We
are privileged to have John Stemberger, the State Chairman of Florida4Marriage.org,
answer some of our questions about the crucial campaign going on in Florida. Here is Daniel Herbster’s interview with John. For more information check Florida4Marriage.org.
DH: Thanks for taking the time
to share about your work with our readers.
Let me start off with a softball.
Why is protecting the traditional definition of marriage so important?
JS: Goodness,
this something I could discuss for hours.
I guess the most compelling reason and yet simple reason is that kids
need a mom and a dad. Same sex marriages deprive children of the best
arrangement for human socialization.
Same sex marriages also provide the legal rationale for the creation of
polygamous marriages and group marriage arrangements. Our opponents really are trying to redefine
the human experience and radically change basic human institutions that have
served us since the beginning of time.
DH: What are you and the
Florida4Marriage.org committee hoping to accomplish in Florida and why do you
think it would be effective?
JS: In
short we want all Floridians to vote yes on Amendment 2, November 4, 2008. We are one of the only states in the country
that requires a 60% popular vote but we are up for the challenge. State constitutional amendments, such as the
ones passed in 27 other states, are the best protection to preserve marriage as
the union of a man and a woman and stop “gay” marriage in society.
DH: How could our readers
support your cause? How can they find
more information?
JS: We
need volunteers, donors, and people who can write and make phone calls. Our website at www.Florida4Marriage.org is THE
best place to learn more and get involved.
DH: Your opponents are raising
money and starting to get their message out.
What are you up against in this fight and how are you going to achieve
your goals?
JS: Florida
is ground zero for the marriage battle.
Our opponents have already raised 2.5 million dollars and will mount a
sizable challenge. We will need the help
of not just Floridians, but also thousands of people out side of Florida to
donate to our cause and help roll back the tide of homosexual rights advancing
in Florida.
DH: I’ve heard from your
opponents that a state constitutional amendment to preserve the traditional
definition of marriage (ban “gay marriage”) would cause some citizens to lose
benefits. Is this true? What kind of things are they talking
about? I know you are a trained lawyer,
so I would expect you have a thorough understanding of the implications of such
an amendment.
JS: This
is the same strategy used in Arizona, the first state that has ever lost a
marriage amendment. Our opponents know
they can not win if they argue the merits of homosexual marriage. Therefore they are trying the really pathetic
and dastardly strategy of trying to scare senior citizens by telling them they
will loose benefits. The argument is utter
nonsense. They are also arguing that
domestic partnerships in Florida will be struck down if the amendment passes. Amendment 2 is about one thing, and one thing alone. It defines marriage as the union of a man and
a woman and it and will not interfere with anyone’s benefits.
DH: How would you answer critics
who claim you are discriminating against people with this proposed amendment?
JS: Every
person has limitations on who they can marry--- not just homosexuals. You can not marry a person under 18, a close
family member, a person who is already married or your mom. Each of these restrictions has a valid and
legitimate policy rationale. Marriage is
available to all those who meet the legal requirements. Every law discriminates in the sense that it
sets forth distinctions and creates limitations for human behavior. The real question is whether these
limitations are arbitrarily and capricious or do they serve a greater purpose
to benefit the common good. Clearly,
marriage serves the common good of society.
DH: Thanks for your time. AdvanceUSA
is greatly concerned about protecting marriage and we are very grateful for the
work you are doing in Florida, and the work being done by other state
organizations around the country. Please
keep us updated. Keep up the great work!