Senate Joint Resolution 6: Marriage Amendment

Author:
Senator William Sharer

Summary:
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to Article 20 of the Constitution of New Mexico to define a recognized, valid marriage as between one man and one woman.

Status:

1/20/2009

(Senate) Rules Committee

HSLDA’s Position:
HSLDA supports this bill.

Action Requested:
None requested at this time.

Background:
The full text of the amendment is:

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. It is proposed to amend Article 20 of the constitution of New Mexico by adding a new section to read:

“Marriage in this state shall consist only of the union of one man and one woman.”

Section 2. The amendment proposed by this resolution shall be submitted to the people for approval or rejection at the next general election or at any special election prior to that date that may be called for that purpose.

How does defining marriage as being between one man and one woman potentially affect your right to homeschool your children?

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. 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