Repealing Sodomy Laws Undercuts Marriage, Observers Say
Focus on the Family,
July 9, 2001
http://www.family.org/cforum/fnif/news/A0016752.html
By Dave Clark, correspondent
SUMMARY: Goodbye sodomy laws, hello legalized immorality.
In 33 states, critics have achieved repeal of a law they say is
"archaic" and out of step with modern-day mores. It is the law
against sodomy.
Arizona is the latest state to repeal its sodomy laws. There, as elsewhere,
lawmakers are deciding government has no compelling interest in the lives of
consenting adults.
"It’s funny that they’re called archaic, but all they do is
establish the principle that marriage between a man and a woman is the
foundation and the bedrock of our society," according to Len Munsil, with
the Center for Arizona Policy.
Munsil said the abdication of traditional values by lawmakers is creating
confusion, especially among impressionable kids.
"(The new ethic says) all forms of sexual behavior are equal and
marriage no longer holds the special place it always has in American
society."
The message has found its way into school videos like one called "That’s
a Family." Here is an excerpt: "Sometimes it’s hard to tell other
people that our two mothers are lesbians because, sometimes, they don’t
understand."
Said Munsil: "The entire push has come from the homosexual
community."
Arizona state Sen. Dean Martin said the impact of removing preference for
traditional family from public policy punishes married couples. For instance,
the Internal Revenue Service allows tax deductions for cohabiting dependents
in tolerant states.
"At the same time, we’re failing to provide relief for people who
are married, who are incurring the marriage tax penalty because we can’t
afford that type of relief," Martin said.
State Rep. Laura Knaperak said Arizona’s governor signed the sodomy
repeal bill without counting the moral and financial costs.
"Basically, we are going to slide to a civilization that no longer has
any power or influence on anything that is good or moral," she said.
Of the 17 states with sodomy laws on the books, Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma
and Kansas restrict their application to homosexuals. Many agree the laws are
not enforceable but should remain in the statutes to uphold the ideals of
intimacy within traditional marriage.
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