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The Burden of Proof MUST Be on Those Who Advocate Fundamentall y Changing Marriage
Imagine, for a moment, that the U.S. government was considering eliminating the U.S. Dollar, and replacing it with a new, multi-national currency. Suppose further, that the principle proponents of this change were those who would benefit the most. Would it be wise to make such a fundamental and far reaching change without clearly demonstrating that such change will not result in harm?
Of course not. And yet, that is precisely what genderless marriage advocates are asking us to do: enact legislation which may have irreversible effects - without any proof whatsoever that this will not be harmful to our society. This should be of particular concern, especially given the fact that, by its nature, a same-sex (i.e. genderless) marriage involving children automatically creates a situation of fatherlessness or motherlessness for the child. This fact is inescapable.
Common sense dictates that those who advocate a social change such as legalizing genderless marriage must bear the burden of proof that the change they advocate will not end up being harmful to society as a whole. The same common sense indicates that the burden is NOT on those who want to preserve traditional marriage and the well demonstrated social benefits it provides.
Certainly, there is currently no more controversial social issue before us, either as a state or a nation, than this one. The possibility of legalizing genderless marriage has already provoked major public policy reactions in opposition to it. Indeed, 27 states have gone so far as to amend their state constitutions to specifically prohibit genderless marriage. Nationwide, a total of 45 states now have either adopted such state constitutional amendments or have passed laws specifically defining marriage as only between a man and a woman. An amendment to the U.S. Constitution to prohibit genderless marriage has even been voted on twice so far in Congress. Public opinion polls show that a strong majority of Americans absolutely oppose genderless marriage.
There are a number of reasons why the demand to legalize genderless marriage is so controversial. However, they all stem in various degrees from the fact that, when conducted responsibly, traditional marriage between a man and a woman is a time tested social institution; one that has been the foundation of every successful society across human cultures and over the millennia. No such record exists for genderless marriage, nor are there any reliable studies of same-sex parenting outcomes. Modern social science research has overwhelmingly demonstrated why traditional marriage has been so important: it provides essential benefits to society, especially for children, who are the future of any society. The same research indicates that these far reaching societal benefits cannot be provided as effectively, if at all, in any other way. This research proves beyond any question that, on average, children do best on every measure of success one might choose when they are raised in a family headed by their married biological parents in a low conflict marriage. On average, the “next best” situation for children does not provide these same benefits
This fact is precisely why, after a thorough review of the available science, a multi-party commission of the French National Assembly has issued a report which focuses on the rights of children, rather than those of adults, in particular, the child’s right to a mother and a father. This report illuminates the reasoning behind the French government’s bold steps to recognize, protect, and nurture traditional marriage. While allowing same sex couples the near equivalent of civil unions, the French government has barred same-sex couples from marriage, noting that, “Children are central to marriage,” and that “The man/woman difference must remain the foundation of marriage.” In the report, one French commentator accurately notes that “Marriage is the only institution that from the outset links, interconnects and unifies the three dimensions of filiation or parenthood: the biological, the legal, and the social.” France has implemented strict limitations on other facets of same-sex relationships, including a prohibition on same-sex adoption as well as medically assisted conception for gays and single parents. We strongly encourage the reader to explore the various publications available for downloading on our website which demonstrate the basis for such legal actions. Clearly, such findings should give us pause before leaping into untested legislative action.
Because children are the future of any society, every society has a direct and compelling interest in making certain that they are raised in such a way that they will be the most productive and responsible future citizens possible. This is why every successful society has protected and promoted the “social institution” of marriage between a man and a woman as the foundation of the family. (A “social institution” is the network of shared definitions, expectations, values and understandings held by the members of a society. For a brief overview of the importance of the social institution of marriage, click here).
 The “bottom line” is that we have clear scientific proof that the presently accepted social institution of marriage, defined as only the union of a man and a woman, produces important, essential and identifiable benefits to society, largely because it is child focused. It is important to note that, by its nature, genderless marriage focuses on the perceived rights of the adult, rather than the best interests of children. There is no evidence that such a dramatic redefinition of the social institution of marriage to an adult centered institution of genderless, or same-sex marriage, would (or even could) produce these same benefits. In fact, in the few places around the world which have legalized genderless marriage there are already some very disturbing indications of serious negative consequences.
It is precisely because social science research has so overwhelmingly validated the current social institution of traditional man/woman marriage that the burden of proof must rest entirely on those who are advocating this dramatic change.
One of the primary missions of VMAC is to hold all concerned parties to this burden of proof standard. To play dice with our society’s future would be simply irresponsible.
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