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Air Date: March 20, 2013
Host: Jim Schneider
Guest: Brad Dacus
Next week Tuesday, March 26th & Wednesday March 27th, the United States Supreme Court will hear two cases. The case of United States vs. Windsor pertains to the challenging of the Defense of Marriage Act (D.O.M.A.) and Hollingsworth vs. Perry is the case challenging California’s Proposition 8.
Discussing this with Jim was Brad Dacus, the president of the Pacific Justice Institute, a non-profit legal defense organization specializing in the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties. The Pacific Justice Institute has a network with hundreds of volunteer affiliate attorneys and handles more cases on the West Coast than any other organization of its kind.
Since the Defense of Marriage Act was signed into law by President Bill Clinton, there have been 18 lawsuits challenging it. It has made its way to the Supreme Court and there should be a decision in June. This case is important because it’s a question of maintaining the will of the people reflected through legislation and whether or not by this process a state can respect the institution of marriage and define it as their citizens deem necessary.
Prop 8 specifically addresses the ability of California to define marriage as being between one man and one woman. Brad is cautiously optimistic that there are five votes on the court that will uphold both D.O.M.A. and the ability of states to define marriage as being between one man and one woman.
If the Supreme Court rules against D.O.M.A. and Prop 8, any state legislation that defines marriage as being only between one man and one woman will become invalid.
Your prayers are needed for the Supreme Court concerning this decision and you can get caught up on the legal specifics when you review this important edition of Crosstalk.
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