FRC Statement on Senator Portman's Reversal on Marriage

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Mar 15, 2013, 02:01 ET

WASHINGTON, March 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to Senator Rob Portman's reversal on the redefinition of marriage:

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"I commend Senator Portman for his unconditional love for his son. Regardless of a child's choices, the love of a parent can and should be a guiding beacon in the lives of their sons and daughters. Unconditional love, however, does not mean unconditional support in choices that are both harmful to them and society as a whole. This is especially true when we approach public policy. Our unconditional love for our children should not override the historical and social science evidence which makes abundantly clear what is best for all children and for society - being raised by a married mother and father.

"Senator Portman stated this was a generational issue, with younger Americans more supportive of redefining marriage. However, one of the Senate's youngest senators, Marco Rubio clearly articulated the need for natural marriage and the right of states to preserve it. The Supreme Court should allow the debate about marriage to continue. As this debate goes on, we believe that most states will continue to conclude that marriage exists to bring a man and a woman together as husband and wife to be father and mother to any children their union produces. Marriage is rooted in the reality that children need a mother and a father," concluded Perkins.

SOURCE Family Research Council