Marriage Policy and Advocacy

"All those…who exercise influence over communities and social groups should work efficiently for the welfare of marriage and the family."
- Second Vatican Council, Gaudium et Spes, no. 52

The family, based on the marriage of a man and a woman, "is not a simple social convention, but rather the fundamental cell of every society. Consequently, policies which undermine the family threaten human dignity and the future of humanity itself. The family unit is fundamental for the educational process and for the development both of individuals and States; hence there is a need for policies which promote the family and aid social cohesion and dialogue."
- Pope Benedict XVI, Address (Jan. 9, 2012)

"The family - based on marriage between a man and a woman - is the first and fundamental unit of society and is a sanctuary for the creation and nurturing of children. It should be defended and strengthened, not redefined or undermined by permitting same-sex unions or other distortions of marriage. Respect for the family should be reflected in every policy and program."
- USCCB, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, p. 14, (no. 46)

The mandate of the USCCB Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense Marriage includes both catechesis/education and public policy advocacy. Below are pertinent links for information about the USCCB’s public policy advocacy work related to marriage.

• Current legislative priorities for marriage (USCCB Office of Government Relations)
  
  
• Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
  
  
  • PDF Version: for marriage, see pages vi, 3 (sec. 10), 14 (sec. 46), 21 (sec. 70) and 30
    
    
  • Website: with handouts and more
    
    
  • VIDEO: Archbishop Cordileone on faithful citizenship and marriage
    
    

• Defense of Marriage Press Releases (2003 – present)
  
  
• USCCB, Statement “Promote, Preserve, Protect Marriage” (2003, reaffirmed 2006)
  
  
• Amicus Briefs (Office of General Counsel)
  
  
  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2011): Federal Defense of Marriage Act
    
    
  • Perry v. Schwarzenegger (2010): California’s Proposition 8