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The Easy Button - an alternative to legislative solutions Many sponsors of the Amendment have stated they are not opposed to giving serious consideration to expansion of selected benefits for same sex partners. Typical of this middle of the road position is the statement by Representative Mark Gundrum, an Amendment Cosponsor: “ . . . significantly though, the language does not prohibit the legislature, local governments or private businesses from extending particular benefits to same-sex partners as those legal entities might choose to do.” Yet Gay Rights groups remain steadfast in opposition. Why? Because they understand that pursuing the legislative process would place them in competition with thousands of other advocacy groups who also desire benefits and increased equity for their constituents.
While the majority of these other advocacy groups represent populations that are disadvantaged, handicapped, or needy, in sharp contrast the GLBT community is rich in material wealth (see sidebar), educational attainment, community resources, inspired self-interest, and media manipulation/public relations skills. This economic and social power married to exceptional persuasive skills and contacts add up to leverage that no other group can match. Yet even with this advantage, they seek to use the backdoor of a judicial redefinition of marriage. - The Easy Button. Are these benefits deserved? Is it the right thing to do? Are such spousal benefits for same sex and alternate lifestyle couples undeserved or unwarranted? On the face of it no. In the ideal world, there should be no objection to granting Gays and Lesbians the tax and social welfare benefits they seek. Yet there are many other individuals and groups who can make a good case for being disadvantaged, under-served, and deserving of a much larger share of the social and economic welfare pie. All these groups deserve an equal opportunity to place their case before the people and their elected representatives. This kind of "I'll get mine and the rest be damned" attitude is but one of many factors that are breaking down American society into tribal camps. The Easy Button is dangerous, a nuclear alternative that ought not be used. The best way to insure that the GLBT doesn't use it is to pass the Marriage Amendment. Then they must compete on the level playing field, using the long established institutions for accommodating diverse interests while promoting the common good. The Threat to Traditional Marriage and Family? |
Article Pages: Post Amendment Passage - How will life be different for Gays and Lesbians? The threat to Traditional Marriage and Family ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ Links Text of Marriage Amendment Question (PDF File) Questions and Answers about Wisconsin's Marriage Protection Amendment (PDF File) "Defense of Marriage" Home Page of the Family Research Institute of Wisconsin The Family Research Institute of Wisconsin Wisconsin Coalition for Traditional Marriage Defense of Marriage Act Petition Facts about Marriage & Family (PDF File)
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