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Act now to protect biblical marriage!

Dear John,

For years, the Left has been pushing a radical sexual ideology in policy and the culture. But now, some conservatives and even professing Christians have succumbed to the political pressure and are supporting legislation that contains a view of marriage that is unbiblical!

Just this month, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed a bill into law that formally recognizes so-called "same-sex marriage."

The bill in question, H.B.174, says:

No person authorized [...] to issue a marriage license shall deny the issuance of such license to two parties contemplating a lawful marriage on the basis of the sex, gender, or race of such parties. Such lawful marriages shall be recognized in the Commonwealth regardless of the sex, gender, or race of the parties.

Religious organizations and members of the clergy acting in their religious capacity shall have the right to refuse to perform any marriage.

What makes Governor Youngkin's actions so shocking is that he is a professing Christian who attended numerous churches across the state while on the campaign trail. It's astounding that he, a professing Christian, would choose to sign his name to a piece of legislation that contradicts what Scripture clearly teaches about marriage.

Furthermore, not only is the bill inconsistent with the biblical definition of marriage, it doesn't change how Virginia is currently operating.

Because of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) and the so-called "Respect for Marriage Act" passed by Congress in 2022, same-sex couples in Virginia and across the country can already have their relationships legally recognized as "lawful marriages."

So, what was the point?

Think back to before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs decision. Numerous states had "trigger laws" in place to defend unborn life if Roe was overturned. Similarly, if Obergefell is ever overturned, Virginia's state constitution -- which defines marriage as between one man and one woman -- would serve as a "trigger law," bringing the state back to that definition. Now, with H.B.174, that might not happen.

LaTwyla Mathias, executive director of Progress Virginia, said, "Until we can pass a constitutional amendment protecting equal marriage, this bill is an important step in guaranteeing that every couple has the right to marry."

With the Obergefell decision and the passing of the so-called "Respect for Marriage Act," many people think that the battle to protect the definition of marriage is already over.

But Family Research Council is not surrendering what we know to be truth; God designed as the union of one man and one woman!

We are continuing to stand for marriage as God designed it, even as others cave to cultural pressures. Rather than lose hope like the enemy wants us to, we are educating believers, pastors, and political leaders on what Scripture declares to be true about marriage, and what happens when a society rejects that truth.

The radical gender ideology that is sweeping the country is directly connected to the redefinition of marriage. We are not only helping people see the damage this redefinition has done, we are equipping them to defend natural marriage in public policy and our culture. John, will you join us in this important effort?

STAND WITH FRC

The bill's exception for pastor appears to be a defense for religious freedom when in reality it is the opposite. Religious freedom is not something just for churches or pastors, it is for every American. This law leaves everyday Bible-believing Christians like you wide open to legal attacks, marginalization, and persecution. And based on the trend we've seen since the Obergefell decision, we know that's exactly what will happen.

When I interviewed Pastor Gary Hamrick of Cornerstone Chapel on Washington Watch, he said, "as a believer, for [Youngkin] to put his signature to a law... that is a clear violation of the higher moral standard of God's law..."

"[As a professing Christian,] we thought that he was going to govern in a way that was consistent with our biblical values. And on this one, in my opinion... he got this one wrong," Hamrick continued.

Compare Gov. Youngkin's willingness to sign this unbiblical legislation with that of Lt. Governor Winsome Sears, who rather than signing the legislation, wrote on it saying that she could not sign it in good conscience because it violates her moral code as a believer.

This is the kind of conviction all believers should have. Whether we are parents at home raising our kids according to biblical values or politicians in public office advancing God-honoring policies, we must stand unapologetically for what the Bible teaches.

While we must remain engaged into the political process, this is another reminder that our ultimate hope does not and cannot be in political parties or elected officials. As Christians, our hope must be in Christ alone.

As we prepare to celebrate Resurrection Sunday this week, we are reminded of the good news: that Jesus conquered sin through His death and resurrection and will eventually come again to reign.

This week only, we want to give you our new digital chronological Easter story for your gift of any size. We know that this will be a valuable resource for you and your family as you meditate on what Christ accomplished for us through His work on the cross.

PARTNER WITH FRC

Our hope is in heaven, but that does not mean we should sit idly by until Jesus returns. FRC is committed to championing faith, family, and freedom in public policy and the culture from a biblical worldview. But how can we prevent what just happened in Virginia from happening again?

We must make sure that Christians are firmly rooted in God's Word!

That's why Family Research Council has our Stand on the Word Bible reading plan -- to make sure that believers -- including those in politics -- know what the Bible says and can rightfully apply it to the world around us.

If we hope to counter the cultural forces that are seeking to redefine everything, telling us that up is down and wrong is right, we must stand firm on the enduring truths and solid foundation of Scripture.

FRC is uniquely positioned in Washington, DC to pray, encourage, and disciple Christian political leaders to vote and act according to God's Word.

History has shown that when faithful Christians stand side-by-side and work to implement change for the better, we can accomplish a great deal. By partnering with Family Research Council today, you can make a difference and protect biblical marriage.

Thank you for joining us in defending the faith in public policy.


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P.S. - Don't forget: this week only, we'll send you our new digital chronological Easter story for your gift of any size.
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