The Power to Define Marriage

by Most Rev. Francis X. DiLorenzo

Dear Friends in Christ,

"Shall the Constitution of the State of Hawaii be amended to specify that the legislature shall have the power to reserve marriage to opposite sex couples?"

On November 3, 1998, the people of Hawaii will have the opportunity to reaffirm their power to define marriage through their elected officials. By voting "yes" on the above ballot proposal, citizens hope to stop the Hawaii State Supreme Court's efforts to mandate "same-sex marriage."

The November vote has implications not only for Hawaii, but for all the people of the United States and beyond. For without the passage of this amendment, the Hawaii court will almost surely redefine marriage. The effects of such a decision will reverberate across the country.

Although over 70% of Hawaii's people support traditional marriage, the passage of the amendment is not guaranteed. Many citizens feel that the language of the amendment is confusing and have a mistrust of the legislature. More disturbing, however, is that proponents of "same-sex marriage" have embarked on a campaign with national dimensions to stop the amendment in Hawaii. All indications are that they will run an expensive media campaign here in Hawaii against the amendment. Since blank and spoiled ballots count as "no" votes, those opposing the amendment will seek to confuse and sow seeds of fear based on past discrimination against minority groups. Thus, once again, we face a very tough battle to ensure an overwhelming victory for marriage.

Non-profits and churches are restricted in their advocacy efforts on ballot issues. While we are free to educate on the ballot issue in general and to encourage voter registration, advocating a specific vote for or against an amendment is restricted. The Catholic Church in Hawaii has been and will continue to educate on the ballot issue and support voter registration to the full extent that the law allows. Other excellent community organizations, such as the Hawaii Family Forum (telephone:537-3507), are conducting similar educational efforts.

Recognizing what is at stake, citizens in Hawaii have also formed a coalition, Save Traditional Marriage '98 (STM '98), whose only goal is to pass the constitutional amendment to preserve traditional marriage. I spoke at their opening fundraiser here in Hawaii. This is a grassroots, non-religious, and non-partisan, non-candidate political action committee. Non-profits and churches are prohibited by Hawaii law from making contributions to such organizations.When the Hawaii State Supreme Court issued its landmark opinion in May of 1993, opening the door to "same-sex marriage," most observers thought that little could be done to stop the redefinition of marriage. With the efforts of a broad coalition of individual citizens and community organizations - working in the courts, the legislature, and most importantly, in cur community - we are now poised to stop this travesty.

But while we are proud of progress we made thus far, if the marriage amendment fails, all will be lost. As a fellow citizen, I know that you have many burdens placed upon your shoulders. But I know that all of us believe that marriage is such a fundamental institution in our community that we must make the extra effort to defend it at this critical juncture. Please do everything you can to educate your congregations, colleagues, and friends on this important issue.

It is also vitally important that we demonstrate our collective resolve on this matter now. If not, those seeking to redefine marriage will interpret our inaction as silent consent.

If you have any questions about this issue please contact the staff of the Hawaii Catholic Conference (tel: 808 263-8844, x548; email: [email protected]). For more information on the marriage issue in general, please consult our website at www.pono.net (Catholic Hawaii).

I thank you in advance your kind consideration and anticipated assistance with this important matter. Like you, I never thought that I would need to defend marriage so vigorously. Please join with me in prayer and deed as together we seek justice and truth in charity.

With every best wish, I remain,

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Rev. Francis X. DiLorenzo
Bishop of Honolulu

September 25, 1998

This item 607 digitally provided courtesy of CatholicCulture.org