House Bill 1615: Creates Same-Sex Unions

Sponsor:
Rep. Greg Harris, Sara Feigenholtz, Constance A. Howard, Harry Osterman

Summary:
This bill permits same-sex couples to enter into spousal unions and to have the same rights, responsibilities, and obligations as married couples.

Status:

2/22/2007		(House) Filed with the clerk by Rep. Greg Harris
2/22/2007		(House) Added chief co-sponsor Rep. Sara Feigenholtz
2/22/2007		(House) Added chief co-sponsor Rep. Constance A. Howard
2/22/2007		(House) Added chief co-sponsor Rep. Harry Osterman
2/22/2007		(House) First reading
3/1/2007		(House) Assigned to Human Services Committee
3/14/2007		(House) House Committee Hearing at 8 a.m.

HSLDA's Position:
HSLDA opposes this bill.

Action Requested:
None requested at this time.

Background:

Parental rights are a recognized constitutional right despite the fact that they are not explicitly stated in the Constitution. It is a fair question to ask: if they are implied rights rather than explicit rights, what is the source of parental rights? Here is what the Supreme Court said in 2000 in the case of Troxel v. Granville:

“Our jurisprudence historically has reflected Western civilization concepts of the family as a unit with broad parental authority over minor children. Our cases have consistently followed that course.”

Thus, parental rights are based on “western civilization concepts of the family.”

When those concepts are no longer the legal definition of the family in this nation, then the foundation upon which parental rights are based is completely removed.

In a world which widely embraces the notions of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, it is fanciful to believe that any other theory will arise to replace the traditions of western civilization as a basis for parental rights.

Therefore, HSLDA will continue to fight against same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage attacks the traditions of the family in western civilization. This is an attack on parental rights. This is a battle the homeschooling movement cannot afford to lose.

Other Resources

Bill Text

Bill History

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