Democrats Pushing Social Issues, Too

Remind me again who's "distracting" Americans with social issues? After last week, that distinction belongs to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who stepped well outside the mainstream by calling for a same-sex "marriage" plank in the 2012 Democratic platform. Putting her party in an extremely awkward position, Rep. Pelosi insisted that Democrats bring her San Francisco values to the entire country with a first-ever endorsement of same-sex "marriage" at the party's national convention.

The language, which has been heavily pushed by a few outside groups, would bind the party to push for the redefinition of marriage--an agenda that many Democrats still oppose. Even those who support counterfeit marriage recognize the major division this fight could bring, especially in moderate districts where it could cost Democrats crucial votes. Even the most liberal President in history wouldn't comment on Pelosi's statement. The White House tried to avoid the controversy by kicking press calls over to the Democratic National Committee, where spokesmen waved off the push as premature. "This is an issue DNC members will address many months down the road," an official said.

In Maryland, neither party has that luxury. Ever since Gov. Martin O'Malley's (D) wife called marriage supporters "cowards," the friction between the two sides has only grown. Despite its reputation as one of the most liberal states in the country, the state Assembly could barely pass its bill to legalize same-sex "marriage" last Friday. With just a single vote to spare, leaders were able to squeak the bill through and on to the Senate, where it could hit the floor as early as tomorrow. In the meantime, local voters aren't about to throw in the towel. The Maryland Catholic Conference had more than 600 people register for the annual lobbying night--the most ever--in a last-ditch effort to block the bill. Reporters said people were standing in long lines to meet with their senators and urge them to stop the redefinition of marriage. While they do, please continue to contact and pray for the discernment of the Maryland Senate.

In Washington State, where leaders ignored the opposition and signed a similar bill into law, PreserveMarriageWashington.com was prepared. The group set its referendum movement into motion the minute it became official. Under state law, voters literally have until D-Day, June 6, to collect 120,577 signatures for what locals are calling R-74, or Referendum 74. To get involved in the people's response, log on to the website and volunteer! Fortunately, New Jersey voters didn't have to resort to a ballot initiative because Gov. Chris Christie (R) stood by his long-time promise and vetoed a bill to redefine marriage in the Garden State. "I am adhering to what I've said since this bill was first introduced--an issue of this magnitude and importance, which requires a constitutional amendment, should be left to the people of New Jersey to decide." State leaders have two years to override the veto, but they'd need significantly more support for the effort--12 more votes in the Assembly and three more votes in the Senate. In the meantime, Gov. Christie has blocked them. And the Tar Heels will soon have the chance to do their part. Polling shows that voters are still strongly in favor a marriage amendment in North Carolina, where a May ballot initiative is planned.

It all points to a busy summer and fall for FRC and our allies. In the meantime, the media will do what it can to persuade people that conservatives are losing momentum. Don't believe it. Some legislators can be bought, but the American people cannot. The majority of the country is still firmly planted in the camp of man-woman marriage. So don't quit and certainly don't despair. As the old proverb says, " The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places." Keep your foot on the accelerator and meet the perceptions with persistence.