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 News and Commentary Stronger Families keeps a close eye on local and national media, scanning the headlines for articles, interviews, and reports that deal with family issues. When we find something of particular interest, we try to reproduce it here, in part or in full. Our goal is to provide our visitors with the broadest, most complete resource on family related literature on the web.
News Marriage Net.org A tool of Marriage Net, founded by the Georgia Family Council. This website provides helpful marriage information (such as "Marriage Tax: Gone for Good?) as well as resources for any time in life (single, engaged, married, or divorced). California Marriage Amendment Challenged in Court Voice of America November 6, 2008 CALIFORNIA---Civil rights groups and San Francisco city officials filed separate legal challenges against the passage of California's marriage amendment. They feel the amendment violates the current law legalizing same sex marriage. California Voters Approve Marriage Amendment By Lisa Leff, Associated Press November 5, 2008 CALIFORNIA---With a 52% approval, California voters approved proposition 8, a measure that amends the Constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman. The ruling will impact the previous Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage. Constitutional Convention Rejected By Christopher Keating, The Hartford Courant ovember 5, 2008 CONNECTICUT--Every 20 years, citizens of Connecticut have the opportunity to approve a constitutional convention. If approved, the legislature will meet to discuss proposals to amend the constitution. All proposals will be given to voters as a referendum. Voters in Connecticut opposed a campaign to call a constitutional convention. Proponents hoped to address same sex marriage, eminent domain, and state spending. Opponents worried about a "mobocracy." Family Culture in Flux By Cheryl Wetzstein, The Washington Times, Op-Ed November 4, 2008 Wetzstein discusses three timely matters of concern for family council: an increase in single mother homes, and a lack of fatherhood presence in the homes; an increase in cohabitation; and gay marriage. She calls for the upcoming administration to " fund some serious, unbiased, peer-reviewed research into gay relationships and gay parenting." California Voters Split on Marriage Amendment By John Wildermuth, San Francisco Chronicle October 22, 2008 CALIFORNIA---Wildermuth outlines the demographics of those who support and oppose Prop. 8: an amendment to the California Constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman. Fireproof Has Unexpected Success By Kate Brumback, Associated Press October 10, 2008 Fireproof, a Christian based movie that teaches how to endure trials in marriage has seen great success. It's opening weekend, September 26, it was number 4 in the box office. A week later, it was still in the top 10 at number 8. Fireproof cost $500,000 to make and has earned over $13.6million. Connecticut Supreme Court Legalizes Same Sex Marriage By Michael Levenson and Andrew Ryan, Boston Globe October 10, 2008 CONNECTICUT---In a 4-3 decision, the Connecticut Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage by overturning a law baring same-sex marriage. The court ruled that the statue "failed to establish adequate reason to justify the statutory ban" and it was unconstitutional because it violated equal protection under the law. The Family Institute of Connecticut is leading an effort to secure a Constitutional Convention for the November ballot. This will start a referendum process to place an amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman in the Constitution. Faithful Parents Needed By Cheryl Wetzstein, Washington Times October 7, 2008 Wetzstein covers a new research project from the Family Research Council that lists the most important ingredients for child well being: growing up with two biological parents who have a life of faith. In 'Mapping America,' the FRC features charts that illustrate this discovery. CA Returns 'Bride' and 'Groom' to Marriage License By Merideth May, San Francisco Chronicle October 7, 2008 CALIFORNIA---After the CA Supreme Court legalized same sex marriage, the Department of Public Health changed marriage licenses to read Partner A and Partner B, instead of Bridge and Groom. After complaints, the department is now issuing new licenses that allow couples to check bride or groom. A Look at Proposition 8 By Lisa Leff, Associated Press September 28, 2008 CALIFORNIA---Leff provides a comprehensive look at both sides of Proposition 8: The California Marriage Protection Amendment which would amend the state Constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman. "Bride" and "Groom" Removed from California Marriage Certificates Family News in Focus September 9, 2008 CALIFORNIA---After the California Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage, county clerks replaced Bride and Groom on their marriage license with Party A and Party B. The State Office of Vital Records denied the marriage license of a couple who handwrote in Bride and Groom. Put Your Marriage Before Your Kids By David Cade, The Christian Science Monitor August 26, 2008 Cade, a minister, family coach, and founder of the Center for Staying Married and Raising Great Kids, notes that couples need to put their marriage before their children. A child centered marriage creates "anxious, exhausted parents and demanding, entitled kids who act out." When couples put marriages first, their "kids can grow up with a model of what marriage can be...[also] when kids are no longer the center of the family, they can learn self-reliance and cooperation, and become citizens instead of consumers." (emphasis mine) Oregon Tribe Allows Same Sex Marriage By Bill Graves, The Oregonian August 20, 2008 COOS BAY, Ore---The Coquille Indian Tribe of Oregon chose to legalize same-sex marriage. The tribe is as federally recognized sovereign nation and not bound by the Oregon Constitution. (The Oregon Constitution defines marriage as between one man and one woman.) Because the Tribe is federally recognized, their decision violates the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). DOMA states that the federal government may not recognize a same sex marriage for any reason. The federal government could challenge their decision. Hallmark Authorizes Cards with Gay Marriage Theme By Jennifer Mann, The Kansas City Star September 4, 2008 In response to consumer requests, Hallmark has issued a new line of cards that specifically address same-sex marriage. Iran Women Activists See Victory TVNZ.com September 2, 2008 IRAN---The Iranian Parliament has indefinitely delayed a vote on the "Family Support Bill." In addition to other issues, the bill would have allowed an Iranian man take a second wife without the agreement of his first wife. Women's rights activities lobbied against the measure. They are seeking an end to polygamy in Iran. Financial Impact of Marriage, Birth, or Divorce By Pamela Yip, Dallas Morning News August 31, 2008 Marriage is a covenant, not a contract between two business partners. However, it is important couples are on the same page with their finances. Yip gives a few tips such as how you will approach paying off debt, budgeting major purposes and filing income tax. She also discusses the financial impact of children and dividing assets in the event of a divorce. California Churches Unite to Support Marriage Family News in Focus August 28, 2008 CALIFORNIA---Interfaith churches throughout California are joining together to support Proposition 8, the constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one woman and one man. Poll: CA Voters Oppose Ban on Gay Marriage By Judy Lin, Associated Press August 28, 2008 CALIFORNIA---According to a recent poll by the Public Policy Institute of California, 54 percent of voters oppose Proposition 8, a measure to define marriage as between one man and one woman. 40 percent support it. However, voters are split 47-47 on their support of gay marriage in general. Renewing Vows to Save a Marriage By Dan Childs, ABC News August 26, 2008 In light of Madonna and Guy Ritchie's decision to renew their vows in hopes to strengthen their marriage, marriage experts discuss if this step helps. They conclude that renewing vows may help strengthen a marriage, however, couples also need to learn how to change the way they act together to sustain their marriage. Health Benefits Play Role in Marriage or Divorce By Kevin Sack, New York Times August 13, 2008 Sack shares how many couples choose to marry, or even divorce, based on their ability to obtain medical insurance. Report Says Babies Are A Drag on the Economy By Sue Dunlevy, Daily Telegraph August 6, 2008 AUSTRALIA---Australia's fertility rate is at its highest level in 25 years. Their Productivity Commission released a report saying that increasing the birth rate will negatively affect the economy as more women will leave the workforce to stay at home with their children. Proponents Will Sue over Change of Wording for Proposition 8 By Jessica Garrison, LA Times July 29, 2008 CALIFORNIA---Supporters of Proposition 8, the proposed amendment to define marriage as between one man and one woman, announced they will sue to block a change to the amendment made by CA Attorney General, Jerry Brown. Brown changed the amendment to read "eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry." He also added passage would include millions of dollars in loss to state and local revenue. The legislative analysts office noted their would be minimal financial impact. Brown's changes have made it more likely for voters to vote no. Poll Shows Distorted View of Cohabitation By Devon Williams, Citizen Link July 29, 2008 According to a recent USA Today/Gallup Poll, nearly half of Americans believe that cohabitation can be good for marriage. Nearly half also believe cohabitation has no effect on children. In reality, statistics show that couples who live together before marriage have a higher rate of divorce than couples who do not. Marriage and Church Attendance Linked By Devon Williams, Citizen Link August 5, 2008 According to a recent study through Princeton University, a decline in marriage is connected to a decline in church attendance over the last three decades. Single men are 57% and single women are 41% less likely to attend church regularly than married men and women. Honey, I Cheated With Your Checkbook By Diane Mapes, LifeWire July 28, 2008 Mapes outlines how many spouses lie to each other about financial spending. She shares tips on how to avoid the spending trap. MA Senate votes to Repeal 1913 Marriage Law By Eric Moskowitz, The Boston Globe July 16, 2008 MASSACHUSETTS---The state Senate voted unanimously to vote down a 1913 law that prevents same sex couples from other states from marrying in Massachusetts. The bill continues to the House. Massachusetts Gay Marriage Advocates Hopes to Repeal Old Law By Matt Viser, Boston Globe July 10, 2008 MASSACHUSETTS---State lawmakers plan to vote on a bill to repeal a 1913 law that prevents same sex couples from other states from marrying in Massachusetts. Judges Hear Case on Oregon's Domestic Partnership Law Associated Press July 8, 2008 A three judge panel from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals heard a case on a ballot measure to overturn Oregon's Domestic Partnership Law. At issue is whether signatures for a petition for the ballot measure were valid, if the state should have allowed voters to verify disputed signatures, or if the state was correct in disqualifying them. The lower court ruled in favor of the state. More Couples Find Marriage Leaves Them Alone Together By Sue Shellenbarger, The Wall Street Journal July 8, 2008 According to a recent study conducted by Penn State, the likelihood of married couples spending time together fell 28%. More couples are leading separate lives with separate hobbies, or evening vacationing separately. Online Marriage Counseling, Good or Bad? By Marilyn Gardner, ABC.com June 29, 2008 An online computer program, "e-Harmony Marriage" was created by Les and Leslie Parrott as a less expensive counseling program to help couples with their marriage. The program is also helpful for couples living far apart. The Parrott's note this is not a substitute for marital counseling, especially for couples struggling with their marriage. Gay Marriage Law Passes in Norway Associated Press June 17, 2008 NORWAY---Under a new gender neutral marriage law, same-sex couples will be allowed to marry, adopt, and undergo artificial insemination. Previously a 1993 law allowed same sex couples to enter into civil unions. California Supreme Court Will Not Delay Same-Sex Marriages By Maura Dolan and Jessica Garrison, LA Times June 5, 2008 CALIFORNIA---The Supreme Court has refused to delay enforcement of same-sex marriages until after the November election. In November, voters will get to vote on an amendment to the constitution declaring marriage as between one man and one woman. Same-sex marriages are officially legal on June 17th. VA Court Rules in Favor of Parental Rights Family News in Focus June 5, 2008 VIRGINIA---Jennifer Siperko and Christine Stadter were in a same-sex relationship when Siperko gave birth through artificial insemination. Stadter did not adopt the child. After the couple broke up, Stadter said she should be allowed parental rights as a "defacto" parent. The Virginia Court of Appeals rejected her argument, and declined to give Stadter rights to the child. NY Gov. Authorizes States to Give Benefits to Same-Sex Couples Married Elsewhere Outcome June 4, 2008 A New York Appeals court ruled the state must recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. Gov. David Paterson has authorized state agencies to change their policies and regulations to incorporate same-sex couples. Paterson calls this "...a strong step toward marriage equality." 63% Say Gay Marriage is a Private Choice USA Today June 3, 2008 According to a recent survey by USA Today and Gallup, 63% of American's say gay marriage is a private decision between two people and the government should not have the right to prohibit or allow such marriages. 78% still feel the government should regulate marriages under age 16 and 66% feel they should regulate polygamy. Federal Marriage Amendment Reintroduced By Jennifer Mesko, Citizen Link May 22, 2008 WASHINGTON D.C.---Rep. Paul Broun [R-GA] shared he plans to reintroduce an amendment the federal constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman. The amendment has failed twice in the House and once in the Senate. California Supreme Court Asked to Delay 'Marriage Decision' Catholic News Agency May 26, 2008 CALIFORNIA---Proposition 22 Legal Defense Fund and the Alliance Defense Fund have asked the California Supreme Court to delay it's decision to allow same-sex marriage until voters have an opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman in November. England's Longest Marriage: 80 Years! By Richard Smith, Mirror May 26, 2008 ENGLAND---Frank and Anita Milford celebrate their 80th wedding anniversary--England's longest marriage ever. Their advice? Make time for each other. CA Supreme Court Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage By Lisa Leff, Associated Press May 15, 2008 CALIFORNIA---In 2000, voters passed Prop. 22, a law that strengthened the state's 1978 law that only recognized marriage between one man and one woman in California. In 2004, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom allowed same-sex couple to marry. The Supreme Court halted this, and 2 dozen same sex couples sued. On May 15th, the Supreme Court ruled the 1978 and 2000 laws defining marriage were unconstitutional. Same-sex couples can now legally marry in California. Harvard Professor: Children Spoil Happiness By Jennifer Mesko, Family News in Focus May 8, 2008 According to Daniel Gilbert, Harvard University professor of psychology, children decrease happiness in a marriage. However, Jenny Tyree from Focus on the Family, cites a Pew Research poll that revealed 85 percent of people said "their relationship with their children was their greatest source of happiness." Michigan Court Rules Same Sex Partners Can't Receive Benefits By David Eggert, Associated Press May 8, 2008 MICHIGAN---According to the Michigan Supreme Court, the constitutional amendment stating marriage as between one man and one woman prevents government and universities from providing benefits to same sex partners. United Methodists Uphold Stance on Traditional Marriage Christian Telegraph May 4, 2008 The United Methodist General Conference Delegates re-affirmed their definition on marriage as between one man and one woman nd that it is "a covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage." The decision was split. Workshop for Children with Tantrums and Mental Disorders By Paris Achen, The Mail Tribune April 21, 2008 The Oregon Family Support Network and Jackson County Mental Health Services will provide a workshop for parents with children who have explosive outbursts. Often this is due to autism or post traumatic stress disorder. The 10 week course will teach parents to identify triggers, and help decrease outbursts. Vermont to Release Report on Same-Sex Marriage By Daniel Barlow, Vermont Press Bureau April 17, 2008 VERMONT---Eight years ago, Vermont legalized civil unions for same sex couples. Last summer, members of the House and Senate formed the Vermont Commission on Family Recognition and Protection to determine if the state should legalize marriage for same-sex couples. The report is scheduled to come out on Monday, April 20th. Divorce and Unwed Childbirths: High Cost for Taxpayers Press Release, Families Northwest April 15, 2008 According to a recent study conducted by Georgia State University economist Ben Scafidi, divorce and unwed childbirths cost U.S. taxpayers over $112 billion each year. In Oregon, the cost is $361 million a year. Researchers found that single mothers are in greater need of social benefits than married couples. Supporters call for leaders to provide marriage counseling and marriage preparation courses to help. Schwarzenegger Will Not Support CA Marriage Amendment By Allison Hoffman, Associated Press April 11, 2008 CALIFORNIA---Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger [R-CA] shared he will fight an initiative defining marriage as between one man and one woman, if one makes it to the November 2008 ballot. Britain: Marriage Rate Falls to Lowest Level in 144 Years By Helen Nugent, Times Online March 27, 2008 BRITAIN---Marriage rates for 2006 are r22.8% out of 1,000 for men and 20.5% out of 1,000 for women. Accountants note tax incentives are better for single couples than married couples. Religious ceremonies also continue to decline in popularity. Film Gives Voice to Foster Children By Thelma Guerrero-Huston, Statesman Jou rnal March 10, 2008 SALEM---Ralph
Cunningham, winner of Vista Film and Video in Portland, has created
a one hour documentary "Fostering Hope," that emphasizes the good things
happening through the foster care system." The film premieres at 7:00pm
at the Elsinore Theatre on March 11th. Child Abuse, Neglect Soar 72% in Jackson County By Sanne Spect, The Medford Mail Tribune March 6, 2008 MEDFORD, Ore---According to a report by Children First, reports of abuse in Jackson County increased 72% since 2006. However, there was a 68% improvement in the recurrence of abuse. Officials base the increase on detailed record keeping. Goldenaires Club Family News in Focus March 6, 2008 The Goldenaires is a new exclusive club only available for couples married 50 years or longer. This national club hopes to set an example to younger people, and develop seminars and marriage workshops. Esquivel, Girod Back Initiative to Ban Civil Union | |||
