threatened." His amendment to fix that was rejected.

Pres. Joe Biden observed, "Love is love," in a statement, "and Americans should have the right to marry the person they love." Mark Alexander opines: "Democrats are institutionalizing gender disorientation pathology, with the ultimate objective of undermining family and faith, the foundational pillars of Liberty. Liberty is the antithesis of this statist tyranny."

Obviously, public attitudes toward same-sex marriage have changed since 1996. Some believe we should simply move on to more pressing battles. However, abandoning defense of natural marriage and embracing sexual anarchy would be a deceptive mistake. 

Support of natural marriage is not bigotry or hatred. It is a conviction that Christ understood the Father's original intent for natural marriage as prescribed (Matt 19: 4-6 NKJV). 

Marriage isn't easy - joining two, imperfect people in holy matrimony isn’t a guarantee of success. Unfortunately, the naturally married family no longer describes most American homes. Some of us are convinced we are not better for that.

Conservatives and Christians have often failed at “family.” That is lamentable. But “progressives" have deliberately attacked the institution — at the expense of men, women, and children. So you'll have to forgive me if I reject the modified motive of "love" because it results in heartache, woe and a destabilized America.

Fortunately, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) is offering an amendment that would help curb some of the dangers of the bill in its current form. Tell Senators Cassidy & Kennedy that you want them to insist that Senator Lee’s amendment is adopted!

Click HERE to thank Senator Cassidy and Senator Kennedy for a No vote on the bill and ask them to support a CRITICAL religious liberty amendment to the bill.

The data shows that 1.3 million registered voters cast a ballot in the midterm election – less than half of the state’s 3 million total.

These 2022 numbers reflect a 5% decrease in turnout compared to the 2018 midterms, even though there was a 0.8% increase in the number of registered voters.

Rather than be deflated by this news, use it as a launchpad to talk to your children and grandchildren about how precious the right to vote is in America! Civic duty matters and is an undervalued and under appreciated responsibility.

I had the privilege of attending the state convention of Louisiana Baptist at Calvary Baptist Alexandria this week where Dr. Will Hall offered this report:

“You are helping change the culture in our state as a community of faith known as Louisiana Baptists.” Hall then concluded his comments by honoring three strong partners with Louisiana Baptists on culture impacting pro-life and pro-family public policy.

The image shows Claire Lemoine, CENLA Pregnancy Center with the Esther’s Courage Award, Ben Clapper, ED of Louisiana Right to Life, and Gene Mills, president, Louisiana Family Forum with Shammah’s Courage of David's Mighty Men Award.      

Thank you, Dr. Will Hall and Louisiana Baptist for your amazing work to advance a Gospel, impact the culture, respect life and moms in need and advance religious liberty! 

Friends, remember Paul's admonition in Hebrews: Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise... 

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry! Heb 10:35-37.

In His Service,

Gene Mills
President
Louisiana Family Forum