Coalition Hopes NJ High Court Will Uphold Traditional Marriage
by Allie Martin
October 9, 2006
(AgapePress) - - A coalition of pro-family activists in New Jersey are asking that state's highest court to preserve one-man, one-woman marriage. The New Jersey Supreme Court could soon decide whether to uphold traditional marriage laws, overturn them, or send the matter to the state legislature. John Tomicki, president of the New Jersey Coalition to Preserve and Protect Marriage, claims the laws of his state are clear with regard to marriage. "We do not need a constitutional amendment," he says, "since our statutes in New Jersey are quite clear that marriage has been defined as a union of one man and one woman."
In fact, Tomicki points out, that definition was upheld in New Jersey's courts years ago. "And in the current litigation," he says, "seven same-gender couples tried to move to strike, in effect, that statute down. The lower court in New Jersey, in a very clear and profound decision, said there was no violation of equal protection or the due process clause."
Recently, the New Jersey Coalition to Preserve and Protect Marriage held a prayer vigil at the State Capitol. Hundreds of religious leaders gathered on the steps of the Capitol Building in Trenton in a show of support for traditional marriage. Tomicki says these and other pro-family leaders and citizens recognize the importance of the New Jersey high court's ruling.
"What's at stake," the coalition president observes, "is first the doctrine of the separation of powers: will the New Jersey court -- which has had a tendency to legislation from the bench -- adhere to the solid constitutional principle that the question of definitions like that [of marriage] belong in the legislature?"
What the court must decide, Tomicki contends, "is an issue of not only biblical proportions; but also, from a legal point of view, it is solid constitutional law." He says the court could be issuing its ruling any day.
Allie Martin, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
