Louisiana Judge Overturns Marriage Protection Amendment Approved by 80% of Voters

WASHINGTON, October 6, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Louisiana’s marriage protection amendment was struck down by Louisiana Judge William Morvant today. Morvant claimed the amendment – overwhelmingly approved by voters on Sept. 18 – was flawed as drawn up by the Legislature because it had more than one purpose: banning not only same sex “marriage” but also “civil unions.”  Pro-family leaders were quick to condemn the ruling. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins said, “We have judges acting in arrogance to usurp the actions of the legislature and deny the voters of Louisiana who voted overwhelmingly to support the protection of marriage.”  Focus on the Family’s Dr. James Dobson echoed the sentiments. “Once again we are witnessing the imperious judiciary blatantly ignoring the will of the voters. These tyrannical judges continue to show an eagerness to legislate from the bench, imposing their own agendas, and those of their activist allies, upon American families,” said Dobson. “The will of the people of Louisiana could not be clearer – this amendment passed with the support of nearly eighty percent of the votes. Yet this judge saw fit to disenfranchise those voters in favor of a radical social agenda.”  Perkins concluded, “The legislature understands, and the people understand, that both “civil unions” and same sex “marriage” undermine the institution of marriage and jeopardize the future of our children.”  jhw